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Social Media's Impact on Plastic Surgery

by Marisa Amorasak

So you’re considering a nose job to fix that unpleasant bump in your bridge. Or maybe you’ve seen what Botox has done for your friends, and now you want to take the plunge. The latest way to learn about plastic surgery isn’t via consultations, doctor-authored articles, or even cheesy daytime talk shows with guest surgeons. It’s social media.

A recent study by The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) asked plastic surgeons about the habits of their patients. The results showed the growing role of social media in not only people’s lives, but also between businesses and customers. According to the study, 47% of patients who got plastic surgery in 2011 consulted Facebook or Twitter before going under the knife. That’s up from 29% the year before.

How Plastic Surgery Patients Use Social Media

The AAFPRS didn’t specify exactly how plastic surgery patients utilized the social networking sites, but here are some ways that Facebook and Twitter could be useful for people considering plastic surgery:

Tracking down the Facebooks and Twitters of plastic surgeons and/or other plastic surgery authorities and reading the information they’ve made available
Asking for feedback from friends
Networking with people who’ve had plastic surgery
Viewing photos of people with a look or feature similar to what they are looking for

Likewise, plastic surgeons utilize social media to build their customer base and reputation. Plastic surgeons with, say, a Facebook profile are easily accessible to anyone on the internet. In addition to a personal website, a Facebook profile gives potential patients the chance to connect with the plastic surgeon and learn more about the procedures they offer, view before and after photos, and learn about any recent discounts or news.

Researching plastic surgery online has been commonplace for decades, with information ranging from reliable plastic surgery journals to sketchy Yahoo! Answers. But people using social media—a completely public environment—to learn more about plastic surgery should be aware of the limitations, and not rely solely on social media when making a decision on plastic surgery.

Dr. Tom Wang, president of the AAFPRFS, responded to the increase in social media reliance: “We are encouraged by the possibilities that Facebook, Twitter and other social channels offer for prospective patients, but urge all patients to exercise caution in researching facial plastic procedures to ensure information is from a reliable source. There’s a great deal of misinformation out there, and the best way to circumvent that is to consult an AAFPRS physician who is qualified, experienced and trained in performing facial plastic procedures.”

Scheduling Your Plastic Surgery Consultation

The single best way to get accurate and helpful information on plastic surgery is to speak with a board-certified plastic surgeon or specialist during a consultation. Many cosmetic specialists nowadays focus on certain procedures and have valuable expertise, such as a plastic surgeon who specializes in breast augmentation or a certified skincare expert with a focus in Botox. During a consultation with a specialist, patients have the opportunity to ask specific questions regarding rhinoplasty, face lifts, liposuction, injectables, and other procedures. They can also learn what kind of results they can expect from the surgery, and how much it will cost.

While social media is a fine way to network about plastic surgery, there’s no replacement for a one-on-one consultation with a plastic surgeon in your area. Contact our representatives today to schedule your consultation.