Feedback from the RealSelf Community

This forum is like Trip Advisor for your body. Nothing like hearing it from someone who has been there.

By Yellow Bikini on Tired of Maggie in the Middle - Washington, DC

Thank God for this site and people who shared so that others know what to expect. Because of everyone here I was prepared emotionally to handle the 4 week healing process of lipo. Thank you Real Self members and doctors.

By Glwebster93

I've gained lots of courage from this website. I'm still nervous but feeling positive after reading so many other stories. This website has been such an inspiration, I'm almost looking forward to surgery day!

By 46Ky on Full TT Jan 21, 2011

Thanks for your fantastic website!!! I am having my 2nd procedure this year. The research I have been able to do through RealSelf has made me more confident about my decisions. These Dr's that are involved in answering the questions are smart to do so. Both the Dr.'s I chose are active on RealSelf. Thanks again!

By Sharona via email

I just had cosmetic surgery and it was a very positive experience. Right after, I discovered your website. While in hiding for a week, I was able to learn alot about my surgery. Even though my plastic surgeon and his crew were meticulous with explaining things, it was so nice to get additional information from other professionals. Thank you for this high quality, informative site. Keep up the good work!

By Rebecca via email

I am a big fan of this site. Other member's contributions helped me a lot during my recovery time with their advises, experiences and just helping to feel like a "member of a club" during the time I was most vulnerable.

By lovingCA

I love RealSelf and tell everyone about it.  I even visited a contributing plastic surgeon in Oklahoma City and told him that I followed his posts and only went for a consultation because I respected the way he treated people on RealSelf.  My only regret is that I didn't find the site sooner.  What I love is the variety of physician responses.  You can tell so much about them not to mention the value of the knowledge they share.  Thank you and the others for all that you do for us!

By NHaven via email

I was very nervous but this site has helped me feel so much better. I am not telling too many people because I am kind of private. That is why it is so wonderful to have all of you to help me through this. I want to thank all of the women who have posted their experiences, it means so much.

By teachermom27

Finding this website with other mommy makeover potentials/alumni is the icing on my journey! I can't wait to learn from all of you and share my story. I loved the "10 Things I wish I knew..." and have read some others stories. It makes me more excited everyday. I also love how people post their before, during and after photos. It helps when you can see results.

By Dolly24

Thanks a million for making all us consumers so aware of the important facts! We really appreciate what you have created here! Really good work everyone!!!

By Barbara via email

This website has been amazing for me. I read as many stories as I can I spend hours learning about other people's experiences. I wanted to know exactly what I was getting myself into with this surgery and I think there's no better person to hear it from than someone that has been there and done that. So thanks to everyone for sharing there experiences. It is not only helpful but very insightful.

By Phu2002

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the RealSelf web site. It is very informative. I am going to see a doctor for Lasik. Thanks to all the comments, I now know what to ask and expect. I wish I had found this site before I had the Smart Lipo.

By Greece7577

Just posted the before pics. Yikes. Very humbling to have hid this from the world and now am purposely exposing to everyone. Its for a good cause I think. Im doing this because so many awesome women on this site have logged their journeys and photos and they have been sooo helpful to me. Thank you for taking the time to post your experiences. Also the camaraderie and encouragement I find amongst everyone here has given me strength.

Faith22

Real Self is a great site, I was so prepared in terms of knowing what to do what to buy and so on, and without this site I would have been helpless.

By MS 2HOT

I just came across your site and had to tell you that your site is in one word - awesome. Really great job from the concept to the info to the interface. Will definitely recommend to others.

By Lisa via email

I love this site. RealSelf has helped me find so many answers, get good real advice and find the perfect surgeons to go with! I love that people can tell their experience to help others in making their decisions :)

By Kiera

Your RealSelf website is WONDERFUL and is really helping to educate its members. THANKS for a great job.

By Second Surgery via email

I just wanted to say thank you to your website and the doctors that answered my question. I think it is a very informative forum that make people aware of risks involved and gives realistic view points from patients.

