Social Media Use and Impact on Plastic Surgery Practice

Abstract

This study depicts current patterns of social media use by plastic surgeons, including motivations driving its implementation and impressions on its impact. Many feel that social media are an effective marketing tool that generates increased exposure and referrals. A small number of surgeons have experienced negative repercussions from social media involvement. Our study reveals the presence of a void. There is a definite interest among those surveyed in developing best practice standards and oversight to ensure ethical use of social media platforms throughout the plastic surgery community. Continuing discussion regarding these matters should be ongoing as our experience with social media in plastic surgery evolves.

Worth the “Likes”? The Use of Facebook among Plastic Surgeons and Its Perceived Impact

“…This response rate is comparable to that of recent plastic surgery surveys regarding social media. [6][7][8] Of these 123 surveys, group 1 (Facebook users) completed 56 and group 2 (Facebook nonusers) completed 67, resulting in response rates of 11.2 percent and 13.4 percent, respectively (p > 0.05). Survey completion was defined as answering the mandatory questions (demographics, Facebook impact) at a minimum.…”

“…[9][10][11][12] However, few studies have elucidated the impact of social media on the individual practitioner. 6,7 In 2011, Wheeler et al found that 28 percent of board-certified plastic surgeons used social media for their practice. 6 More recently, Vardanian et al demonstrated that Facebook is the leading online networking platform used by plastic surgeons.…”

“…6 More recently, Vardanian et al demonstrated that Facebook is the leading online networking platform used by plastic surgeons. 6,7 Wong and Gupta examined social media platforms and prevalence across seven major U.S. cities. The rate of plastic surgeons using Facebook was 50 percent in Miami, 39 percent in New York City, 35 percent in Beverly Hills, 35 percent in Houston, and 21 percent in Las Vegas.…”

“…6 Recent studies by plastic surgeons have begun to examine the impact of incorporating these technologies into their practices with regard to patient care, education, and outcomes. [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] The American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery have already incorporated these online services into their Web sites.…”

“…7 Of these, the majority were Facebook users, making Facebook the leading online media platform used by American Society of Plastic Surgeons members, far surpassing the use of the next two most popular networks, LinkedIn and Twitter. However, few studies have collected objective data on social media and its direct effect on plastic surgery practices.…”