Finding a plastic surgeon in a large urban area like Chicago, where I practice, can be a daunting task. When there are so many options out there, it can be difficult to select just the right one for you. The Internet provides numerous resources that can help you in your search. Here are some of my favorites.
Patient Forums
Some patients can ask a friend or loved one who has had cosmetic surgery for a referral to a surgeon, but what if you don’t know anyone who’s had a procedure? Try an online community of patients such as RealSelf. These sites let patients post anonymously and candidly about their experiences, and they include regional search functions and places to post questions.
Medical Board & Association Sites
Reputable medical boards and renowned industry groups have search features on their websites to help you locate members with great credentials. Also, if you’ve already found a surgeon you might be interested in, I recommend confirming his or her credentials on these same sites.
- Check board certification: American Board of Medical Specialties and The American Board of Plastic Surgery
- Check association memberships: American Society of Plastic Surgeons® and The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Review Sites
Once you have some surgeons in mind and you have confirmed their credentials, it’s wise to read reviews from past patients. Some doctors have their own reviews sites, and you can also check sites such as Yelp.
Using these online tools should help you feel more confident when selecting a surgeon, and should help ensure that you find the right one for you.