Professional Social Media in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: Usage, Resources, and Barriers

Abstract

Background: Social media is an important tool for networking, recruitment, and promoting clinical practice. No study has specifically assessed which FPRS practitioners have professional social media accounts, how they utilize them, and what barriers or resources exist to their use. Objectives: This study aims to examine differences in social media use based on provider demographics and practice setting, and identify resources and barriers to professional social media use. Methods: This cross-sectional analysis was an anonymous survey sent to AAFPRS members. Data collected included demographics, practice setting, resources, and barriers encountered to use of professional social media. Results: Most facial plastic surgeons (80%) use professional social media, notably Instagram and Facebook, and mostly post patient photos and stories (67.9%). Social media is more commonly utilized in private practice (56% vs 23%, P = .0016), where there are less institutional barriers (10% vs 40%, P = .02) and more resources available (82.5% vs 12.5%, P = .01). Conclusions: Social media is widely used in FPRS. Working in private practice is associated with increased availability of resources for support, and a reduction in institutional barriers to maintaining a social media presence. With this understanding, facial plastic surgeons can be better equipped for networking, marketing, and promoting the field of FPRS.