Our Summary

This study was carried out to understand how well general doctors (GPs) in Kupang City, Indonesia understand the role of plastic surgeons. It’s not uncommon for people, including GPs, to misunderstand what plastic surgery involves. Unlike other medical specialties, which focus on specific organs or diseases, plastic surgery is adaptable and can be used in a wide range of cases.

To gather data, the researchers asked GPs to fill out a survey. In this survey, they had to match certain medical cases to the type of surgeon they thought would be best suited to handle it. In total, 83 GPs took part in the survey, most of whom were women and worked in hospitals.

The results showed that GPs often associate plastic surgeons with cosmetic procedures. When it came to cases involving reconstructive surgery, like hand or face and jaw cases, GPs were more likely to think of non-plastic surgeons. This suggests that there’s a need to better educate medical students about the full range of procedures that plastic surgeons can handle. This way, GPs can make more accurate referrals in the future.

FAQs

  1. What was the purpose of the study carried out in Kupang City, Indonesia?
  2. What misconception do general doctors often have about the role of plastic surgeons?
  3. What does the study suggest for the better understanding of the role of plastic surgeons among general doctors?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about reconstructive surgery is to have realistic expectations and to understand that the results may take time to fully manifest. It’s important to follow post-operative care instructions closely to ensure proper healing and optimal results. Additionally, it’s important to communicate openly with your plastic surgeon about any concerns or questions you may have before and after the procedure.

Suitable For

Patients who may benefit from reconstructive surgery include those with congenital abnormalities, traumatic injuries, burns, cancer removal, and other medical conditions that affect their appearance or function. These patients may have physical or psychological issues that can be improved through reconstructive surgery.

Timeline

Before reconstructive surgery:

  1. Patient experiences a medical issue or injury that requires reconstructive surgery.
  2. Patient consults with their primary care physician or specialist to discuss treatment options.
  3. Physician refers the patient to a plastic surgeon for evaluation and discussion of potential reconstructive surgery.
  4. Plastic surgeon assesses the patient’s condition, discusses treatment goals, and develops a personalized surgical plan.
  5. Patient undergoes pre-operative consultations, tests, and preparations for the surgery.

After reconstructive surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the reconstructive surgery procedure as planned by the plastic surgeon.
  2. Patient is monitored closely by medical staff post-surgery for any complications or concerns.
  3. Patient follows post-operative care instructions provided by the plastic surgeon to aid in the healing process.
  4. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the plastic surgeon to monitor progress, address any issues, and remove sutures or dressings.
  5. Patient undergoes physical therapy or rehabilitation if necessary to regain function or mobility in the affected area.
  6. Patient achieves desired outcomes from the reconstructive surgery, leading to improved quality of life and self-esteem.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What specific procedure do you recommend for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process expected to be, and what can I expect during this time?
  4. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition?
  5. What are the long-term results and outcomes of this surgery?
  6. How experienced are you in performing this type of reconstructive surgery?
  7. Will I need follow-up appointments or additional procedures after the initial surgery?
  8. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery, and are there any risks associated with it?
  9. How much will the surgery cost, and will it be covered by insurance?
  10. Can you provide me with before and after photos of patients who have undergone similar reconstructive surgery procedures?

Reference

Authors: Aditya T, Tengkawan J, Conyard C, Kreshanti P. Journal: J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2023 Jul;82:159-162. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2023.04.043. Epub 2023 Apr 18. PMID: 37167717