Our Summary
This study looks at how surveys used in plastic surgery research might be biased. The team looked at surveys from 1997 to 2017 and found that about a quarter of the questions in each survey were biased. The most common issues were forcing people to choose an answer, answers arranged horizontally, and questions that asked about two things at once. The study found that while these biases weren’t huge, they could still affect the results. The researchers suggest that these surveys could be improved by changing how questions and answers are formatted. They also suggest that researchers should have to submit the full survey when publishing their work to make sure everything is transparent.
FAQs
- What were the most common issues found in the surveys used in plastic surgery research?
- How could these biases in surveys used in plastic surgery research potentially affect the results?
- What suggestions were made by the researchers to improve these surveys in plastic surgery research?
Doctor’s Tip
A doctor might tell a patient considering reconstructive surgery to carefully research and choose a qualified and experienced surgeon who specializes in the specific type of reconstruction needed. It is also important for the patient to have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery and to follow all post-operative care instructions to ensure proper healing and optimal results. Additionally, the doctor may advise the patient to openly communicate any concerns or questions they may have throughout the process.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended reconstructive surgery include those who have experienced trauma, such as burns, injuries, or deformities, as well as individuals with congenital anomalies or medical conditions that affect their physical appearance or function. Reconstructive surgery is often recommended to improve a patient’s quality of life, restore function, and enhance their overall well-being.
Timeline
Before reconstructive surgery, a patient typically goes through the following timeline:
- Consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss goals, expectations, and potential options for surgery.
- Pre-operative appointments to discuss medical history, assess eligibility for surgery, and go over pre-operative instructions.
- Surgery day, where the patient undergoes the procedure under anesthesia.
- Recovery period, which can vary depending on the type of surgery and individual healing process.
After reconstructive surgery, the timeline typically includes:
- Post-operative care and follow-up appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns.
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation if necessary to aid in recovery and restore function.
- Long-term follow-up to assess the effectiveness of the surgery and address any long-term issues that may arise.
- Potential additional surgeries or procedures to further improve results or address complications.
What to Ask Your Doctor
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with the reconstructive surgery?
- What is the success rate of this specific type of reconstructive surgery?
- How long is the recovery period and what can I expect during that time?
- Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition?
- How many times have you performed this specific type of reconstructive surgery?
- Can you provide before and after photos of previous patients who have undergone similar reconstructive surgery?
- What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and who will be administering it?
- Will I have any visible scarring after the surgery and if so, how can it be minimized?
- What will be required of me in terms of follow-up care and appointments after the surgery?
- Are there any lifestyle changes or restrictions I will need to adhere to post-surgery for optimal results?
Reference
Authors: Chung WHJ, Gudal RA, Nasser JS, Chung KC. Journal: Plast Reconstr Surg. 2019 Nov;144(5):912e-922e. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000006101. PMID: 31397785