Fertility & childbearing outcomes of female plastic surgeons: How far have we come in 25 years?

[BACKGROUND] To understand whether the fertility and childbearing outcomes of female plastic surgeons have changed, this study compares current data to historical data from 25 years ago.

[METHODS] An IRB-approved survey was sent to female plastic surgery residents, fellows, and members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons in 2018-2020. The results were compared to historical data from 1995.

[RESULTS] There were 351 respondents with a response rate of 26%. Fifty-four percent of women had children, which was similar to 1995 (54% vs. 51%, p = 0.45). Miscarriage affected 40% of women, a rate twice as high as 1995 (18.9%, p = n/a). The prevalence of abortion was 13%, significantly lower than 1995 (26%, p < 0.005). The rate of infertility was 54%, significantly higher than 1995 (33%, p < 0.005). Obstetrical complications were slightly higher than in 1995 (61% vs. 57%, p = n/a).

[CONCLUSIONS] There is a disappointing lack of progress in fertility and childbearing outcomes among female plastic surgeons.