We are grateful for the difference technology has made in our lives. The Internet provides us with information instantaneously. Dr. Kim shares with patients in the consultation the difference between what they may have read online and the truth. While some information is applicable, there are many instances in which the information the patient has gathered does not apply to their situation. For example,a patient may spend hours viewing before and after breast augmentation photos. In many cases t hey may choose photos they believe that they like. Upon examination Dr. Kim could explain that their particular case may include a sagging component which would require a breast lift. Some patients have tuberous breast which require a different technique to achieve an aesthetically pleasing result. The bottom line is: patients are not trained to diagnose their situation and prepare a recommendation without the experts input of a plastic surgeon like Dr. Kim. Self-diagnosing is not exclusive to plastic surgery. According to KTLA Of those who acknowledged they had tried to diagnose themselves online rather than consult a doctor first, 52% said they were panicked by the result. In all, 68% of those that set out to diagnose themselves decided to visit a physician instead of taking Dr. Google’s word for it.
And here’s the kicker: Of those who sought to diagnose themselves online first, and then went to a doctor, 87% learned that their online diagnosis was incorrect.