Social Media Influence on the Choice of Surgeon By Patients Seeking Rhinoplasty.

[OBJECTIVES] The study aimed to evaluate the influence of preoperative and postoperative photos of rhinoplasty surgeries published on social media platforms on potential rhinoplasty candidates.

[METHODS] This study analyzed the responses to 51 questions directed at individuals over 18 who had considered rhinoplasty. The first 6 questions of the questionnaire focused on demographic information, while the remaining 45 questions included 3 inquiries about each photograph. Their answers were used to evaluate the 15 before-and-after rhinoplasty photos shared on social media, with the permission of the patients represented in the questionnaire.

[RESULTS] In response to the question, "If you were considering rhinoplasty, how would you select a surgeon?," 71.8% (n=249) of respondents agreed: "I would research on the Internet." When analyzing the participants who searched online, it was found that 190 participants (76.6%) indicated they would review preoperative and postoperative photographs, recommendations, and critical comments shared by doctors online before deciding on a surgeon. Fifty-nine respondents (23.4%) reported that they would research on the Internet, but their eventual decision would not be solely based on this research.

[CONCLUSION] Our study revealed that after examining the photos on social media, when selecting a physician, people generally preferred the after pictures of rhinoplasty and were inclined to respond positively to the physician they deemed successful when considering rhinoplasty.