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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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%

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. THANK YOU