The Evolution of Patients’ and Surgeons’ Perspectives Towards the Role of the Internet and Social Media in Breast Augmentation Over 5 Years

Abstract

Abstract Background The influence of the internet and social media (SoMe) in the decision-making of patients is recognized. Plastic surgeons are aware of this trend but are entangled between ethics, professionalism, and business acumen. Objectives In this study, the authors presented the evolution of perspectives of patients and surgeons recruited through a private clinic over 5 years. Methods A questionnaire was administered to patients consulting for primary breast augmentation in 2014, 2017, and 2019. Plastic surgeons who worked at or visited the Akademikliniken in 2014, 2017, and 2019 completed a separate questionnaire. Results In total, 1646 patient responses were collected. Patients who started their information gathering with the internet increased from 68.0% to 72.9%, and 94.1% of patients looked for information about aesthetic surgery on the internet before their consultation. Patients who read about aesthetic surgery on SoMe increased 29.1%. Of 462 surgeons recruited, 62% opined that the majority of patients had gathered information online before consultation. Fewer surgeons in 2019 thought that the internet and SoMe led to better information (down from 61.7% to 35.2%). An increase from 38.3% to 65.3% of surgeons attributed it to unrealistic expectations. However, only 9.7% of surgeons would support removal of plastic surgery material from SoMe compared with 21.9% in 2014. Conclusions The increased utilization and influence of the internet and SoMe on patients and surgeons is rapid. Aesthetic plastic surgeons must equip themselves to cope with the risks and capitalize on the opportunity for patient engagement and public education.