How to Find a Trusted Plastic Surgeon on Instagram

Instagram is the new in. From mommy bloggers and influencers to professionals like plastic surgeons and other physicians, Instagram has become the source for sharing photographs into one’s life (or career). Businesses promoting their services or products often use Instagram as a marketing source to reach a larger audience. If you’re looking for a plastic surgeon, you might have scoured Instagram for plastic surgery before and after photos, coveting a youthful, slender, firmer body just like what you see on social media. Instagram can be a great resource in finding the best board-certified plastic surgeons near you. But you could easily make the wrong choice if you aren’t careful! Today on the blog, one of Manhattan’s board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Aviva Preminger, shares how to find a trusted plastic surgeon on Instagram.

Get the Facts

Recently, Northwestern Medicine conducted a study, released by the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, that revealed millions of people promote plastic surgery on Instagram, specifically using hashtags such as #facelift, #liposuction, #plasticsurgery, #nosejob, and #breastimplant. Out of the 1.8 million posts researched, most were from surgeons in other countries, with the second-largest number of posts were posted by dentists, gynecologists, dermatologists, and aestheticians that are not certified to perform plastic surgery. While it’s legal for these individuals to perform cosmetic surgery, they aren’t certified, which means they lack sufficient training and expertise compared to board-certified plastic surgeons, like Dr. Preminger. Only 17.8 percent of Instagram posts were from actual board-certified plastic surgeons. Still, many other posts weren’t even from physicians at all, which poses significant threats to patient health and safety.

Finding a plastic surgeon on Instagram

That leads us to the question, what should you look for when searching for a plastic surgeon on Instagram? Here are three essential factors to consider.

Study the Photos

There’s an adage that says, “believe nothing that you hear, and only half of what you see.” With today’s technology, photos that you see online could be altered, edited, or even stolen from someone else. So, as you scroll Instagram looking at before and after photos from plastic surgery, be sure to study the pictures carefully. They should be images of real people, not stock photos that look airbrushed or like models.

Look Beyond What Your Eyes Can See

Photos online are one thing but dig a little deeper than what your eyes can see. Schedule a consultation with the plastic surgeon you’re considering. Learn about their background, credentials, and don’t hesitate to collect that information, and then go home to do some follow-up research on your findings. Most importantly, check to see that the surgeon of your choosing is board-certified. A trusted source is the American Society of Plastic Surgeon’s website. Also, do a Google search of the doctor’s name that you’re considering. Negative comments or information should send you running in another direction. In contrast, highly respected surgeons that their peers look up to would be a safer choice.

Ask Questions

During your consultation, don’t be afraid to ask any questions you have about the doctor’s credentials, verification of their patient before and after photos, or their expertise. Past that, some other questions you should ask are how the procedure you choose will be performed, and what to expect during your recovery, as well as results. Doctors that promise “scar-free” surgery or that aren’t realistic about your potential results may not be trustworthy. Everyone’s body responds differently to surgery, and so it is important to have realistic expectations when undergoing plastic surgery. A trusted plastic surgeon in Manhattan should welcome or encourage you to ask as many questions as you have to ensure you are comfortable choosing them as your doctor.

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in Manhattan, and New York City

Dr. Preminger is an ivy-league educated, board-certified plastic surgeon with a boutique office located in the Upper East Side of Manhattan. She provides authentic before and after photos of her patients and is highly regarded by her colleagues and many respected health and beauty sources, such as RealSelf, and NewBeauty. If you’re searching for a trustworthy, board-certified plastic surgeon in Manhattan, contact Preminger Plastic Surgery by calling (212) 706-1900 to schedule a consultation today.