Member Resources

ABOUT US

OUR TEAM

CAREERS

STANDARDS

CONTACT US

PRESS

Community Member Resources

RealSelf provides a supportive platform for you to discuss treatments, share your journey, and connect with members and doctors.

We want you to have a positive experience as part of our community. These resources and tips can help you stay healthy and safe.

Protecting Your Privacy

RealSelf takes security seriously and respects your right to share your experiences anonymously.

You can help keep your personal information private by making sure you only share what you’re comfortable making public.

  • Choose a username that does not include your real name or email address.
  • Don’t post your phone number, address, email, or social network accounts.
  • Make sure your photos don’t show identifying marks or tattoos. You can always blur, crop, or add stickers to hide distinguishing features before sharing.

Choosing a Qualified Provider

Finding an experienced provider is one of the most important choices you’ll make.

  • Read a variety of patient reviews for any provider you're considering.
  • Browse before and after photos posted by the provider and by their patients.
  • Consult with more than one provider to compare their recommended treatment plans and price quotes.

See our complete guide to choosing the right plastic surgeon for you.

Review Moderation & Authenticity

All reviews on our site are moderated by a highly trained team before they’re published. Among other checks, they ensure the reviewer doesn’t have a conflict of interest, like being a family member or on the doctor’s staff. Learn more about our process.

If you are concerned about the authenticity of a review, please contact us, and the RealSelf Escalation Team will investigate.

Reporting Harassment or Bullying

It’s illegal to threaten, harass, or intimidate someone online. It’s also a violation of RealSelf’s Code of Conduct and Terms of Service.

Most RealSelf members are friendly and helpful, but if you encounter someone who is violating our Code of Conduct, please contact us and let us know what’s happening. Include the person’s username and a link to their inappropriate comment(s) in your email to us.

If someone is bothering you, we want to know about it, so we can make it stop.

Mental Health and Personal Safety

Recognizing Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition that affects nearly 5 million people in the United States. It’s characterized by obsessive thinking (more than an hour a day) about an imagined or slight flaw in your appearance. This fixation is so intense that it eventually leads to problems functioning at home, work, or school.

BDD may manifest itself in repetitive behaviors like constantly checking the mirror, seeking reassurance from others, and picking at your skin. Those who suffer from the disease may also avoid social situations, become obsessed with cosmetic surgery, or wear hats, scarves, and makeup to camouflage perceived flaws.

If you think you may have BDD, take the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Self-Test to see if you should seek help from a psychologist or physician.

Preventing Self-Harm or Suicide

If you or someone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to speak with a trained crisis counselor 24/7. A crisis worker will work to help identify options and information about mental health services in your area.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has online resources about finding help for yourself or someone else.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness has information about understanding self-harm, treatment, and what to do if someone you know is self-harming.