Social media is arguably one of the best and worst things about the internet. Sure, it can sometimes be a haven for arguments or showing off, but at the same time it can connect us in positive ways, too. One such way that is becoming increasingly more common is helping patients make educated decisions regarding plastic and reconstructive surgery.
That’s because more and more patients are turning to social media to not just get inspiration for procedures they might like to undergo for themselves, but they’re gaining valuable insight from friends and influencers who have had those procedures, from plastic surgeons who post about procedures, and even from reviews of both procedures and surgeons from other patients.
In fact, social media has become so popular for patients seeking more information about plastic surgery that approximately three fourths of respondents to a recent survey published in the April 2024 issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) claim to have reached out for more information about their procedure online. Those who had researched their procedure prior to undergoing it reported higher scores of patient empowerment than those who had not. They scored higher in six of seven CIDES categories including
- Patient Knowledge
- The decision to consult with a plastic surgeon
- Questions during their surgical consultation
- Treatment decision making
- Awareness of treatment decisions
- Awareness of other treatment options
Simply put, using social media as a research tool to either locate a surgeon or learn more about a desired procedure helped patients make more-informed decisions about their procedure and care from start to finish.
Patients used sites such as Instagram, Facebook, and Real Self to help give them a broader picture of their surgical options, leading experts to believe that this new form of research will be crucial in the future, especially as patients are presented with more options than ever before.
If you’d like to use social media as an inspiration for your own procedure, just keep a few important things in mind:
- Make sure you are using a trusted source
- Check your surgeon’s website or in-office portfolio for references about their work
- Check your surgeon’s board certification
- Make sure you are comfortable with your surgeon and that they have answered all of your questions
- Set realistic goals about the outcome of your procedure
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to undergoing your desired procedure and getting the look you’ve always wanted!