Afghanistan has undergone many traumatic experiences, from the war with Russia in the 1980s, to the years of Taliban rule, not forgetting the turmoil since the Twin Towers bombing.

The people have also suffered health wise. In fact, it is now recognised that the health issues facing Afghan people are, for want of a better word, appalling. For instance, 4 out of 5 people have no access to a health professional.

However, in somewhat of a twist the major conurbations such as Kabul are seeing a rapid growth in cosmetic surgery.

This was recently discovered by the Australian news network ABC who published a report suggesting Afghanis were now getting a range of work carried out including nose jobs, breast enlargements and facelifts.

Speaking with reporters, one cosmetic surgeon working in Kabul, Dr Aminullah Hamkar, said a decade ago it was for repairing scars, but that this has changed to a desire to look better and beautiful.

This is perhaps understandable with what has happened in recent times, and which still continues today, but it may also indicate a greater confidence amongst people of how the country is developing.

While the Taliban is still a threat in many parts of Afghanistan, young people, in particular young women are feeling more confident about their future.

Getting cosmetic surgery is perhaps one way of demonstrating this.