The Impact of Social Media on Plastic Surgery Practice in Morocco: Ethical, Sociocultural, and Clinical Implications

Abstract

Background: Social media platforms have profoundly transformed the dissemination of medical information, particularly in visually driven specialties such as plastic and aesthetic surgery. While these platforms provide new opportunities for patient education and professional visibility, they also raise ethical, psychological, and regulatory concerns. Objective: To assess the influence of social media on plastic surgery practice in Morocco, with a focus on patient perceptions, professional behaviors, ethical challenges, and regulatory gaps. Methods: A cross-sectional, mixed-methods study was conducted in Morocco, combining a narrative literature review with field surveys targeting patients, social media users, and plastic surgeons. Structured questionnaires were used to assess patterns of social media exposure, motivations for seeking aesthetic procedures, perceptions of online medical information, and surgeons’ professional practices. Data were analyzed descriptively. Results: Social media emerged as a major source of information influencing patients’ decisions to seek plastic surgery, particularly among young adults and women. Image-based content, including before-and-after photographs and influencer testimonials, strongly shaped aesthetic expectations. Both patients and surgeons expressed concerns regarding misinformation, unrealistic expectations, and the trivialization of surgical risks. Surgeons reported heterogeneous online practices, reflecting the absence of clear national guidelines governing digital medical communication. Conclusion: Social media plays a pivotal role in shaping plastic surgery practice in Morocco, acting as both an opportunity and a source of ethical and clinical challenges. The development of a structured ethical and regulatory framework adapted to the Moroccan context is essential to protect patients, preserve professional integrity, and promote responsible digital engagement.