SciELO - Scientific Electronic Library Online

 
vol.56 issue4Chasing the ubiquitous RET proto-oncogene in South African MEN2 families - implications for the surgeon author indexsubject indexarticles search
Home Pagealphabetic serial listing  

Services on Demand

Article

Indicators

Related links

  • On index processCited by Google
  • On index processSimilars in Google

Share


South African Journal of Surgery

On-line version ISSN 2078-5151
Print version ISSN 0038-2361

Abstract

SOOKA, H; SOFIANOS, C  and  CHRISTOFIDES, EA. #PlasticSurgery: an overview of the internet presence and utilisation of social media platforms by South African plastic surgeons. S. Afr. j. surg. [online]. 2018, vol.56, n.4, pp.40-43. ISSN 2078-5151.  http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2078-5151/2018/v56n4a2616.

BACKGROUND: Information about plastic surgery procedures is becoming more easily accessible everyday as the influence of social media expands rapidly. Plastic surgeons may use these platforms to advertise their practices and facilitate patient education. This study aimed to investigate the online presence of South African plastic surgeons with regard to personal practice websites and social media profiles. METHODS: Plastic surgeons listed on the Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons of South Africa (APRASSA) website were searched for on the internet. Professional websites were examined for links to social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter). Personal profiles on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram were excluded. RESULTS: The total number of South African plastic surgeons listed on the APRASSA website totaled 148 at the time of collation. Three surgeons (2%) had direct links to their personal website on the APRASSA listing. Sixty-four plastic surgeons (42.7%) had websites directly related to their plastic surgery practice. Of those, only 15 provided links to any form of social media. Twelve surgeons had links to a Facebook page (18.75%) pertaining to their practice. Eleven had links to a Twitter profile (17.8%), and only one had links to an Instagram account (1.6%). CONCLUSION: The role of social media in the plastic surgery community appears to have significant implications for the future of the specialty. Adoption of these platforms is necessary to maintain interaction with patients and colleagues in the digital age.

Keywords : Plastic surgery; social media; Facebook; Instagram; Twitter.

        · text in English     · English ( pdf )

 

Creative Commons License All the contents of this journal, except where otherwise noted, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License