ABSTRACT
Introduction:
The modernization of medicine allowed a greater interaction between medical teams and patients. Technological development, especially in the field of communication, has led to the creation of new devices such as smartphones and tablets. The widespread popularity of these devices and the development of applications have allowed their use in medicine, being quick means of accessing information, diagnosis, patient follow-up, surgical simulations, guidelines, electronic books and information on pathological conditions, and therapeutic and surgical procedures. This study is a review of the applications of smartphones and tablets in plastic surgery.
Methods:
The application stores Google Play®and Apple Store®in English were assessed until June 2014. Initially, 588 applications related to plastic surgery were found. Based on their descriptions, the applications were classified according to cost, area of operation, store in which the application is made available, and use.
Results:
After applying the exclusion criteria, 19 applications were selected, of which 11 were related to surgical simulations; five, to clinical evaluations; and three, to microsurgery and flaps. With regard to access, 12 were free and seven were paid. Of these applications, 11 were exclusive to the Apple Store®, two were exclusive to Android®, and six were available in both.
Conclusion:
Approximately 600 applications related to plastic surgery have been developed, but only about 20 of these have clinical applicability. The development of these applications in other languages is needed, facilitating their use in other countries.
Keywords:
Mobile applications; Plastic surgery; Mobile phone