Analyzing the Quality of Aesthetic Surgery Procedure Videos on TikTok

Abstract

Background TikTok is one of the most popular and fastest growing social media apps in the world. Previous studies have analyzed the quality of patient education information on older video platforms, but the quality of plastic and cosmetic surgery videos on TikTok has not yet been determined. Objectives To analyze the source and quality of certain cosmetic procedure videos on TikTok. Methods The TikTok mobile application was queried for content related to two popular face procedures (rhinoplasty and blepharoplasty) and two body procedures (breast augmentation and abdominoplasty). Two independent reviewers analyzed video content according to the DISCERN scale, a validated, objective criteria that assesses the quality of information on a scale of 1-5. Quality scores were compared between videos produced by medical and nonmedical creators and between different content categories. Results There were 4.8 billion views and 76.2 million likes across included videos. Videos were created by MDs (56%) and laypersons (44%). Overall average DISCERN score out of 5 corresponded to very poor video quality for rhinoplasty (1.55), blepharoplasty (1.44), breast augmentation (1.25) and abdominoplasty (1.29). DISCERN scores were significantly higher among videos produced by MDs than by laypersons for all surgeries. Comedy videos consistently had the lowest average DISCERN scores, while educational videos had the highest. Conclusions It is increasingly important that medical professionals understand the possibility of patient misinformation in the age of social media. We encourage medical providers to be involved in creating quality information on TikTok and educate patients about misinformation to best support health literacy.

Characterizing the Content Related to Oral Health Education on TikTok

“…From our analysis of the dental hygiene products contained in TikTok, it appears that even professionals have difficulty distinguishing whether the information contained in the videos comes from reliable sources. To stay safe from false or harmful content, creators on TikTok should clearly indicate where their information comes from, and users should remain vigilant [ 76 ]. Likewise, oral health providers, educational institutions, scientific societies, dental associations should be involved in creating quality information on TikTok and educate patients about misinformation to best support health literacy [ 76 ].…”

“…To stay safe from false or harmful content, creators on TikTok should clearly indicate where their information comes from, and users should remain vigilant [ 76 ]. Likewise, oral health providers, educational institutions, scientific societies, dental associations should be involved in creating quality information on TikTok and educate patients about misinformation to best support health literacy [ 76 ]. The WHO, in a broader health framework, has thus asked for the collaboration of social networks to fight against misinformation.…”

Tonsillectomy and social media: An investigative analysis of educational tonsillectomy content on TikTok

“… 2 Since most of the viewership on TikTok videos is randomly selected rather than only followers/friends, like most other popular social media platforms, information can spread faster than ever before. 1 , 2 …”

“…Studies have already been conducted on this for topics, such as concussions, cosmetic procedures, and acne. 2 , 3 , 4 Given the popularity and rapid ability of TikTok to circulate information, we were interested in analyzing otolaryngology content. Prior studies have been conducted analyzing otolaryngology content on other social media platforms, such as Youtube and Twitter; however, our study is the first to explore and characterize otolaryngology content and specifically tonsillectomy content on TikTok.…”

“…2 Since most of the viewership on TikTok videos is randomly selected rather than only followers/friends, like most other popular social media platforms, information can spread faster than ever before. 1,2 For the medical community, this creates a platform for providers and patients to share information anywhere from patient experiences to medical conditions and their treatment. Studies have already been conducted on this for topics, such as concussions, cosmetic procedures, and acne.…”