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. 2021 Sep;74(9):2311-2318.
doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2021.05.020. Epub 2021 Jun 6.

Impact of COVID-19 on Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Practice in the United Kingdom

Nikita Joji  1 , Nora Nugent  2 , Shailesh Vadodaria  3 , Thangasamy K Sankar  4
Affiliations

Impact of COVID-19 on Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Practice in the United Kingdom

Nikita Joji et al. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2021 Sep.

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the delivery of medical and surgical services globally. Subsequently, all elective and aesthetic procedures have been cancelled or deferred in accordance with government-mandated quarantine measures. The Cosmetic Surgery Governance Forum (CSGF) is a network of aesthetic plastic surgery consultants which has enabled a sharing of expertise during challenging times. We conducted a cross-sectional survey to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on aesthetic plastic surgeons and their practice in the UK.

Methods: On 15 June 2020, 131 respondents from the CSGF and wider aesthetic plastic surgeons in the UK were invited to respond to an online survey. An anonymised questionnaire was created using SmartSurveyTM and distributed at the end of the quarantine period. Questions regarding their current scope of practice, willingness to recommence face-to-face consultations, financial loss and psychological impact were asked.

Results: A total of 101 Consultant Plastic surgeons (76%) completed the questionnaire. If strict protocols and adequate personal protective equipment were available, 50-55% of respondents would consider offering non-surgical treatments as soon as the private clinic was open. Furthermore, 51% would consider procedures under general anaesthetic, whilst 89% of respondents would offer local anaesthetic only in the initial phase. Moreover, 66% reported experiencing a psychological impact and 100% of respondents reported a significant financial impact.

Conclusions: This survey aims to give an account of the current state (May-July 2020) of aesthetic plastic surgery in the UK. There is ongoing uncertainty and deliberation regarding the timing and organisational changes required for aesthetic practice to restart.

Keywords: Aesthetic Plastics surgery; Cosmetic Surgery Governance forum; Cosmetic surgery and Covid; Covid19; Plastic surgeons and Covid 19; Restart of aesthetic surgery; United Kingdome Aesthetic plasticsurgery.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Restart of Consultations.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Survey responses to “When would you offer cosmetic surgical procedures under LA only, LA & Sedation or GA?”
Figure 3
Figure 3
Restart information sharing.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Psychological Impact.
Figure 5
Figure 5
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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