Background and purpose: The increasing growth of cosmetic surgeries, especially Botox has raised the need for further attention to this cosmetic treatment. The current study investigated the role of body image, social support and religious beliefs in predicting Botox cosmetic surgery in Kermanshah.

Materials and methods: This causal-comparative study was performed in two groups of Botox applicants (n=330) and those who were interested in having Botox cosmetic surgery (n=310) attending skin care and beauty clinics. They were selected by convenient sampling in Kermanshah, Iran, 2014. Data was collected using three questionnaires: the Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith (1997), the Zimet's Perceived Social Support (1998) and the Appearance Schemas Inventory developed by Cash (1990). Data analysis was done in SPSS V.19 applying discriminate analysis.

Results: Significant difference was found between the two groups in predictive variables (P<0.05). Among the predictive variables, the body schema of body appearance (SC 0.67), perceived support from significant others (SC 0.43), and perceived support from family (SC -0.34) were the main predicting factors for Botox cosmetic surgery.

Conclusion: According to this study, the body schema of body appearance, social support by significant others, and perceived support by family play significant roles in predicting cosmetic surgeries.