Abstract
Although the cancellation of elective procedures due to the COVID-19 outbreak has
been a vital precaution, it has resulted in the suspension of aesthetic procedures
and surgeries worldwide. Consequently, this postponement and other factors might have
a negative impact on patients planning to undergo aesthetic procedures. Understanding
the changes in patient motivation and perception in comparison to the prepandemic
period is imperative for proper adjustment of plastic surgery clinics.
A prospective questionnaire study was conducted on patients with cancelled aesthetic
surgeries or procedures to determine the effects that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
had on patient motivation regarding cosmetic surgery and procedures and to establish
a relationship between patient characteristics and the overall effect of pandemia
on the perception of cosmetic surgery.
Although most patients felt angry or frustrated due to the cancellation of their surgeries
or procedures, the majority accepted that it was a necessary precaution. Patients
with a history of previous minimally invasive procedures had a significantly higher
ratio of acceptance for cancellations, whereas single patients were more likely to
want to have their treatments done if the decision were left up to them. A subset
of patients considered undergoing additional cosmetic procedures in the setting of
self-isolation, and all patients stated that they would reschedule once the pandemia
was under control.
Patients with established motivation for plastic surgery and minimally invasive procedures
ultimately plan to resume their normal treatments alongside others after the pandemia
subsides. Plastic surgeons must actively communicate with their patient population
during this time to properly educate, embrace, and direct them under scientific guidelines.
Keywords aesthetic surgery - botox - COVID-19 - minimally invasive procedures - pandemia -
patient perception
