No one deserves the latest consumer trends more than you, one of the most invested providers on RealSelf.
And no one knows the latest consumer trends more than us, the world’s largest aesthetic community.
So here’s your first inside look at what we’ve discovered recently about popular treatments and what influences your patients — and potential patients.
With 10 million RealSelf visitors each month1, we uncover a lot about what consumers are interested in on a daily basis. This section of your Aesthetic Consumer Report reveals the:
Top surgical procedures (regional and national)
Top medaesthetic treatments (regional and national)
Treatments generating the most Q&As
Ready? Let’s dive in.
1
2
3
1
2
3
*Includes your metro and surrounding area
For details on specific treatment types, see the About Our Data section
1
2
3
1
2
3
*Includes your metro and surrounding area
For details on specific treatment types, see the About Our Data section
1
2
3
1
2
3
*Includes your metro and surrounding area
For details on specific treatment types, see the About Our Data section
1
2
3
1
2
3
*Includes your metro and surrounding area
For details on specific treatment types, see the About Our Data section
34,403 Questions
29,517 Questions
27,685 Questions
21,199 Questions
16,145 Questions
13,463 Questions
12,828 Questions
10,623 Questions
9,313 Questions
8,948 Questions
“How do I minimize bruising from a rhinoplasty? I am considering a nose job, but am worried about bruising afterwards. Tips for reducing bruises are really helpful.” Ask A Doctor question
Our data scientists analyzed survey responses from consumers actively shopping for treatments on RealSelf. Here’s what consumers say about their mindset during each stage of the patient experience:
Starting her research on treatments
Choosing a shortlist of providers
Contacting providers for a consult
Getting a consult and treatment
First up: why patient education needs to start before consumers contact you.
Uncertainty diminishes as consumers research which treatment to get.
However, 1 in 3 consumers are still unsure even after 3 months.
“I’ve considered breast implants since I was 18 but every time I get close I chicken out. The more I read, the more I become skeptical…I don’t want to make the wrong decision!” RealSelf review
While the financial aspect is the biggest barrier overall, more emotional
concerns increase the longer patients research a procedure.
“I want someone who will explain every detail of the procedures, including the how and why and the expected outcome for ME.” Survey response, RealSelf consumer
In fact, consumers see reviews as a far more accurate trust barometer than even board certifications.
As important as 1:1 word of mouth is, online reviews amplify the power of recommendations when consumers are deciding which providers to contact.
“I start with research for an expert in the field, check their website, then rely on RealSelf for patient reviews. I don’t always trust the doctor’s website reviews.” Survey response, RealSelf consumer
45% of consumers want to stay close to home, yet nearly 30% are willing to travel 2 or more hours for the right surgical provider.
“I’ve visited 3 local plastic surgeons. Still, I have seen nothing but great reviews for a doctor in a different state, and have decided to use him!” Survey response, RealSelf consumer
Your potential patients don’t play the numbers game when they reach the contact phase. In fact, 4 out of 10 contact only one provider.
“[My doctor] was the first one I met with and there was no reason to meet with others. I knew right then he was the one I wanted to do my breast augmentation.” RealSelf review
Consumers have preferences for when and how you respond to their initial contact:
1 out of 3 expect a same-day reply, with email the preferred contact method.
49%
Email response
32%
Phone response
8%
Text or instant message
11%
No preference
“From my first inquiry, I felt like it was the place I needed. The patient coordinator called and emailed back right away. Another office I contacted took 3 days to respond.” RealSelf Review
In fact, a significant portion of consumers schedule a consult with multiple providers to compare experience, bedside manner, and more.
“I had consultations with 3 different surgeons before deciding. When I met him, he treated me with so much respect and I just knew he was right for me.” RealSelf review, StarJune
Want to overcome consumer uncertainty and fear?
Answer questions and showcase your experience.
