Aesthetic Surgery Journal Study Finds Google Favors Social Media Presence Over Academic Pedigree And Experience

NEW YORK, Dec. 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Findings from a recent study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, one of the two official publications of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS/The Aesthetic Society) demonstrates that patients now find plastic surgeons online, favoring the first-page results from Google, the largest and most popular search engine. The study conducted a Google.com search in the top 25 United States metropolitan areas to identify the top 20 websites of board-certified plastic surgeons. Social media presence was quantified by tracking the number of followers on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for every surgeon, as well as medical school and year of graduation. Through a multivariate logistic regression analysis, it became evident that the total number of social media followers is associated with Google first-page placement, while medical school ranking and years in practice, were not.

"Surprisingly, Google is delivering patients style (online social media presence), over substance (academic pedigree, years of experience, etc.), which is a bit disconcerting," states Dr. Clark F. Schierle, MD, PhD, FACS, an author of the study. "Google's current algorithms are fueling the transition to this new business model, which means that patients believe a first-page ranking on Google is more important than a physician's experience, expertise, and ability," he explains.

The study shows what Schierle and his co-authors have suspected for some time, that the old paradigm of patients finding plastic surgeons through referrals, word-of-mouth, a surgeon's reputation, and academic pedigree is over. Having a strong social media following is what now drives patients into plastic surgeons' offices.

Patients have increasingly been using online resources to make healthcare decisions and have a tendency to trust and value the ratings that providers receive online. As the understanding and use of social media has grown, it has become a natural marketing venue for providers of aesthetic surgery due to its low cost and ability to reach a wide audience. The proliferation of preoperative and postoperative photos, intraoperative videos, and graphic explanations of the procedures offered appeals to many potential patients as evidenced by many of the hugely popular social media accounts belonging to aesthetic surgery providers. "This also raises questions regarding professional etiquette on these social media channels, especially in light of some aesthetic providers' harmful behavior," Schierle explains.

The full study can be seen here:  https://academic.oup.com/asj/advance-article/doi/10.1093/asj/sjy285/5140118

About ASAPS
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS/The Aesthetic Society) is recognized as the world's leading organization devoted entirely to aesthetic plastic surgery and cosmetic medicine of the face and body.  ASAPS is comprised of more than 2,600 members in North America and internationally; Active Members are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (USA) or by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and have extensive training in the complete spectrum of surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures. International Active Members are certified by equivalent boards of their respective countries. All members worldwide adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and must meet stringent membership requirements. ASAPS is at the forefront of innovation in aesthetic plastic surgery and cosmetic medicine globally.

Website: www.surgery.org
Follow ASAPS on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ASAPS
Become a fan of ASAPS on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AestheticSociety
Follow ASAPS on Instagram: www.instagram.com/TheAestheticSocietyASAPS
Locate an ASAPS plastic surgeon in your area: http://www.smartbeautyguide.com/select-surgeon

About the Aesthetic Surgery Journal

The Aesthetic Society Journal is the official publication of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. It is published twelve times per year and contains scholarly articles on new advances and procedures pertaining to cosmetic medicine and the plastic surgery industry. ASJ is indexed by MEDLINE/PubMed and with the Clarivate Journal Citation Report (JCR; formerly ISI). It is the official English-language journal of more than 20 major international societies of plastic, aesthetic, and reconstructive surgery representing South America, Central America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. It is also the official journal of The Rhinoplasty Society, The Canadian Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. The Journal offers Continuing Medical Education articles and exams.

Website: www.aestheticsurgeryjournal.com
Follow ASJ on Twitter:  twitter.com/ASJrnl
Follow ASJ on Instagram: aestheticsurgeryjournal_asj
Become a fan of ASJ on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Aesthetic-Surgery-Journal-432549376844008/

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
www.surgery.org
Media contacts: Leigh Hope Fountain (562) 799-2356
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

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SOURCE American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery