The digital doctor: telemedicine in facial plastic surgery

Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2021 Aug 1;29(4):271-276. doi: 10.1097/MOO.0000000000000722.

Abstract

Purpose of review: In the setting of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the demand for and use of telemedicine has surged in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. This review aims to objectively review and summarize the existing evidence for the use of telemedicine within facial plastic surgery.

Recent findings: Telemedicine has been successfully implemented among subsets of facial plastic surgery patients, with high patient and provider satisfaction. Although the technology to facilitate telemedicine exists and preliminary studies demonstrate promise, multiple technological, financial, and medical barriers may persist in the postpandemic era.

Summary: Telemedicine will likely continue to grow and expand within facial plastic surgery moving forward, and we should continue to critically evaluate patient selection, access to care, and strategies for effective implementation to enhance current clinical practices.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19
  • Face / surgery*
  • Facial Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Facial Injuries / surgery
  • Facial Paralysis / classification
  • Facial Paralysis / diagnosis
  • Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
  • Humans
  • Patient Participation
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures*
  • Surgery, Plastic / education
  • Telemedicine*
  • Teleradiology
  • United States
  • Videoconferencing