Best Plastic Surgeons In NYC: Study Reveals What Patients Value Most

Choosing the right plastic surgeon is one of the most important decisions a person can make. A new study published in the January issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, found that a surgeon’s experience and personal recommendations remain the most influential factors in selecting the best plastic surgeons in NYC and elsewhere.

What do the best cosmetic surgeons in New York have in common?

First and foremost, people value experience. In the study of 150 patients, 36 percent said that the length of a plastic surgeon’s experience was the most influential factor in their decision making. Surgeons with at least 10 years’ experience were preferred.

Referral was the second most important factor in choosing a plastic surgeon, appealing to 21.5 percent of respondents. Study authors said the most likely place to get a referral was through a general practitioner. Referrals from friends and family members were also highly valued. Patients said they were less likely to be swayed by TV, radio, magazine or internet forum referrals. In fact, these modes of advertising had a detrimental effect on some surgeons.

Travel time was a consideration for 14 percent of the patients, who said they would like to commute less than an hour to see their cosmetic surgeon.

Cost was a factor for 13 percent of patients who said they would be more likely to consider a surgeon priced 15 percent less than average. Only 9 percent of patients said that a surgeon’s website mattered, although they did say they preferred a “more extensive online presentation.”

Clinic size was the least important attribute, cited by just 6 percent of those studied – with local clinics preferred over nationwide chains.

Study findings are likely to influence plastic surgery marketing

Based on their findings, lead author Dr. Nick Marsidi concluded, “[T]he most preferred clinic would be with a specialist that has over ten years of experience, is recommended by the general practitioner, costs 15 percent less than average, with a travel time between 0 and 30 min, is a local clinic and has an extensive online presentation.”

Given these findings, we are more likely to see the best plastic surgeons in NYC focusing their marketing efforts on cultivating relationships with doctors, rather than pursuing high profile TV / radio appearances. Maintaining a proficient website will be important in appealing to other medical professionals, even though it wasn’t top-rated with prospective clients.

Choosing the best cosmetic surgeons in New York

Dr. Thomas W. Loeb fits all of the criteria patients value most when looking for highly skilled plastic surgeons in NYC:

• Experience: Dr. Loeb was board-certified in plastic surgery in 1988 and has been in business for more than 25 years.
• Referrals: Dr. Loeb is very well respected in his field. He has been recognized in “best doctors” lists for New York, which has captured the attention of general physicians who regularly refer patients to him. He is also frequently cited in the national media and known for reconstructing the nose of Paula Jones.
• Travel Time: Located on Fifth Avenue, near East 81st Street, Dr. Loeb is in a central location for people traveling from Manhattan, Long Island, Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, White Plains and Newark. He’s also less than two hours from Philadelphia, PA; Waterbury, CT; and Atlantic City, NJ.

Patients unanimously agree that the excellent results are worth paying for.

“I don’t care what he charges,” one patient who had a tummy-tuck and fat removal for around $19,000 eight years ago explained on RateMDs.com. “The peace of mind I have when I had my operation was well worth it. I have a friend that had surgery at the same time and went elsewhere, at a lower price. She has a horrible surgical scar below the belly and the navel never healed. I have a faded line and no one knows I had surgery.”

Call 212.327.3700 for a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Loeb.