Subnasal Lip Lift: A RealSelf Social Media Analysis

Abstract

Background: Social media is a mainstream method for patient reporting of satisfaction with cosmetic procedures, but few studies have reported on this for subnasal lip lifts. Methods: We performed a social media analysis to identify patient satisfaction with subnasal lip lifts using 578 consecutive reviews on the RealSelf Web site from lip lift surgery patients between January 2010 and June 2019. Reasons for choosing a surgeon and liking the surgical outcome, surgical and demographic variables, cost, and overall “worth it” scores were recorded, and data analyses were conducted. Results: Most reviewers were female (526, 97.2%). Predominant reasons for choosing surgeons related to favorable surgeon personality (214, 37.0%) and skillset/artistry (125, 21.6%), and positive rapport established during consultation (88, 15.2%). The aggregate “Worth It Rating” of lip lift surgery using RealSelf’s methodology was 91.6%. The main reasons for liking surgical outcome were that they looked younger, more feminine, and “balanced” (97, 16.8%); they liked the new shape and fullness of their lips (58, 10.0%); and they liked that their teeth showed when smiling (30, 5.2%). Conclusions and relevance: Overall satisfaction with lip lift surgery is high. Many patients chose their surgeon based on favorable personality traits, emotional connections, and surgeon skillset.