Plastic Surgery Testimonials: To Trust or Not to Trust?

People use online reviews to help them make decisions about just about everything these days, from where to go for dinner to what kind of car to buy. They are also popular among individuals who are looking for plastic surgeons, including here in the Louisville, KY area.

Patient testimonials posted on various websites, such as RealSelf.com, can be a valuable tool for individuals trying to choose a plastic surgeon, but it’s important to assess the validity of the reviews to determine whether they are trustworthy. That’s why I’ve compiled a few tips below to help you evaluate a surgeon’s online reviews, so you can find one who is right for you.

• Look for patterns. See if several patients compliment a surgeon’s bedside manner, for example, or the courtesy of the office staff. It’s a good sign when reviews consistently mention certain aspects of care. If there’s a wide discrepancy, it might be best to take the reviews with a grain of salt.
• Look for your own procedure interests. Stars don’t necessarily tell the whole story. A 5-star surgeon is a great place to start, but you also want to find an excellent plastic surgeon with a great track record performing the specific procedure you desire. If you want rhinoplasty and find a surgeon whose great reviews all seem to mention breast augmentation, he or she might not be the specialist for you.
• Look for realistic reviews. The truth is that plastic surgery can sometimes be a challenge. When reviews mention those inevitable bumps in the road, it’s a good sign that those reviews are real. If you see testimonials saying things like “the recovery was a little more difficult than I expected, but my doctor helped me through it,” then you’re probably on the right track. Another sign of a review’s legitimacy is when specific details are sprinkled in. Remember that old adage about things that seem too good to be true. There should absolutely be a positive upswing, but with a dose of reality.

Ultimately, patient reviews may help you narrow down your choices, but the best way to determine whether a plastic surgeon is a good fit for you is by scheduling a consultation. Use reviews as your first step, then get to know the doctor on your own.