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Seasonal Interest in Gynecomastia Procedures
Christina Kerner BA, Samuel Boas BS, Arvin Smith BS, Yida Cai BA, Lesley Summerville BS ScM, Corinne Wee MD, Anand Kumar MD
University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
2020-02-14
Presenter: Christina Kerner
Affidavit:
Anand Kumar MD
Director Name: Anand Kumar MD
Author Category: Medical Student
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: Aesthetics
Background: Google Trends (GT) is a publicly online tool which allows users to track search volumes over time. GT may used to inform plastic surgeons of the needs and interests of their patient population. Previous studies have correlated GT interest in gynecomastia with the number of male breast reduction procedures performed determined by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The purpose of our investigation was to utilize Internet search query data to test the hypothesis that interest in gynecomastia and male breast reduction vary by season, with increased interest in the summer months.
Methods: GT was assessed from January 2004 to June 2019. Data was delivered from GT in monthly intervals based on relative search volumes. Search terms included: "Gynecomastia surgery" and "Gynecomastia." Using the R Consinor anaylsis 'seasons' package described in previous studies, each search term was individually tested for seasonal affects. Means from summer (June-September) and winter (November-February) were compared.
Results: Consinor analysis revealed statistically seasonal effects of search queries for gynecomastia surgery (p=<0.001) and gynecomastia (p=<0.001). The interest in "gynecomastia surgery" increased 37% from winter to summer months (p=<0.001). The month with the most GT queries related to gynecomastia and was June and the month with the least amount of search queries was December.
Conclusions: Internet search volumes over a wide range of dates suggest a seasonal component of interest in cosmetic body procedures. Plastic surgeons should consider increasing marketing and outreach during these peak months to increase their online presence to meet the increased demand.
