The perception of plastic surgery in society is limited and underestimates the versatility
of the specialty. A survey was conducted in order to assess knowledge and to provide
some initial evidence for education about the scope of plastic surgery amongst the
public, medical and nursing students and general practitioners. A questionnaire was
devised and four population groups of respondents were surveyed at random in one district.
The results reveal that the majority of the public needs more information about the
benefits that our specialty can offer them. Plastic surgeons are mainly associated
with burns and cosmetic surgery and they are not necessarily identified as primary
surgeons for procedures fundamental to our specialty. If patients are to receive the
best treatment available, it is essential that we educate the public about our clinical
interests and activities.
KEY WORDS
Perception - plastic surgery - image - society
