Our Summary

This research paper is about the quality of YouTube videos related to popular cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. The researchers looked at the most searched terms for these procedures, such as “tummy tuck” and “boob job,” and evaluated the top 10 videos that came up, by relevance and view count. They rated the videos based on criteria called DISCERN, which measures bias and overall quality. A low score means high bias and low quality, while a high score means low bias and high quality.

They found 143 unique videos, which had a total of over 667 million views and were on average about 4 years old. The videos scored an average of 2.29 for bias and 2.44 for overall quality, which suggests they have a high bias and low quality. Videos that included certified plastic surgeons from the US were of higher quality and showed less bias than those without these professionals.

The study concludes that YouTube videos on cosmetic plastic surgery often show high bias and low quality. Therefore, plastic surgeons should advise their patients about this bias. They also suggest that plastic surgeons and relevant professional organizations should upload high-quality, unbiased videos to provide patients with better resources.

FAQs

  1. What is the DISCERN criteria used in evaluating the YouTube videos about cosmetic plastic surgery?
  2. What was the average quality and bias score of the YouTube videos related to cosmetic plastic surgery?
  3. What is the recommendation for plastic surgeons and professional organizations based on the findings of this study?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about a tummy tuck is to thoroughly research the procedure and the surgeon performing it. This includes watching high-quality, unbiased videos from certified plastic surgeons to get a better understanding of what to expect before and after the surgery. It’s important to be well-informed and ask any questions or concerns you may have during the consultation with the surgeon.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a tummy tuck procedure are those who have excess skin and fat in the abdominal area that has not responded to diet and exercise. This can be a result of pregnancy, significant weight loss, or the natural aging process. Candidates for a tummy tuck should be in good overall health, at a stable weight, and have realistic expectations for the outcome of the surgery. It is important for patients to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine if they are a good candidate for a tummy tuck and to discuss their goals and concerns.

Timeline

Before a tummy tuck procedure, a patient may experience dissatisfaction with their appearance due to excess skin and fat in the abdominal area. They may research different cosmetic surgery procedures online, including watching YouTube videos to learn more about the tummy tuck process. After consulting with a plastic surgeon and deciding to undergo the procedure, the patient will need to prepare by following pre-operative instructions, such as quitting smoking and avoiding certain medications.

After the tummy tuck procedure, which typically takes 2-3 hours under general anesthesia, the patient will experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the abdominal area. They will need to follow post-operative instructions, such as wearing compression garments and avoiding strenuous activities. Over the next few weeks, the patient will see gradual improvements in their abdominal contour as the swelling subsides. They will need to attend follow-up appointments with their plastic surgeon to monitor their progress and ensure proper healing.

Overall, the tummy tuck procedure can provide patients with a more toned and contoured abdomen, boosting their self-confidence and satisfaction with their appearance. It is important for patients to have realistic expectations and to be aware of the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the risks and potential complications associated with a tummy tuck procedure?
  2. What is the recovery process like after a tummy tuck surgery, and how long does it typically take?
  3. Can you show me before and after photos of previous tummy tuck patients you have treated?
  4. What type of anesthesia will be used during the tummy tuck procedure, and what are the potential side effects?
  5. How much experience do you have performing tummy tuck surgeries, and what is your success rate?
  6. What are the alternative options to a tummy tuck that I should consider?
  7. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes before or after the tummy tuck surgery to ensure optimal results?
  8. How long do the results of a tummy tuck typically last, and are there any long-term considerations I should be aware of?
  9. What kind of scarring can I expect after a tummy tuck, and are there any ways to minimize or treat the scars?
  10. Are there any specific post-operative instructions or precautions I should follow after a tummy tuck surgery to ensure a smooth recovery process?

Reference

Authors: Ward B, Ayyala HS, Zhang K, Manuskhani PA, Paskhover B, Lee ES. Journal: Aesthet Surg J. 2020 Apr 14;40(5):NP314-NP319. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjz268. PMID: 31600380