The Impact of COVID-19 on Patient Interest in Facial Plastic Surgery

Abstract

Background:The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to an unforeseen surge in demand for facial plastic surgery (FPS). The objective of this study was to survey patients who pursued cosmetic FPS during COVID-19 to better understand how changes in lifestyle, digital media usage, and their facial self-image influenced their decision to pursue surgery. Methods: A web-based survey was sent to 150 patients who had undergone FPS at an outpatient clinic between May 1 and July 30, 2020. Questions included changes in patients' lifestyle habits, use of video conferencing and social media, Likert scale ratings of motivational factors to pursue FPS, and changes in perception of their own facial aesthetics during COVID-19. Results: The survey response rate was 41%. Overall increases in video conferencing for social (79% of respondents) and occupational (73%) purposes, and social media usage (82%) were noted. The most commonly cited motivating factors to pursue FPS during COVID-19 were having ample privacy from family, friends, and co-workers (77%) and not requiring extended leave of absence from work (69%) during the postoperative recovery period. Patients were more aware of their nose than any other facial feature during COVID-19 compared to prior. Conclusions: The popularity of FPS during COVID-19 can be partially attributed to increased usage of video conferencing and social media, digital applications which often accentuate personal and idealized facial aesthetics. As surgeons adjust to increased demand for FPS, a better understanding of patient perspectives and motivations can help optimize doctor-patient relations and the delivery of care.

Assessing the Impact of COVID-19 on Facial Aesthetic Surgery Search Interest

“…In March 2020, the majority of North American medical regulatory agencies and organizations, such as the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, advised that all nonessential and elective services at health care facilities should halt. [16][17][18][19] Although restrictions surrounding electric treatment and surgery began to be lifted, a rise in aesthetic surgery was observed. 16 There is evidence that this surge in cosmetic interest was associated with increased social media use and video conferencing.…”

“…[16][17][18][19] Although restrictions surrounding electric treatment and surgery began to be lifted, a rise in aesthetic surgery was observed. 16 There is evidence that this surge in cosmetic interest was associated with increased social media use and video conferencing. According to surveyed dermatologists, neuromodulating agents, filler injections, and laser treatments were the most highly requested cosmetic procedures in their office; furthermore, their patients were the most concerned with imperfections in the neck up, primary the forehead, eyes, neck, and hair.…”

“…21 Rises in social media engagement, as observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, are associated with more body and facial dissatisfaction, along with depression. 16 A cross-sectional survey-based study demonstrated that viewing cosmetic surgery-related content on social media, spending longer hours on these platforms, and possessing negative self-images are associated with an increased likelihood of undergoing future cosmetic procedures. 22 Social media content has a heavy celebrity presence, and more than a quarter of respondents stated that they always compare their appearance with these celebrities and subsequently feel unattractive.…”

“…Because of the marked transition from in-person education and work to virtual, on-camera time increased during the pandemic. 16,21 Stay-at-home orders forced approximately half of those in the United States to work remotely, drastically increasing utilization of video conferencing or video chatting services, such as Zoom, FaceTime, and Skype. 23 The front-facing camera has been shown to highlight unflattering angles, and individuals have become more hyperaware of their facial and body movements while interacting with others.…”

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Tertiarycare University Dermatology Outpatient Clinic and Dermatology Procedures

“…35 A similar situation was observed with the demand for facial plastic surgery procedures. 36 There are some limitations to the study. First, since the data was collected from a single tertiary center, it may lack generalizability on the national scale or in other settings such as primary or secondary care.…”