Internet Plastic Surgery

With the growth of online research, consumers have more access to plastic surgery information than ever before. Unfortunately, much of it is inaccurate. Misleading claims can draw patients toward unqualified providers or unfairly disparage reputable surgeons. Be cautious with both glowing and scathing reviews.

Many of the sites that cater to this type of activity post information that is unreliable and undocumented. For example: A recent marketer for the Lifestyle Lift in the northeast was found to have office employees entering positive comments about the Lifestyle Lift on these review websites. The company was fined heavily by the State of New York once this was discovered. In addition, some inexperienced or unqualified practitioners will put information on their website which makes them look like experts for certain procedures when in fact they are not.

Often technology can be used to discover these illicit postings however, some of these people are clever in avoiding detection by using multiple names and URL addresses. In addition, disgruntled patients have been known to post not only negative reviews regarding their situation, but then to masquerade as other disgruntled patients and to disparage the doctor. In such cases, it can appear the doctor had multiple unhappy patients.

Whatever the case, vet information before placing trust in it. Most consumer review sites do not verify submissions. Prioritize factual, traceable sources.

The best place for a potential consumer to receive information about surgeons is not through the internet, but through the certifying boards of the physicians themselves as well as the State and National medical societies, where legitimate information is logged.

Usually a reputable surgeon will offer the opportunity to speak with prior patients whose experiences can be verified. Patients should not fall victim to untruthful marketing or falsified reviews—check everything through certifying boards, state medical societies, and trusted practices such as Core Plastic Surgery.