CHOOSING A PROVIDER POST-CONSULT 16 | Breast augmentation | Tummy tuck |  Facial plastic surgery |  Facial injections |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Made me feel comfortable | 70% | 63% | 54% | 54% |
| Experience or education | 66% | 70% | 62% | 46% |
| Gave detailed consult | 66% | 64% | 62% | 48% |
| Good team/staff | 58% | 48% | 37% | 33% |
| Reviews | 57% | 60% | 47% | 28% |
| Before and after photos | 51% | 53% | 40% | 13% |
| Fast response to consult inquiry | 39% | 45% | 28% | 28% |
| Recommendation or referral | 32% | 41% | 34% | 37% |
| Price | 31% | 43% | 32% | 18% |
| Location | 24% | 37% | 20% | 28% |
400ccs of bedside manner? Just what the doctor ordered.
Before & after photos get consumers in the door. But feeling at ease is what convinces breast aug consumers to schedule their surgery before they leave.
With tummy tucks, “the right figure” doesn’t mean low price.
Surprisingly, cost only ranks 8th for tummy tuck consumers. Meanwhile, your experience and thoroughly answering questions rank 1st and 2nd.
“Location, location, location”?
Not so much.
For facial plastic surgery consumers, giving a detailed consult and highlighting your education matter 3x more than your office location.
For facial fillers, photographic evidence doesn’t move the needle.
Pictures might be worth a thousand words, but before & after photos say little to facial injectables consumers coming in for a consult.
Our data scientists are hard at work on your next Consumer Trends Report.
In the meantime, contact your dedicated RealSelf Advocate for actionable tips on this report, including:
Facelifts
+9% growth
Microneedling
+80% growth
(Micro)Dermabrasion
+43% growth
Rhinoplasty
34,000+ questions
Breast augmentation
29,000+ questions
Tummy tuck
27,000 questions
Reviews are 3x as influential as referrals.
42% of surgical patients will travel 2+ hours.
59% of contacts expect a follow-up within 24 hours.
Each month, 10 million consumers visit RealSelf to research and contact leading providers like you1. That leads to consumers interacting with reviews, photos, and Q&As more than 80 million times per month16. And our data scientists track and analyze it all.
We also frequently field surveys to consumers using RealSelf across the stages of research, contact, and consult. In fact, in 2017 we had more 15,000 completed surveys from consumers who contacted a provider through RealSelf. 17
Breast Augmentation/Lift: Breast Implants (including Eurosilicone, Ideal, Mentor, Nagor, Natrelle, Sientra, and Strattice), Breast Lift, Breast Augmentation, Breast Implant Revision, Breast Fat Transfer, Breast Lift with Implants.
Breast Reduction: Breast Reduction, Male Breast Reduction.
Butt Enhancement: Brazilian Butt Lift, Brazilian Butt Lift Revision, Butt Augmentation, Butt Implants, Butt Lift.
Cheek Surgery: Buccal Fat Removal, Cheek Augmentation.
Chin Enhancement: Chin Implant, Chin Surgery.
Ear Surgery: Ear Lobe Surgery, Ear Surgery.
Eyelid Surgery: Asian Eyelid Surgery, Eyelid Retraction Repair, Eyelid Surgery.
Facelift: Brow Lift, Cheek Lift, Contour Thread Lift, Deep Plane Facelift, Facelift (including Lift by Sono Bello, QuickLift, Silhouette Soft), Facelift Revision, Forehead Lift, Lower Face Lift, MACS Facelift, Mini Lift, Neck Lift, SMAS Facelift.
Lip Surgery: Lip Implants, Lip Lift, Lip Reduction, Lip Surgery.
Liposuction: Abdominal Etching, Chin Liposuction, Liposculpture, Liposuction (including SAFElipo), Liposuction Revision, Power-Assisted Liposuction, Tumescent Liposuction.
Rhinoplasty/Nose Surgery: African American Rhinoplasty, Asian Rhinoplasty, Nose Surgery, Revision Rhinoplasty, Rhinoplasty, Septoplasty, Sinus Surgery.
Surgical Vaginal Rejuvenation: Clitoral Hood Reduction, Labia Augmentation, Labiaplasty, Neovagina, Perineoplasty, Vaginal Rejuvenation, Vaginoplasty.
