The Effect and Implication of Social Media Platforms on Plastic Cosmetic Surgery: A Cross-sectional Study in Saudi Arabia From 2021 to 2022

Abstract

Background Aesthetic procedures are considered one of the most commonly performed procedures in the medical field. Social media (SM) reflects the electronic platforms that deliver an enormous amount of information to different users and enable them to share their content and experience with others at the simple click of a button. In our modern era, SM platforms affect different angles of our lives, from a simple detail to a significant complex aspect. Objectives To evaluate the effect of different SM platforms on plastic cosmetic surgery in Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional study held in 2021 employing a random sampling technique with a sample size of 2248 participants (ages 12 to >50), including all plastic cosmetic interventions, excluding reconstructive and traumatic interventions. Results It was reported that 56.7% were not interested in doing surgical or non-surgical cosmetic interventions, while 43.3% were interested. For those influenced by SM platforms either interested or not interested in doing cosmetic interventions, Snapchat (Santa Monica, CA) was the most commonly influential SM. In addition, 35.9% answered that surgeons' advertisements affected their decision to seek plastic surgery consultations. Photograph editing applications made 46% of participants look better and more confident to post and share their pictures. Conclusions Our analysis showed that those influenced by SM platforms to seek cosmetic treatment were comparatively more interested in cosmetic treatment, with Snapchat being the most influential platform. Therefore, further studies to evaluate the impact of SM platforms among plastic surgeons are encouraged.

Experiences of Patients Living with Retrograde Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction

“…Social media plays a large role in dissemination of medical information and increasing population awareness while allowing for patients to share their experiences. However, monitoring the accuracy of information shared in online forums remains a significant challenge 25–30 . Unanimously, participants in this study first learned about RCPD online, via online social media platforms such as Reddit®, Facebook®, TikTok®, and YouTube®, which is consistent with other studies published 11 .…”

Influence of social media on intent to undergo cosmetic facial injections among Lebanese university students

“…9 Al Bahlal et al found that surgeons' advertisements affected the decision of 35.9% of their participants to seek cosmetic consultations. 32 Other than social media exposure or medical professionals and in uencers, having a family member or a friend who have undergone facial llers or Botox encouraged more individual into opting for such procedures (p value = 0), as they can be a source of information, vicarious experience as well as motivation. [33][34][35] Arab et al showed that having a family member or a friend who had undergone facial injections in uenced more individuals when exposed to cosmetic treatment ads on social media.…”

Retrograde Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction: A Review

“…While social media provides a novel opportunity for community and information sharing, challenges exist when sharing medical information online [43]. Monitoring the accuracy of information shared remains a significant hurdle that is yet to be solved [44][45][46][47][48][49]. The RCPD online community has a significant following, with the Reddit ® page 'r/noburp' reporting over 22,000 subscribers and close to 5000 new members in the last year alone [42].…”