THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON SEEKING FOR COSMETIC PROCEDURES Dr. Tariq Saeed Dr. Dana Saeed Dr. Esra AlDhaen

BACKGROUND The number of patients seeking cosmetic procedures has dramatically increased in the recent years specifically in the GCC countries, despite the popularity of non-surgical treatments patients are still seeking surgical approach to obtain the best outcome. A survey conducted by the American Academy of Facial and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFRS) featured by time found that in the USA there is a 31% increase in patients requesting surgery to look better. In the GCC region, the issue is becoming serious as some patients seek unqualified plastic surgeons or cosmetic clinics which causes real damages or unsatisfactory results to the patients.

PROBLEM STATEMENT Currently, high percentage of youth, teenagers are seeking cosmetic procedures (surgical and non-surgical) which may lead to a wrong practice, the growth rate of cosmetic procedures is increasing day by day and yet the relationship between social media and the growth rate of plastic and cosmetic surgeries is not identified specifically in the GCC region. There is a need to understand the relationship between the growth rate of cosmetic procedures and social media for the use of policy makers

THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The purpose of this study is to measure the extent of impact of social environment and media or patients seeking plastic surgery or cosmetic procedures. THE AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this study to provide a better understanding on the extent of influence of social environment and media on citizens towards seeking cosmetic procedures To provide policy makers with findings to protect citizens from the pressure of seeking cosmetic procedures

METHODOLOGY The data of this research is collected from a private plastic and dermatology hospital in Bahrain and two private hospitals in Kuwait and KSA, the data was segregated by gender. A mix method approach was conducted through a questionnaire filled by 116 citizens from Bahrain, Kuwait and KSA The data was further triangulated with interviews of individuals undergone cosmetic procedures or parents The social media selected were Instagram, YouTube, snapchat as identified by Forbes the most influential social media

FACT AND FIGURES BAHRAIN Female Male Total Year 2016 222 78 300 2015   Female Male Total Year 2016 222 78 300 2015 234 73 307 2014 224 71 295 2013 209 77 286 2012 189 266 2011 195 69 264 2010 102 25 127 2009 105 52 157

FACT AND FIGURES KUWAIT Female Male Total Year 2016 317 214 531 2015   Female Male Total Year 2016 317 214 531 2015 321 168 489 2014 285 147 432 2013 267 103 370 2012 290 70 360 2011 270 40 310 2010 264 25 289 2009 245 11 256

FACT AND FIGURES KSA Female Male Total Year 2016 590 40 630 2015 547 9   Female Male Total Year 2016 590 40 630 2015 547 9 556 2014 563 7 570 2013 522 10 532 2012 476 14 490 2011 503 510 2010 466 2009 397 13 410

Data Analysis Question % Yes % No Did You seek another cosmetic procedure after your first ? 77% 23% Did you read about the cosmetic procedure prior seeking a doctor ? 41% 59% Did the doctor provide you with details of the procedures including side effects 53% 47% Do you get influenced by Advertisements and Offers ? 81% 19% Do you get influenced by celebrities make over ? 42% 58%

Data Analysis – Relationship with Social Media Age Group % of Influence Insta % of Influence Snap % of influence Youtube 16-21 61% 25% 14% 21-26 71% 16% 13% 26-31 59% 27% 19% 31-36 73% 15% 12% 37-41 63% 11% 26% 41 + 65% 8% 28% Forbes, 2017, identified the most influential social media

LIMITATION OF THIS RESEARCH The data cannot be generalized across GCC due to lack of data from other countries at this stage. The percentage of social media influence need to be calculated by gender The relationship of other variables to be added such as cultural to be investigated

CONCLUSION FUTURE STUDIES Social media is influencing individuals towards putting extra pressure on individual to seek cosmetic procedures without thinking. Individuals are seeking unqualified doctors which is leading to life time damage FUTURE STUDIES Government/Policy makers for example ministry of health and licensing bodies should develop awareness sessions to be delivered at schools Develop strict procedures on advertisements to assure control on qualified doctors offering cosmetic services

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