Crowdsourcing Opinions: Using Online Reviews and Testimonials to Choose Your Surgeon
Online reviews and testimonials offer valuable insights into a surgeon’s expertise and patient satisfaction. Here’s how to use them effectively:- Benefits of Online Reviews: Real experiences shared by patients provide transparency and help you gauge the quality of care.
- Platforms to Explore:
- Review websites like RealSelf and Google Reviews.
- Social media platforms where surgeons often share patient testimonials and before-and-after photos.
- Professional forums such as those hosted by accredited plastic surgery organisations.
- Evaluating Credibility:
- Look for detailed reviews that describe the patient’s journey and outcome.
- Be cautious of overly glowing or overly critical reviews that lack specifics.
- Prioritise reviews from verified patients.
Important Questions for Your Consultation in the Age of Transparency
A face-to-face consultation is your opportunity to assess the surgeon and understand your options. Key questions to ask include:- Qualifications and Experience:
- Are you a board-certified plastic surgeon?
- How many times have you performed this procedure?
- What are your areas of specialisation?
- Procedural Risks and Recovery:
- What are the risks associated with this cosmetic surgery?
- How long is the recovery period?
- What should I expect during the healing process?
- Results and Pricing:
- Can I see before-and-after photos of patients with similar cases?
- Is the pricing transparent, including potential additional costs?
- Do you offer patient success stories or testimonials?
The Latest Trends in Virtual Consultations
Virtual consultations are revolutionising how patients interact with surgeons, making expert advice more accessible:- Why Virtual Consultations are Popular:
- Convenient for patients who cannot travel.
- Faster access to preliminary advice from top surgeons.
- This is an excellent way to shortlist surgeons before committing to an in-person visit.
- What to Expect:
- Discussion of your aesthetic goals.
- Initial evaluation through images or video.
- Explanation of procedures, recovery timelines, and expected outcomes.
- Tips for Maximising Virtual Consultations:
- Prepare a list of questions in advance.
- Share clear photographs if requested.
- Ensure the consultation platform is secure and private.
Red Flags in a Surgeon’s Social Media Presence
Social media is a great tool for showcasing expertise, but it can also reveal warning signs:- Signs of Unprofessionalism:
- Lack of proper credentials displayed on their profile.
- Overly aggressive marketing with exaggerated claims.
- Inconsistent or contradictory posts about procedures.
- Lack of Patient Interaction:
- Limited engagement with followers or unanswered patient queries.
- No real-world testimonials or authentic patient journeys.
- Unrealistic Claims:
- Guarantees of perfection or “risk-free” procedures.
- Photoshopped or misleading before-and-after images.
