An Analysis of Plastic Surgeons' Social Media Use and Perceptions

Social media have become ubiquitous in society with an increasing number of active daily users across multiple platforms. Social media use has grown within the field of plastic surgery; many surgeons have created a professional account to gain exposure.

This study investigates the patterns of use and perceptions of social media in plastic surgery.

A 16-item questionnaire was sent electronically to board-certified plastic surgeons to investigate professional social media use and perceptions. A literature review of all studies pertaining to social media and plastic surgery was also undertaken.

An online survey was sent to 6136 ASPS members with 454 responses (7.4%). Of the respondents, 61.9% reported having an active professional social media account. Respondents whose practice primarily consisted of aesthetic/cosmetic surgery were the most likely to have an active professional social media account (79.4%). Nonacademic surgeons were most likely to maintain an active professional social media account (71.9%) compared with university-affiliated community surgeons (41.4%) and academic surgeons (29.5%). Nonacademic surgeons were more likely to believe social media is positive for the field (48.9%) compared with the other 2 cohorts (27.6% and 35.1%, respectively). Academic surgeons are more likely to believe social media worsens the image of the field (49.3%) vs the other cohorts (35.4% and 37.2%).

Professional social media use is rising within plastic surgery. However, a dichotomy exists in acceptance. Private practice, younger surgeons are more likely to view social media as an acceptable method of reaching patients.