Social Media Impact on Aesthetic Procedures Among Females in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract Aesthetic procedures represent one of the most commonly performed procedures in the medical field. Such procedures have been growing in popularity. Social media is a term used to describe electronic platforms that promote the dissemination of information to targeted users. These platforms play a critical role in promoting aesthetic procedures. Objective The objective of this study was to assess the impact of social media on aesthetic procedures among the female population in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed. A validated online questionnaire, consisting of 26 questions, was distributed among females visiting the facial plastic clinic at King Abdulaziz Medical City, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Results Out of 1449 participants, 81% were aged between 25 and 34 years. The majority (78.8%) were aware of the complications that may follow aesthetic procedures. The decision to undergo such procedures was affected by the price in 77%. Overall, 97% thought that cosmetic specialized accounts on social media are helpful, yet 77.8% believed that such accounts do not provide sufficient information. The influence of social media upon participants was 68%; 31.9% claimed that social media had no influence. Instagram was the most influential application followed by Snapchat and then Twitter; 50% of the participants routinely apply Snapchat filters and 42% decided to undergo facial changes after applying Snapchat filters. Conclusion Social media is an important source of information with Instagram being the most influential platform. Facial filters have led to an increase in the number of aesthetic procedures carried out.