Perceptions of aesthetic and reconstructive facial surgery among medical students.

M any different physicians perform cosmetic and reconstructive surgical procedures of the face. Limited studies have suggested that medical students are most likely to choose a plastic surgeon or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for various facial procedures. To our knowledge, these limited studies have not involved more than several hundred medical students in limited geographic areas. Owing to these limitations, a true representation of medical students’ perceptions cannot be assumed. The purpose of our study was to assess the current perceptions of medical students across the country regarding the role of the facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. In addition, we hoped to determine if the student perception of facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons has changed over time.