Surgeon Reviews, Ratings and Patient Testimonials
Before the internet, patients relied on the opinions of their General Practitioner, friends and family about surgeons and recommended surgical options.
As the internet becomes increasingly prevalent and accessible, patients are turning to various online sources such as Google, websites, social media, review platforms, and forums to aid in their decision-making process regarding plastic surgery. While the internet has given patients the power of information, it is essential to note that this abundance of information can sometimes be confusing and misleading.
We encourage patients to seek the opinion of their GP (General Practitioner), medical specialists as well as friends and family.
Why We Can’t Show Patient Reviews On This Website
AHPRA, the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency does not allow the posting of testimonials on a doctor’s website. This ban was put in place to help counteract fake testimonials by other doctors and clinics.
Our specialist surgeons feel extremely honoured and privileged when their patients thank them with; cards, gifts, letters and positive online reviews. However, due to government regulations, they are NOT able to share them on this website or social media.
Our practice aims to provide both a great patient experience and benefits from many word of mouth referrals. We are very fortunate to have patients who talk positively to others about their results and experience with us.
A Warning About Online Reviews
Unfortunately, there are currently no laws or guidelines in place to prevent unscrupulous cosmetic clinics and doctors from writing their own fake reviews on websites, directories and forums.
Our practice has a strict ethical policy of not writing reviews and endorsements about our OWN surgeons on either; reviews sites, forums or discussion boards. We wish that all medical staff had the same ethics.
Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery would therefore like to warn patients using the many online review websites like Google My Business, Facebook, Truelocal, RateMDs (anonymous reviews), Realself, Plastic Surgery Hub, Cosmetic Journey, Estheticon, WhatClinic and Plastic Surgery Review.
You can easily find these sorts of review sites by typing in the name of the surgeon and the word “reviews”. But be very careful about what you are reading.
Be Wary of Bad or Negative Surgeon Reviews
Negative or bad reviews can unfortunately happen in any surgeon’s practice.
Some bad reviews on plastic surgeon websites have been traced back to reviewers that are NOT even patients of the clinic but are in fact competitors.
How do fake negative or bad reviews happen?
Some reviews are simply fake and the review website has flawed systems to allow these. Other reviews are from genuine patients who have had an excellent result but are unhappy because they had unrealistic expectations of what plastic surgery could achieve for them. This group may attempt to attack or hurt their surgeon by posting multiple bad reviews under different fake names.
Genuine Negative Reviews and Feedback
A genuine negative review can be written by a patient who had a problem after their surgery or required revisional surgery. Unfortunately complications from plastic surgery can happen to any patient, which is why we thoroughly explain these possibilities to our patients during the consultation.
A surgical complication can happen to anyone and is something that is disappointing for both patient and surgeon. A good surgeon will go out of their way to ensure that the issue is resolved.
Furthermore, the surgeon and practice may even be prevented from replying to negative comments under privacy legislation.
Best Way to Find the Right Plastic Surgeon for you
Ultimately the best way to choose the right surgeon and procedure is to ensure you leave your patient consultation well informed and with a good feeling about the surgeon.
Your surgeon should have explained the surgical procedure, its benefits, risks and a range of options and whether they believe it will offer you the solution you are seeking. You should feel that the surgeon has really listened to and understood your wishes.
The Best thing is to Educate Yourself
The best way to choose the best surgeon is to do your research. We hope that this website and our guides to plastic surgery help.
What to do next?
Our Patient Liaison Team can assist with any questions you may have when considering a procedure. You can send in an enquiry form below or call our Melbourne Clinic between 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday.
Phone (03) 8849 1400, Email us: reception@cocoruby.com.au with our Patient Liaison Manager or a Virtual Consultation with a Surgeon.
Visit our FAQ page, learn more about your procedure or have a look at our Before and After Photos.
