Impact of an Educational Campaign on Public Misconceptions and Knowledge of Common Plastic Surgery Procedures.

[INTRODUCTION] The demand for plastic surgery has increased as individuals seek appearance enhancement. However, common misconceptions persist, often exaggerating the risks associated with these procedures. Despite advancements in safety through improved techniques and post-operative care, public knowledge remains limited. This study aims to investigate prevalent misconceptions about common plastic surgery procedures to enhance understanding and support informed decision-making.

[METHOD] This cross-sectional study in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, assessed public knowledge and misconceptions about common plastic surgery procedures through a self-administered survey distributed during an awareness campaign. A sample of 700 participants aged 18-50 was targeted, with responses collected pre- and post-campaign. A matching procedure controlled for demographic differences to ensure comparability between groups. The survey, developed in English and translated into Arabic, was pilot-tested for validity.

[RESULTS] Among 368 participants (184 pre and 184 post-campaign), demographic comparisons showed no significant differences between groups (e.g., gender, age, education, prior cosmetic surgery; all p > 0.05). Post-campaign, correct responses increased substantially: for fillers (irreversibility misconception dropped from 64.7 to 96.2%), silicone implants (safety concern reduced from 32.1 to 89.7%), and rhinoplasty (respiratory issues belief fell from 28.8 to 90.8%; all p < 0.001). Median knowledge scores rose from 7 to 19 (p < 0.001), with strong reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.95). Regression indicated reduced demographic disparities post-campaign, showing broad improvement across groups.

[CONCLUSION] The awareness campaign effectively improved public knowledge and corrected misconceptions about plastic surgery, reducing knowledge disparities across demographic groups. These findings highlight the impact of targeted educational interventions in promoting informed decision-making regarding cosmetic procedures.

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