ReviewIranian journal of medical sciences2026
Cosmetic Surgery in the Gulf Cooperation Council: Societal Shifts, Psychological Implications, and Policy Challenges: A Narrative Review.
Review in Iranian journal of medical sciences, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
11 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
The impact of globalization, along with the change in societal values and economic growth, has contributed to the growing popularity of cosmetic procedures across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. This study explores the prevalence of cosmetic procedures and their correlation with body image perception in this region. Utilizing a comprehensive literature review of research published preferably between 2011 and 2024, this study explores the trends of surgical and non-surgical procedures, the demographics of the users, as well as the determinants of the decision to undergo the procedure in the region. Key determinants include social media popularity, an increased level of awareness towards aesthetic options, and cultural shifts. There is a growing trend of increasing acceptance of rhinoplasty, liposuction, and Botox procedures among women and men aged 20-40. The motivations behind these choices include societal trends, professional image, and self-esteem. However, disparities in access, cultural sensitivities, and ethical concerns persist, especially when balancing traditional values with modern beauty standards. The implications of cosmetic surgery go beyond aesthetics, encompassing physical health risks, psychological outcomes, and ethical dilemmas. Much attention has focused on strengthening robust regulatory frameworks, ethical practices, and patient education to ensure patients are safe and well-informed before making a decision. Moreover, the literature remains sparse on several fronts, including male underrepresentation, long-term psychosocial outcomes, and the influence of cultural and religious norms. Further investigation into these issues will broaden understanding and inform policy formulation in the rapidly evolving field of cosmetic surgery in GCC countries.
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.