Public Confidence for Undergoing Elective Plastic Surgery Procedures during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 vaccine rollout has since been followed by a gradual resumption of elective surgery. Many individuals remain cautious about visiting a hospital or clinic to undergo surgery. As plastic surgeons are starting to resume elective surgery at this time, it is important to understand the perspectives of potential patients and the concerns they may have.

A survey was distributed to participants in the United States through Amazon's Mechanical Turk (mTurk) during March of 2021. Participants were surveyed regarding their views on the severity of COVID-19, vaccination status, and how much COVID-19 has affected their interest in undergoing surgery.

Thirty-nine percent of respondents were either no longer willing or less willing to undergo elective plastic surgery. Seventy-three percent of respondents felt comfortable going to an office for a consultation. With regards to feeling comfortable visiting a hospital, 43.4% reported they would feel safe, 36% felt they would feel safe only if they could be discharged on the same day, and 30.6% reported not feeling safe. Fifty-two percent of respondents reported feeling comfortable undergoing surgery now or within the next year. Respondents who do not think COVID-19 is still a major health issue were more likely to still want plastic surgery.

The results of this study highlight that the majority of patients, regardless of vaccination status, currently feel comfortable undergoing elective plastic surgery, particularly in an office setting. Plastic surgeons may expect to see a return in demand for elective procedures in the coming months.