Plastic Surgery Hashtags on Instagram: Education and Marketing | Dr. Daniel Gould

Dr. Daniel Gould co-authored a commentary published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal examining how plastic surgery-related hashtags on Instagram were being used for patient education, professional communication, and marketing.

The commentary discusses research showing that Instagram users often favored everyday language for aesthetic procedures over formal medical terminology. Dr. Gould and his co-author note that this likely reflects the platform's consumer-facing nature and the way plastic surgery content is presented to a broad public audience.

The authors also consider Instagram as a form of direct-to-consumer communication, allowing plastic surgeons to reach prospective patients while sharing educational information and building awareness around their work.

Beyond patient communication, the commentary highlights social media's potential to expand the visibility of plastic surgeons' research and professional interests. As digital platforms became increasingly influential within aesthetic medicine, understanding how patients search for and engage with this content became an important part of responsible professional communication.

The article contributes to a broader discussion about how plastic surgeons can navigate social media thoughtfully, balancing education, professional visibility, and marketing within an increasingly digital patient landscape.