Utilization and Attitudes Toward Artificial Intelligence Among Saudi Arabian Plastic Surgeons: A National Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

<title>Abstract</title> <italic> <bold>Introduction</bold> </italic> Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming plastic surgery through its applications in both its aesthetic and reconstructive branches. Despite these global advances, knowledge gaps persist in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to evaluate the awareness, perceptions, and utilization of AI among Saudi plastic surgeons. <italic> <bold>Methods</bold> </italic> A cross-sectional, survey-based study was conducted with 66 board-certified plastic surgeons in Saudi Arabia. Participants completed a validated, self-administered Likert-scale questionnaire assessing demographic information, knowledge, attitudes, utilization patterns, and perceived barriers regarding AI in clinical practice. <italic> <bold>Results</bold> </italic> Most respondents were male (81.8%), aged 40–49 years (51.5%), and practiced general, aesthetic, and reconstructive surgery combined (40.9%). The questionnaire demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.905; 95% CI: 0.874–0.935). There were no significant differences in AI-related knowledge, attitudes, or perceptions based on gender, age, or clinical experience (all P &gt; 0.05). However, subspecialty complexity negatively correlated with perception scores toward AI (ρ = –0.266, P = 0.031). Surgeons indicated limited practical experience with AI yet demonstrated overall openness to its clinical integration, emphasizing AI's role as a supportive tool rather than a replacement. <italic> <bold>Conclusion</bold> </italic> Saudi plastic surgeons display favorable attitudes toward integrating AI into clinical practice, regardless of demographic differences. Subspecialty-specific perceptions indicate the need for tailored AI applications. Successful implementation requires targeted educational initiatives, clear ethical guidelines, and robust infrastructure. AI's potential is recognized as complementary, enhancing surgical judgment rather than substituting surgeon expertise.

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