A critical analysis of perception of plastic surgery in Germany

Background and objectivesPlastic surgery includes abroad range of activities; however, there are no studies available in Germany which evaluated the specific role plastic surgeons play in providing patient care. The aim of the project was thus to analyze the public and professional perception of plastic surgery in Germany and to what degree the range of activities is appropriately represented.Material and methodsAn anonymous survey inquiring about demographic data and specific knowledge regarding plastic surgery procedures was conducted in various regions in German. Furthermore, factors that potentially influence the state of knowledge and personal perception were collated. The questionnaire was distributed among healthcare professionals and patients in plastic surgery. The statistical evaluation was performed using SPSS software.ResultsAtotal of 2100people participated in the nationwide survey. While classical aesthetic operations were mostly assigned to plastic surgery, there was no uniformity as to whether other indications, such as reconstructive interventions and hand surgery were assigned to this specialty or not. In this context various factors could be elucidated, such as the place of residence, education and age of the survey participants and the respective knowledge, which influence the perception.ConclusionPlastic surgery in Germany classically consists of the four pillars of general reconstruction, hand surgery, burn management and aesthetic procedures; however, the results of this survey revealed that plastic surgery in Germany is predominantly understood as burn management and aesthetic surgery. As amultidisciplinary specialty, plastic surgery could apparently benefit from amore positive lobby and from a better portrayal of its scope in the media and general public.