Factors Influencing the Decision to Undergo Rhinoplasty in Saudi Arabia: Results of a Cross-Sectional Survey

Background and objective Rhinoplasty is a popular cosmetic procedure and it is influenced by various social, psychological, and medical factors. Understanding these motivations can aid healthcare providers in offering comprehensive care. In this study, we aimed to investigate the factors influencing the decision to undergo rhinoplasty, as well as previous experience and the factors that led to the decision to undergo the procedure in Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted by using an online questionnaire distributed through healthcare networks and social media platforms in Saudi Arabia The study included 717 adult participants. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and motivations to undergo rhinoplasty were collected and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 27.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to identify significant associations. Results The largest proportion of participants were from the Central Region (235, 32.8%); most were aged 26-35 years (183, 25.5%) and female (401, 55.9%). Social media, especially influencers, played a significant role in the decision to undergo rhinoplasty, with 193 (26.9%) agreeing that social media celebrities influenced them. Bullying (195, 27.2%), aesthetic standards (158, 22.0%), and self-confidence (196, 27.3%) were also key factors that played a role.  Conclusions This study highlights that several factors, including social media, societal standards, and personal reasons like self-confidence and bullying, influence the decision to undergo rhinoplasty in Saudi Arabia. Regional and socioeconomic disparities further shape these decisions, with younger individuals and high-income groups showing a greater desire and propensity to undergo the procedure.