By flipc via email

Realself is destined to become one of the great sites on the internet. What a wonderful concept. Plastic Surgery patients with worries can place their questions, concerns, and photos on Realself and in a few days they can have the expert opinions of 5, 10 , 15, or more experts in plastic surgery. This incredible concept saves the patient time and money and allows valuable information to quickly reach out to them. I have been very impressed with the high quality of advice physicians have issued. I have seen only the finest answers given with ultimate professionalism. Just think how fantastic this is for patients in distress, worry, or just seeking great advice. The staff of Realself has been spectacular in helping me get a productive site that above all else supplies patients with a source of information. Collectively, all of the fine doctors on Realself make this just a brilliant resource for patients and folks in the community seeking expert advice. I find it so much fun answering patients questions and also reading the answers given by other physicians. Its not just patient education that evolves, it is a real learning experience for me. Every time I go on Realself I pick up valuable hints, pearls, and suggestions from my fine colleagues. I thank Realself, I thank my fellow physicians for their answers, I thank the many patients for their absolutely great questions, and I thank Maureen Francisco for introducing and guiding me in this amazing experience. Upward, onward, and many thanks

By George Commons, M. D.

Just wanted to say what a fantastic site this is! The reviews of different procedures are really helpful and reading through the Q&As has increased my knowledge immensely -- far more than a Google search would have. I asked a couple of questions about Botox having been left unsure of my outcome by the surgeon who injected me and the answers were incredibly helpful. I don't know anywhere else that would allow access to such a wealth of information, knowledge and expertise. Well done, and thank you!

By Corkgirl via email

I love this site. I now know so much more of what to expect than I did before. Thank you everyone for all the info. There is so much knowledge grouped in one place here that nearly every question that I can think of has an answer.

By chinababe60

Yes this is so helpful, what you are doing here ... I can't imagine what it would be like to go into this blindly. Although I am sure I will be going thru some real anxiety and last-minute panic attacks, I feel I have someone to talk it over with and share.

By Kanajune 

On August 5th, I had an apron tummy tuck with lipo and eyelid lift surgery. I was totally unprepared for the events that followed. Wish I had knowledge of Real Self before I went in. My surgery and recovery would have gone so much smoother. RealSelf is now my favorite site.

By Mail Lady, Apron Tummy Tuck w/Lipo and Eyelid Lift Surgery - Houston

I wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know how much I love your website.

I love being able to chat and hear about other patients "Real" experiences. It is always helpful when making such important surgical decisions. I have also enjoyed being able to cheer others on as they are nervously waiting for their upcoming surgery. I know I really appreciated that during my waiting period. In years past this information was not talked about and pretty much just swept under the carpet. It is refreshing to know that this service and information is now so readily available.

I did rely on your site to obtain quality information prior to my surgery and it was very helpful. Everything I read was very accurate. Having top quality MD feedback is also a big plus. I love the fact that you pre-screen all physicians to ensure this information is coming from excellent sources. I did research other web sources but most were sketchy to say the least. You need to be very careful and selective on which information you run with and that is why I choose RealSelf. You can definitely say that I am a little "Addicted" to the site.

Keep up the good work in providing such a wonderful service.

By Kimmers25

I just had to stop and write to your company/site directly and THANK YOU SO MUCH for creating such a life saving and helpful tool to us out here in the general public. Without this site, I could have made some of the tragic mistakes some others have who have been so kind and gracious to tell us their stories on your site. It's truly a life saver

In addition, the positive stories help us all so much in making the right decisions as well. It is unfortunate that there is so much conflicting information and marketing in the cosmetic and plastic surgery industry and that it is, sadly, often about greed rather than what is actually in the best interest of the consumer. The average individual truly does not know what to do much of the time and what and who to believe. The tool that you provide us at RealSelf is invaluable!! Thank you again...and keep up the great work!! 

Linda via email

Since I have joined RealSelf.com, I have been thinking more and more about my upcoming consultations in the next 3 weeks. Looking at the success stories is truly inspiring

Planning on Mommy Makeover

The whole purpose of my little blog here is not to discourage you from the procedure but to better prepare you for it. I only wish some one had done the same for me.

Dallas hair transplant review

Just wanted to take a moment to let you know that you have a GREAT website, and THANK YOU for all the wonderful topics, MD opinions, and the ability to post questions. THANK YOU to all of you who made this website possible.

