Public Perception of the Terms "Cosmetic," "Plastic," and "Reconstructive" Surgery

OBJECTIVE: To investigate potential differences in perception of the terms "cosmetic," "plastic," and "reconstructive" as descriptors for surgery. METHODS: An anonymous questionnaire was offered to subjects over 18 years of age throughout the Unites States via the Internet and in person. The multiple-choice survey measured variables including permanence, risk, expense, recovery, reversibility, pain, technical difficulty, and surgeon training. The questionnaire also included several open-ended questions to capture qualitative perceptions. Semantic differential data were analyzed to measure statistical significance. RESULTS: For most variables--permanence, risk, recovery, reversibility, pain, and surgeon training--the 216 subjects had significantly lower mean responses for cosmetic surgery than those for plastic or reconstructive surgery (P < .002). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the results of this study support the authors' hypothesis that there is a significant difference in perception of cosmetic surgery and plastic or reconstructive surgery. Cosmetic surgery is perceived to be more temporary and less technically difficult than plastic or reconstructive surgery. In addition, cosmetic surgery is believed to be associated with less risk, shorter recovery time, and less pain. Subjects also thought that cosmetic surgeons required significantly less training than plastic or reconstructive surgeons.