Facebook and Twitter are the newest channels for prospective cosmetic surgery patients to gather information and guidance on cosmetic procedures. A study conducted by the American Academy of Facial and Plastic Reconstructive Surgery shows that more people are looking for advice on facial cosmetic surgery from their virtual friends on social media, than they seek from their actual friends.
The 2011 survey had some very interesting results:
- 42% of cosmetic patients said they got most of their information about plastic surgery from social media; that is a huge increase from the 29% reported in 2010.
- Only 48% of people said they got the scoop on surgery from their real friends; that number falling dramatically from 63% just a year earlier.
While it is a good idea to gather as much information as you can before deciding on a procedure, make sure your choices are based on reliable sources. There is a great deal of misinformation out there, and only you can disseminate the good from the bad. Look to reputable medical websites for non-biased, in-depth information. Check out your prospective plastic surgeon – no matter how many people ‘tweet’ about him – with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons; make sure he is a board certified plastic surgeon with years of experience in the specialty you are going to see that particular doctor for.
Facebook and Twitter have changed the face of communication forever. Valuable information can be found on these social media sites, such as recommendations, updates by cosmetic surgeons, and even special offers. Just take the time to do your homework before jumping in. Remember, while your Farmville buddy may be very convincing at selling you an imaginary crop of corn; leave it to a professional to discuss the real-life removal of that new crop of wrinkles.
Be sure to check out Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/DrPaulVitenas
And follow us on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/#!/DrVitenas