SOURCE: RealSelf.com
Alliance Between the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons (ASBPS) and RealSelf.com Creates the Most In-Depth Online Consumer Resource on Surgical Options to Address Excess Skin From Significant Weight Loss
LAGUNA BEACH, CA–(Marketwire – October 13, 2010) – The American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons (ASBPS) today announced a partnership with RealSelf.com, a community that shares, discusses, and rates cosmetic services and procedures, that enables its 134 surgeon members to seamlessly participate and contribute to the growing online community.
The ASBPS delivers expert advice and educational resources on body contouring surgery with the goal of helping patients that have lost significant weight to find a knowledgeable and experienced plastic surgeon. This partnership significantly expands on the existing resources available to RealSelf.com visitors who anonymously seek authoritative counsel on post-surgical bariatric care and excess skin issues.
“For some patients, the euphoria — and associated health benefits — of significant weight loss may be tempered by the new realities of excess skin,” said ASBPS President Edward J. Domanskis, M.D., F.A.C.S. “This can be a highly personal issue, and before considering surgical options, many people first turn to online sources for education. RealSelf.com provides consumers with an easily accessible expert community, an open forum for discussion, and credible, of-the-moment resources. Our member surgeons look forward to sharing their knowledge to improve the quality of life for consumers seeking elective body sculpting surgeries.”
RealSelf.com includes thousands of first-hand accounts from past patients on hundreds of cosmetic services and skincare treatments, including Worth It ratings, cost, diaries of the experience, before and after photos, and videos. To date, board-certified doctors have posted more than 100,000 answers to consumer questions on RealSelf.
“Our bariatric surgery community on RealSelf.com has shown a marked increase in consumer interest, and we’re responding by ensuring visitors get timely, expert answers from leading medical authorities,” said Tom Seery, founder and president of RealSelf.com. “By aligning with ASBPS, we’re now providing access to the latest technologies and news on body sculpting surgery for consumers.”
About ASBPS
The American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons was established by plastic surgeons that specialize in body contouring surgery specifically for patients that have lost significant amounts of weight through non-surgical means, such as diet or exercise, or through the various bariatric procedures. The goal of ASBPS is to help consumers find a knowledgeable and experienced plastic surgeon. Its members are all certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons and most are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons as well as the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery or the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons.
About RealSelf.com
RealSelf.com is the largest social media site for sharing information about cosmetic treatments, cosmetic dentistry, anti-aging, and skin health. Featuring real opinions, reviews, and ratings, as well as doctor Q&A and before and after photographs, RealSelf covers hundreds of topics including plastic surgery procedures such as Mommy Makeovers, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, and liposuction. The Seattle-based privately held company is angel funded. For more information, visit http://www.realself.com.