Dr. Sam Jejurikar’s Expert Insights and Patient Trust

Online Reviews as a Medical Resource in Plastic Surgery

Online reviews have transformed patient choice in the plastic surgery industry, where a single review can significantly influence potential clients. However, as Three Plastic Surgeons and a Microphone emphasizes in episode 97, relying on reviews in a field as specialized as plastic surgery carries risks. In this episode, Dr. Sam Jejurikar, known by many as one of “the best plastic surgeons in Dallas” professionals, discusses the fine line between helpful feedback and manipulated narratives with Dr. Sam Rhee, Dr. Lawrence Tong, and Dr. Salvatore Pacella.

While reviews help prospective patients assess a surgeon’s reputation, the podcast warns that some reviews may be misleading or even manipulated. As Dr. Rhee highlights, recent cases of review fraud, such as a Seattle surgeon fined for allegedly pressuring patients to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), have highlighted serious ethical concerns. Dr. Jejurikar agrees, noting, “If you see somebody with perfect reviews all across the board, that actually should be a red flag,” suggesting that a variety of feedback can be a more reliable indicator of a surgeon’s authenticity. For Dr. Jejurikar and his co-hosts, the episode’s discussion reinforces the need for balanced reviews that reflect both the challenges and successes of plastic surgery, giving patients a realistic foundation for their choices.

As the panelists emphasize, HIPAA regulations limit surgeons’ ability to publicly address some complaints, creating potential “one-sided” reviews. This limitation often leads to ethical dilemmas as surgeons try to protect their reputations while complying with privacy laws.

The Pitfalls of Manipulation in Plastic Surgery Reviews

In the podcast episode, the panelists dive into the complex territory of review manipulation and its dangers in plastic surgery. Dr. Jejurikar and his colleagues discuss a recent case involving a Seattle surgeon who faced legal action for allegedly manipulating his online presence through fake reviews. The surgeon’s case resulted in a substantial fine after it was revealed he used NDAs to control patient reviews, demonstrating the lengths some in the industry go to secure their reputation. “Clearly, this guy crossed the line into illegality,” says Dr. Rhee, noting how the surgeon allegedly “posted fake reviews, he forced patients to sign illegal NDAs that banned them from posting or saying anything negative.” Dr. Rhee adds that such behavior is not only illegal but ethically unacceptable in the medical field, where transparency is vital.

Dr. Jejurikar echoes this sentiment, warning that “you can’t manipulate reviews… it’s not only unethical to do that, but it’s also really easy to get caught doing that.” With algorithms increasingly capable of detecting suspicious review patterns, review manipulation can backfire, casting a shadow over a surgeon’s credibility. The panelists advise patients to be wary of surgeons with flawless, highly-rated profiles that lack detailed descriptions. Authentic reviews often include specifics that help patients understand the surgical process and the surgeon’s approach.

While platforms like Yelp, Google, and RealSelf are valuable resources, the episode emphasizes the importance of critically reading between the lines. Plastic surgeons are limited by HIPAA in how they can respond to patient reviews, which sometimes leaves them unable to clarify or defend against misleading or exaggerated negative comments. As Dr. Jejurikar explains, “With HIPAA laws… patients have the ability to say anything they want about us, and we can’t discuss the nature of the case.” This limitation often leaves prospective patients with incomplete information, which can skew their understanding of a surgeon’s reputation.

Dr. Pacella adds that patient testimonials are nuanced and not always directly related to the surgeon’s competence. “If you see somebody with perfect reviews all across the board, that actually should be a red flag,” he advises, as truly authentic feedback often includes a range of experiences, including occasional criticisms. By focusing on both positive and constructive reviews, Dr. Pacella and his co-hosts recommend that patients seek a surgeon with a balanced reputation rather than an unrealistic “perfect” profile.

Balancing Transparency and Confidentiality in Review Management

For plastic surgeons, maintaining transparency while safeguarding patient confidentiality is an ongoing challenge. In the podcast, Dr. Tong reflects on how HIPAA regulations limit surgeons from responding to reviews with the same openness seen in other industries. Unlike a restaurant or retail business, where owners can publicly address complaints or clarify issues, plastic surgeons must follow strict privacy protocols that restrict them from discussing patient details—even when a review may misrepresent facts. This is an ethical tightrope that many practitioners must navigate carefully.

Dr. Jejurikar, shares his approach to these ethical dilemmas. He emphasizes the importance of honest patient feedback and proactively encourages satisfied patients to leave genuine testimonials. This transparency, he explains, is essential for building trust. “If you have a negative reviewer… that adds to the credibility,” Dr. Jejurikar notes, underscoring that a mix of positive and constructive feedback can provide prospective patients with a realistic picture. By embracing authenticity, surgeons can maintain their ethical standards while giving patients the information they need to make informed choices.

Dr. Tong agrees, highlighting that ethical transparency builds a foundation of trust and attracts more credible patient reviews. He advises surgeons, particularly those early in their careers, to focus on delivering quality care rather than trying to curate a flawless online reputation. “The best protection against negative reviews is just to try to encourage your happy patients to write reviews so that they get a more balanced idea of how satisfied your patients are,” he says, advocating for a more genuine approach to review management.

The podcast underscores that while the pressure to build a strong online reputation is high, especially for younger surgeons, ethical practice is essential. Dr. Pacella advises new practitioners to resist the temptation to manipulate reviews and instead let their work speak for itself, as word-of-mouth and authentic testimonials often prove more valuable than artificially curated profiles.

Evaluating Patient Testimonials: The Importance of Context and Detail

One of the most significant insights shared in this episode of Three Plastic Surgeons and a Microphone is the need for patients to assess reviews carefully. Dr. Jejurikar highlights that genuine patient testimonials go beyond simple ratings to provide context, detail, and a nuanced view of the surgeon’s skills and approach. In one instance, Dr. Jejurikar recalls a patient who wrote about a “mommy makeover” that “transformed [her] quality of life.” This detailed, sincere feedback gives potential clients a sense of what to expect from the procedure and the surgeon’s expertise, something star ratings alone cannot convey.

Dr. Pacella reinforces that patients today are “incredibly savvy” and recognize the value of detailed narratives in reviews. “The reviews that actually have texts and descriptions with them—the longer the better, the more detailed,” he notes, pointing out that such in-depth testimonials often give a more comprehensive look at the surgeon’s approach, bedside manner, and skill. A prospective patient can gauge whether the surgeon’s values and care philosophy align with their own, making the review process more informative.

According to the panelists, one of the best approaches for patients is to focus on reviews that include specifics about the procedure, consultation process, and follow-up care. Dr. Rhee mentions that word-of-mouth referrals from former patients often bring the most reliable insight, as these come from personal experiences. But for those who rely on online research, the co-hosts of Three Plastic Surgeons and a Microphone recommend a discerning approach. A high rating alone isn’t sufficient, Dr. Tong warns, and “if you see somebody with perfect reviews all across the board, that actually should be a red flag.”

In closing, the podcast episode emphasizes that while online reviews are a valuable tool, they should be one part of a broader decision-making process that includes direct consultations, patient referrals, and careful evaluation of the surgeon’s experience. For prospective patients seeking guidance, Three Plastic Surgeons and a Microphone—often cited as the “best plastic surgery podcast” for industry insights—offers a candid look into the ethical considerations surrounding online reviews and the value of transparency in building patient trust.