Otorhinolaryngologists' interest in facial plastic surgery: a survey in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

[INTRODUCTION] Within the field of otorhinolaryngology, interest in facial plastic surgery has grown significantly in recent years. There is a lack of evidence in the literature documenting this interest in the British Isles.

[MATERIALS AND METHODS] 572 questionnaires were mailed to all members of the British Association of Otolaryngologists, Head and Neck Surgeons and to members of the Irish Otolaryngological Society.

[RESULTS] Our response rate was 68 per cent. One-third of respondents were performing facial plastic procedures regularly, most commonly otoplasty (80 per cent), rhinoplasty (74 per cent) and facial flaps (28 per cent). Two-thirds of respondents had attended supplementary courses in facial plastic surgery, and 65 per cent would like facial plastic surgery to compose one-third of their daily practice.

[DISCUSSION] Facial plastic surgery has become a significant part of the otorhinolaryngologists' practice. They are now offering a wider variety of procedures in the area. This is the first paper to document this interest in the United Kingdom and Ireland.