Where do you go when you are considering having a cosmetic procedure and are seeking plastic surgery advice? Do you go to your friends? Your doctor? The internet?
Those used to be the primary ways that people got recommendations for who to trust to rev up their appearance; but today, odds are just as good that you’ll jump straight onto a social media and networking site like Facebook or Twitter before you head into a doctor’s office for a face-to-face consultation.
According to a study conducted by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), 42 percent of patients said that they did most of their plastic surgery research—and got most of their answers—on a social media site. Compare that to even just one year prior, when 63 percent of patients said they would ask friends for plastic surgery advice first (down to 48 percent). Times, they are a-changing!
For my part, I think it is incredible that patients have access to so much information online these days; it can be a wonderful resource to turn to. That said, I do worry that people can sometimes lean too a bit too much on social media—or even just Google searches—to get their medical information.
Read the full article for more of Dr. Usha Rajagopal’s advice on seeking for plastic surgery advice. Her strongest advice though, is that no matter where you get your initial plastic surgery advice from, do not chose a doctor until you’ve met them. To book a consultation with Dr. Usha Rajagopal, call the San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center today at (415) 392-3333.