Jlosc via email

I want to thank all of the folks who have posted on this web site for their insight, feedback and information. I have decided to post my TT experience on this web site since this really was my go to place for information prior to my TT experience.

SurfGirl writing about her Tummy Tuck

 Have been looking for a site such as yours where I can share my experiences and research new procedures from pros as well as other consumers like myself.  I am really glad you moderate posts, as I can't  believe the amount of spamming that goes on with beauty-related message boards. Just wanted to say thanks and I look forward to being an active participant.

 Arden W.

I just wanted to take a moment to express to you my sincere gratitude for all you do to make this site what it is: absolutely fabulous! RealSelf is a veritable wealth of valuable information, both professional and personal. I waste no time at all extolling its many virtues to anyone I know who is considering any type of cosmetic procedure. Thanks bunches to Tom and everyone else at RS for your time and effort... they are NOT unappreciated!

Allie by email

love what your are doing to help us make decisions and feel more comfortable about this procedure and what to expect.

KathrynS by email

I was thrilled to find your site. The interaction and information is just fantastic....just what I have been looking for. To find a site with information on all types of cosmetic surgery and, at the same time, have the opportunity to discuss different procedures with individuals who truthfully tell of their experiences...what can I say...it's FABULOUS!

Ann by email

Dear Everyone At RealSelf.com, I just wanted to thank you for starting this WebSite. As naive consumers, many of us believe the advertisers and doctors. We often fail to recognize that their main interest is to sell their products and services and take our money. Many of these cosmetic procedures are very expensive and "often" don't work as advertised. It is nice to hear from other people like myself, to hear their honest experience. It allows us to properly evaluate these products and procedures, and gives the power back to the consumer. YOUR WEBSITE IS WONDERFUL. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

Tammy by email

thank YOU for giving us all a voice.  Had I found you and these posts BEFORE going for these proceedures , I never would have.  It is only in the last year and half that people are 'blogging' more about things like this. 

RealSelf member: Cleopatra

I am so glad I found this site! I let my gray hair come in a few years ago and remained that way for about a year....

Demarie commenting on Gray Hair - No longer something to hide?

I am glad that I found this site and read about what everyone else is going thru....Thanks every one for sharing your stories and God Bless.

Review: You want my credit card

...I was lucky, and now that I have found this site I am another $4500.00 richer...

Review: Hated the Experience

Thank goodness I googled "youthology eye serum review" and found this website... 

Youthology Works?

I nearly had botox and filler a week before our Europe trip -- I am SO GLAD I found this website! I will wait until I get back...

AZ Juvederm

Thank you very much -- I just joined. You do a tremendous service for people by having this informative site. Very well done.

I very much look forward to feedback.  Thanks again!

 Marybeth commenting on Bad blepharoplasty leads to depression

I love your website. It is packed with great information and a fantastic forum for communicating with people that interested in image solutions. I only wish I found it BEFORE my lipodissolve. Keep up the great work.

S.B. via email

 Wow, I just discovered this web site. I cannot thank you enough.

Deborah via email

Only just found your site, but boy am I glad I did! Perfect balance of easy to read and professional advice. Will be sure to bookmark it and return often! Keep up the good work.

G.N. via email

 ...I also wanted to mention realself.com is a great site! As a designer, I appreciate a website that is visually pleasing, intuitive and easy to navigate, as well as providing informative, useful information. Your site is a great resource!

Jody via email 

Love this site!!!

Diane

Wow, my doctor is awesome. She saw this review of my ActiveFX and sent me an e-mail and asked me to come in for a touch-up that will hopefully address some of my issues. I thought I was SOL since the procedure doesn't always effect everybody the same. I figured I was just unlucky. This is great customer service and very much appreciated.

Juladair in an ActiveFX review

The response from the doctor is great!!  Its exactally what I thought, but really wanted to make sure! 

Stephanie69 who posted a Juvederm lip injection question

I have already received answers from my question and just want to say THANK YOU for having this website. It really helps people to make these big decisions and ask questions. Just wanted to say that this is a great website and very helpful! Thanks again

LovelyLady who posted Is Tummy Tuck safe for overweight patient?

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