Social media behavior in plastic surgery practice in Turkey

Background: It's a widely accepted fact that social media platforms have revolutionized the way human beings communicate. Nevertheless, there is little evidence describing how the plastic surgery community has adopted social media. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to identify through objective data the social media activity of the members of Turkish Society of Plastic Reconstructive and Esthetic Surgeons, their purpose and methods of use, and their opinion on the risks and violations in social media. Materials and Methods: An anonymous survey containing 26 questions on the use of social media was distributed to members of Turkish Society of Plastic Reconstructive and Esthetic Surgeons and prevalent patterns of social media implementation were elucidated. Results: 88.9% of respondents were social media users and 56.95% of the users were using social media both for personal and professional posts. Reasons for using social media included the beliefs that they can accurately inform their patients (55,89%), communicate effectively with the patients (48,48%), and that they can raise awareness among patients (47,47%). 28,96% reported that it is an effective tool in promoting and advertising their practice. Most respondents (54,70%) stated that social media had positive effects on their practice, whereas 44,95% percent reported that it had neither a positive nor a negative impact. Conclusions: This study depicts current patterns of social media use by plastic surgeons, including motivations driving its implementation and impressions on its impact. Many feel that social media are an effective marketing tool that generates increased exposure and referrals. A small number of surgeons have experienced negative repercussions from social media involvement. There is a definite oversight to ensure ethical use of social media platforms throughout the plastic surgery community. Continuing discussion regarding these matters should be ongoing as the experience with social media in plastic surgery evolves.