Riyadh hosts the fifth Scientific Academy of Aesthetic Medicine conference, SAAM 2026, from 5 to 7 November, with speakers from 18 countries, 72 lectures and 35 hands-on workshops. Conference president Dr Mohammed Saleh Al-Khowailed says the programme is aimed at dermatologists, plastic surgeons and health practitioners in the field, and patient safety is among its stated themes.
For anyone booking a filler or Botox appointment, the practical reference is the guidance the Ministry of Health issued with its inspection campaign on dermatology and cosmetic clinics in March 2026:
- Do not start any procedure until you have a written consent form that explains the medical details, and keep a copy.
- Ask about the initial costs of any non-emergency service before it begins.
- Have filler, Botox and cosmetic thread procedures done under the supervision of a specialist consultant.
- Ask for a sealed data card listing the materials used.
- Check the doctor's licence and academic degree.
- Report any violation through the 937 call centre.
The same care applies to products at home. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority advises against using any cosmetic whose label lacks its ingredients, and says to throw a product away if its colour or smell changes. If a rash, redness or burn appears, stop using it, see a doctor or pharmacist, and report the problem on the authority's website or on 1999.
