The impact of social media accounts on periocular cosmetic surgeries

PURPOSE: The study aims to assess the impact of social media on patients who underwent periocular cosmetic surgeries during 2019 and to determine the appropriate platforms to enrich the knowledge and awareness of the general Saudi population regarding periocular cosmetic surgeries. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Ibn Rushd Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Three hundred and ninety-five participants with periocular cosmetic surgeries in 2019 were recruited for the study. The questionnaire included 43 questions distributed under four domains: demographics, personal and family history of periocular eye surgeries, influence of social media on cosmetic eye procedures, and psychological effects of social media. RESULTS: Periocular cosmetic surgeries were more common among women, with eyelid surgery being the most popular type. About 48.9% of the participants knew their oculoplastic surgeons from social media platforms, and over 57% who used accounts on social media were interested in cosmetology managed by nonphysicians. The majority of the participants (64.1%) chose Instagram as a social media platform to find an oculoplastic surgeon. Consequently, 91.6% stated that seeing before and after photos on social media platforms affected their decision in selecting their oculoplastic surgeon. Besides, 82.8% revealed that visiting surgeons’ clinic came as a step next to their search for their accounts on social media. CONCLUSION: The majority of the participants were, somewhat or another, affected by social media and this is due to people's belief regarding social media as a beneficial source of medical information that can provide reviews and expert opinion. The accuracy of the information presented in social media accounts managed by both physicians and nonphysicians is essential in making the appropriate decision for undergoing this kind of surgeries or not.