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Beauty Between Latitudes: A Cyber Exploration or Exploitation of Cosmetic Tourism?
Rafael Ramos Vecchio, MD; Alexa Mier, BS; Nicholas Sinclair, MD, Risal S. Djohan, MD
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
2025-01-10
Presenter: Rafael Ramos
Affidavit:
I certify this
Director Name: Raymond Isakov
Author Category: Resident Plastic Surgery
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: Aesthetics
Background: As social media revolutionizes the world, no market has been immune to the influence of digital advertising. Cosmetic surgery is no exception. Many cosmetic surgeons use social media to attract a larger clientele. This practice has been critical to the emergence of global cosmetic tourism, connecting patients with providers internationally. This study uses qualitative analysis to explore various aspects of Cosmetic Surgery Tourism (CST) in social media.
Methods: Data collection was performed across several social media platforms. Key words were used to identify relevant accounts belonging to cosmetic tourism practices. Data was extrapolated from various social media pages and their associated websites. Quantitative analysis was conducted using R Statistical Analysis.
Results: 20 social media accounts were included. Locations were distributed globally. Instagram was the most utilized platform. The most popular procedures were abdominoplasty and breast augmentation. Marketing material focused mainly on the quality of the surgeons or their qualifications. Many CST accounts listed packages that covered common expenses or fees. Few addressed post-operative follow up process or complications. Most of the accounts were verifiable through multiple sources such as websites, established facilities, and emails.
Conclusions: There is a complex interaction between social media and cosmetic tourism, where social platforms have an increasing role in decision making. This stresses the necessity of international regulatory methods to ensure patient safety and quality. The authors advocate for informed patient choices through diligent research and emphasizes the role of physicians in guiding patients and discussing risks and benefits of having cosmetic surgery abroad.
