American Society of Plastic Surgeons Releases New Guidance for Resuming Elective Procedures Amid COVID-19

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American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Jun 01, 2020, 07:00 ET

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., June 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) – the world's largest plastic surgery organization – leads the specialty's medical professionals in navigating their practices' recovery plans. As plastic surgeons prepare to resume elective procedures, ASPS is providing its nearly 8,000 members essential tools and resources, including a comprehensive playbook with enhanced patient and staff safety protocols. The Society has also organized access to personal protective equipment to help advance smooth, safe returns.

ASPS Survey Finds Americans Have Positive Attitude Toward Plastic Surgery During COVID-19 Pandemic

ASPS recently gauged Americans' perceptions of plastic surgery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, analyzing responses from more than 1,000 consumers in a national survey fielded by market research firm Quester, providing insights into how consumers feel about the category and top treatments. The results demonstrate that, during the pandemic, 49% of those who haven't had plastic surgery indicated they are open to cosmetic or reconstructive treatment in the future. Of those, 28% would consider a first-time cosmetic procedure. Those who had previous procedures reported improved overall confidence, while 29% of all respondents indicated specific treatments – such as rhinoplasty, face lifts and breast augmentation – are top of mind for them.

ASPS Provides Guidance to Prepare Plastic Surgeons and Patients for In-Office Visits

As new and existing patients remain interested in making their way back to plastic surgeons' offices, ASPS tapped a representative group of its membership in practices nationwide to draft considerations for members as they develop reopening strategies.

In consultation with local, regional and national public health authorities, recommendations include:

Knowing the up-to-date statistics in your community
Reviewing patient flow plans that allow for social distancing
Availability of COVID-19 testing in your area
Reassessing cleaning protocols and daily sterilization of offices
Evaluating access to anesthesia supplies and personal protective equipment
Spending adequate time to educate staff
Knowing availability of transfer options for your office-based OR/ambulatory surgery center

Patients can also expect enhanced safety protocols for their next in-person visit, including a combination of these measures for reducing the risk of virus transmission:

Conducting telehealth/virtual encounters in preparation or as a substitute for in-person visits
Evaluate which services will be available upon opening and which will be postponed until a later date (e.g., those that require a patient to remove a facial mask)
Use of online patient portals, electronic communication, mail, or fax to complete registration and other paperwork prior to in-office arrival
Screenings, including temperature checks and symptom questionnaires on site
Patients wearing masks and waiting offsite before entering
Staggered scheduling to accommodate an increasing trend for eliminating waiting rooms
Doctors wearing N95 or other FDA/NiOSH approved masks and eye protection/face shields
Identifying all high-touch areas within the facility and scheduling frequent cleanings throughout the day

"Our goal at ASPS is to keep our finger on the pulse of the public and plastic surgeons for all information and questions pertaining to cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. Through our members, our organization continues to be a thought leader for the specialty," said ASPS President Lynn Jeffers, MD, MBA, FACS.

"ASPS is proud to assist our members in getting back to their practices, and prioritizing the safety of patients, plastic surgeons, and their staff," added Dr. Jeffers. "We encourage patients to discuss questions with their ASPS member plastic surgeons who are committed to setting the standard in excellence and safety as we ramp up our visits and surgeries."

ASPS will continue to assess government and CDC guidelines to remain an ongoing resource to members and the public as they navigate new safety measures and an ever-evolving landscape.

To stay informed and find a board-certified plastic surgeon, visit plasticsurgery.org.

About ASPS
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the world's largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons. Representing nearly 8,000 members in the United States, the Society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more than 93 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the Society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. ASPS advances quality care to plastic surgery patients by encouraging high standards of training, ethics, physician practice and research in plastic surgery.

About Quester
Quester® is an award-winning agency that unlocks breakthrough insights that drive business strategy and growth. Quester is the sole proprietor of artificial intelligence technology that conducts multi-lingual qualitative research on a quantitative scale. The firm specialize in yielding superior consumer understanding and strategic consultation for innovation, new product/service concept development, brand positioning and consumer journey mapping research.

The survey was conducted among a national probability sample of 1,017 U.S. residents including 757 females and 260 males between the ages of 18 and 70 years old.

SOURCE American Society of Plastic Surgeons