Tummy Tuck: Belly Button Surgery, Drainless Tummy Tuck, Male Tummy Tuck, Mini Tummy Tuck, Monsplasty, Panniculectomy, Tummy Tuck, Tummy Tuck Revision.
Acne Treatment: Acne Scars Treatment, Accutane, Acne Surgery, Acne Treatment, Isolaz, Spironolactone For Acne, Tazorac.
Anti-Aging: PRP Injections, Vampire Facelift.
Beauty Treatments: Facial, Retin-A.
Chemical Peels: Blue Peel, Chemical Peel, Cosmelan, Glycolic Peel, Green Peel, Jessner Peel, Laser Peel, Phenol Peel, Salicylic Peel, SilkPeel, TCA Peel, Vi Peel.
Dermatology [General]: Age Spots Treatment, Birthmark Removal, Dermatology, Sun Damage.
Facial Lasers: Active FX, Affirm Laser, BroadBand Light, CO2 Laser, Clear & Brilliant, Coolaser, Deep FX, eMatrix, Excel V, Fractional Laser, Fraxel Laser, Fraxel Repair, Halo Laser, IPL, LED Skin Treatment, Laser Genesis, Laser Resurfacing, Laser Surgery, Laser Treatment, Lux 1540, MiXto Laser, Nordlys Hybrid System, Pearl Laser, Photodynamic Therapy, Photofacial, Pico Genesis, Pixel Laser, PrecisionTx, ProFractional Laser, Pulsed Dye Laser, ReFirme, ResurFX, Resurfacing Perfected, SmartXide, Smoothbeam Laser, ThermiSmooth, Total FX, Tria Age Defying Laser, V Beam, Venus Viva, Yag Laser.
Fillers: Aquamid, ArteFill, Bellafill, Belotero, Bio-Alcamid, Collagen Injection, Elevess, Ellanse, Evolence, Hyaluronidase, Injectable Fillers, Juvederm, Laviv, Liquid Facelift, Macrolane, Non Surgical Nose Job, Perfectha, Perlane, Prevelle, Radiesse, ReDexis, Restylane, Restylane Defyne, Restylane Lyft, Restylane Refyne, Restylane Silk, Sculptra Aesthetic, Silicone Injection Removal, Silicone Injections, Silikon 1000, Teosyal, Volbella, Vollure, Voluma.
Hair Removal: Electrolysis, GentleLase, Laser Hair Removal, Lightsheer Laser.
Hair Restoration: Artas Robotic Hair Transplant, Eyebrow Transplant, FUE Hair Transplant, Hair Loss Treatment, Hair Transplant, NeoGraft, PRP for Hair Loss, Scalp Micropigmentation.
(Micro)Dermabrasion: Dermabrasion, HydraFacial, Microdermabrasion.
Microneedling: Cosmetic Acupuncture, Dermapen, Infini RF, Intracel, Microneedling, Rejuvapen, Vivace.
Non-Surgical Fat Reduction: Aqualyx, Body Jet, Cool Lipo, CoolMini, CoolSculpting, Exilis, HydraSolve, i-Lipo, Kybella, Laser Liposuction, LipoZap, Lipodissolve, Liposonix, Lipotherme, Mesotherapy, SculpSure, Slim Lipo, Smart Lipo, SmartLipo MPX, truSculpt 3D, UltraShape, UltraShape Power, Vanquish, Vaser Liposuction, Venus Freeze, Zerona.
Non-Surgical Skin Tightening: AccuLift, FaceTite, Fractora RF, Non-Surgical Face Lift, Non-Surgical Neck Lift, Pelleve, Portrait, Profound RF, Radiage, Skin Tightening, Skintyte, Thermage, ThermiTight, Titan, TriPollar, Ultherapy.
Scar Treatment: Scar Removal, Scars Treatment.
Skin Pigmentation Treatment: Hyperpigmentation, Hypopigmentation, Melasma Treatment, Vitiligo.
Tattoo Removal: Enlighten, PicoSure. PicoWay, Tattoo Removal.
Toxins: Botox, Botox for Migraines, Dysport, Xeomin.
Vein Treatment: Asclera, ClariVein, Sclerotherapy, Varithena, Vein Treatment, VenaSeal.