Yesterday, news about the big box face lift company “Lifestyle lift” fraudulent online testimonials led to a $300,000 settlement. Apparently the company was trying to balance its negative online reviews by asking employees to pose as satisfied customers and writing raving reviews. I don’t have any specific comments about this company. The only Lifestyle lift surgeon that I know is actually a well trained plastic surgeon. The purpose of this blog is not to rub it in but rather to discuss online reviews.
Wherever there are anonymous reviews there is the risk of deceit. In this case apparently some of the reviews posed as individuals with names.
Personally, I have a number of members of my own staff who are happy customers but my ethics would not allow them to post a review of me or my practice. There is simply too much conflict of interest. My belief is that doing a good job and trying to make patients happy is all that I can control. Good reviews should be the reward for a job well done.
On a positive note…I have read some of the reviews of plastic surgeons in Utah and for the most part those with the best reviews I would consider some of the best plastic surgeons. The same can be said for some of those with poor reviews.
I would like to believe this is an isolated event and is not happening elsewhere. Hopefully, this settlement will disuade people from tooting their own horn.