Abstract
Background Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT) is a versatile large language model-based
generative artificial intelligence. It is proficient in a variety of tasks from drafting
emails to coding to composing music to passing medical licensing exams. While the
potential role of ChatGPT in plastic surgery is promising, evidence-based research
is needed to guide its implementation in practice.
Methods This review aims to summarize the literature surrounding ChatGPT's use in plastic
surgery.
Results A literature search revealed several applications for ChatGPT in the field of plastic
surgery, including the ability to create academic literature and to aid the production
of research. However, the ethical implications of using such chatbots in scientific
writing requires careful consideration. ChatGPT can also generate high-quality patient
discharge summaries and operation notes within seconds, freeing up busy junior doctors
to complete other tasks. However, currently clinical information must still be manually
inputted, and clinicians must consider data privacy implications. Its use in aiding
patient communication and education and training is also widely documented in the
literature. However, questions have been raised over the accuracy of answers generated
given that current versions of ChatGPT cannot access the most up-to-date sources.
Conclusions While one must be aware of its shortcomings, ChatGPT is a useful tool for plastic
surgeons to improve productivity for a range of tasks from manuscript preparation
to healthcare communication generation to drafting teaching sessions to studying and
learning. As access improves and technology becomes more refined, surely more uses
for ChatGPT in plastic surgery will become apparent.
Keywords
ChatGPT - artificial intelligence - large language models - Chatbot
