Introduction:
Rhinoplasty is one of the most frequently performed procedures, and such treatments are becoming more common. Social media platforms are crucial in the promotion of cosmetic surgery. Hence, this study aimed to assess social media use and influence on the decision to undergo rhinoplasty among Saudi patients.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted by distributing a self-administered, online questionnaire among Saudi patients who had previously undergone rhinoplasty in a private practice in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Results:
A total of 205 participants were included, with the majority aged 26–35 years (54.1%). Most of them were female (91.2%). The most used social media platform was Snapchat (73.7%). The most reported factors that influenced the participants’ decision to undergo rhinoplasty included before and after pictures on social media platforms (76.1%). Women were more frequently influenced by the before and after photographs on social media platforms (
P
= 0.001). More than half of respondents (52.7%) declared that their decisions were influenced by advertisements on social media platforms.
Conclusions:
The use of social media influenced patients’ decisions to undergo rhinoplasty, with Snapchat being the most used. The authenticity of the information offered on social media profiles maintained by doctors and nonphysicians is critical in deciding whether or not to undergo rhinoplasty.
Background:
Today, social media platforms are more popular than ever in Saudi Arabia. Despite the influence of social media on patients’ decisions to undergo cosmetic surgery, it is still unclear how social media platforms affect the private practice of plastic surgeons around Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to assess Saudi plastic surgeons’ use of social media and its impact on their practices.
Methods:
The study was based on a self-administered questionnaire that was built on previous literature and distributed to practicing Saudi plastic surgeons. A survey consisting of 12 items was conducted to assess patterns of social media use and its impact on plastic surgery practice.
Results:
This study included 61 participants. Thirty-four surgeons (55.7%) were using social media platforms in their practice. The use of social media was significantly different among surgeons with different levels of practice in cosmetic surgery (P = 0.004) and reconstructive surgery (P = 0.049). Social media presence was significantly more prevalent among surgeons in private practice (70.6%, P = 0.034). The use of social media in plastic surgery is overall positive for the field (60.7%).
Conclusions:
Despite plastic surgeons’ differing views on social media, its role within the field of plastic surgery is evidently on the rise. The use of social media is not equal across all practice types. Surgeons practicing in private hospitals and specializing in aesthetic surgery are more likely to view social media favorably and use it in their practice.
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