Our Summary

This study looked at how plastic surgery training programs in the United States are using Instagram. It found that 85.2% of these programs have Instagram accounts, a huge increase from 2018. The posts these accounts make are mostly about promoting the program or an individual, showing what life as a resident is like, promoting plastic surgery, and sharing educational content. The researchers believe that the benefits of using social media, like Instagram, are much larger than any potential negative effects, as long as good social media practices are followed.

FAQs

  1. What percentage of plastic surgery training programs in the United States are using Instagram?
  2. What kind of content do these plastic surgery training programs typically post on their Instagram accounts?
  3. What potential benefits and negatives effects are there for plastic surgery training programs using Instagram, according to this study?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient considering reconstructive surgery that it is important to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in the specific procedure they are considering. They may also advise the patient to carefully follow all pre and post-operative instructions to ensure the best possible outcome. Additionally, the doctor may recommend discussing realistic expectations and goals for the surgery during the consultation process.

Suitable For

Patients who may benefit from reconstructive surgery are typically those who have experienced trauma, injury, congenital deformities, or have undergone cancer treatment that has affected their physical appearance. Common patients recommended for reconstructive surgery include those with:

  1. Breast cancer survivors who have undergone mastectomy and wish to undergo breast reconstruction surgery.
  2. Individuals with facial deformities or injuries that affect their appearance and functionality.
  3. Patients with burn injuries who require skin grafts or tissue expansion procedures.
  4. Individuals with congenital abnormalities such as cleft lip and palate.
  5. Patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and have excess skin that needs to be removed through body contouring surgery.

Reconstructive surgery aims to restore function, improve aesthetics, and enhance quality of life for individuals who have physical abnormalities or injuries. It is important for patients to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine if they are suitable candidates for reconstructive surgery and to discuss their treatment options.

Timeline

Before reconstructive surgery:

  1. Initial consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss goals and expectations.
  2. Pre-operative appointments for medical evaluation and to discuss the surgical plan.
  3. Preparing mentally and physically for the surgery, including quitting smoking, adjusting medications, and following pre-operative instructions.
  4. Surgery day, where the patient undergoes the reconstructive procedure under anesthesia.

After reconstructive surgery:

  1. Recovery period, which can involve pain management, rest, and following post-operative care instructions.
  2. Follow-up appointments with the plastic surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns.
  3. Physical therapy or rehabilitation, if needed, to regain function and mobility.
  4. Long-term follow-up to monitor the results of the surgery and address any potential complications or revisions that may be necessary.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about reconstructive surgery may include:

  1. What specific training and experience do you have in performing reconstructive surgery?
  2. Can you show me before and after photos of patients who have undergone similar reconstructive procedures?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the reconstructive surgery I am considering?
  4. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care for this reconstructive procedure?
  5. How long will the results of the reconstructive surgery last?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that may be better suited to my specific needs?
  7. What is the total cost of the reconstructive surgery, including any additional fees or expenses?
  8. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure and who will be administering it?
  9. How many follow-up appointments will be necessary after the reconstructive surgery?
  10. What can I do to optimize the results and ensure a successful outcome of the reconstructive surgery?

Reference

Authors: Chartier C, Chandawarkar AA, Gould DJ, Stevens WG. Journal: Aesthet Surg J. 2021 Feb 12;41(3):372-379. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjaa172. PMID: 32564075