Influential Factors for Selecting a Plastic Surgeon: A National Survey in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction: Knowing what attracts cosmetic patients to a specific surgeon can help current cosmetic surgeons and aspiring ones improve themselves and better market their practice. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the influential factors when selecting an aesthetic surgeon for a cosmetic procedure in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, nationwide study targeting the public from all regions of Saudi Arabia. The study was conducted between September 21 and October 29, 2021. The self-structured electronic survey was based on previously published studies and was revised by two academic plastic surgeons. Results: This study included a total of 7190 participants from all regions of Saudi Arabia. The most influential factor for choosing an aesthetic surgeon was the surgeon's qualifications (39.9%), followed by friends and relatives' advice (24%) and hospital/clinic environment (10.2%), while the number of social media followers was the least favorable factor (0.8%). Additionally, the most preferred aesthetic surgeon was a surgeon with international board certification (mean score, 4.17). Conclusions: This study showed that the most common factor for choosing an aesthetic surgeon was the surgeons' qualifications. Thus, Saudi aesthetic surgeons and aspiring Saudi aesthetic surgeons must focus on obtaining high qualifications to attract more patients. Furthermore, an internationally board-certified surgeon is the most preferred surgeon for Saudi Arabian patients; thus, traveling abroad to world-renowned institutions is recommended.