AestheticMatch vs RealSelf: Concierge Matchmaking vs Marketplace Listings (2025)
Why this guide exists
If you’re searching for cosmetic surgery options in 2025, you’ll inevitably come across two very different approaches:
- Aesthetic Match — a concierge service that personally matches you with pre-vetted surgeons, then manages the details from consults through recovery.
- RealSelf — a massive online marketplace where patients browse reviews, Q&A, and doctor profiles, then decide and coordinate on their own.
This guide breaks down how they actually work in practice: service model, vetting, fees, aftercare, pros/cons, and who each is best for—so you can decide which fits your journey. (No outbound competitor links.)
One-Page Snapshot
| Dimension | AestheticMatch | RealSelf |
|---|---|---|
| Core Model | Human concierge with curated surgeon matching | Marketplace: reviews, Q&A, and doctor listings |
| Patient Fees | $0 to patients | $0 to browse; doctors pay for ads/memberships |
| How Matching Works | Quick call → 3+ curated proposals with itemized quotes | Patients self-navigate profiles, reviews, Q&A |
| Surgeon Vetting | Pre-vetted, board-certified only | Broad directory; “verified” profiles, ads boost |
| Aftercare Support | Concierge stays with you through 90 days post-op | Support varies by doctor |
| Coverage | Nationwide screened network | Largest footprint nationwide |
| Best For | Patients who want human guidance, curated options, and logistics handled | DIY researchers who want depth of reviews and Q&A |
How Each Service Actually Works
Aesthetic Match — Human Concierge From the Start
You book a quick call. A live concierge learns your goals, timing, and budget. From there, you’re matched with three carefully curated surgeons (and more if desired). Proposals include:
- Itemized quotes (surgeon, anesthesia, facility, garments, labs, meds).
- Photos, outcome data, and OR availability.
- Concierge scheduling, reminders, and follow-ups.
Patients pay $0 in platform fees. Aesthetic Match partners with practices on a fixed-fee basis—not a cut of your surgery. Most importantly, your concierge remains available before, during, and for 90 days post-op with 24/7 support.
RealSelf — The DIY Marketplace
On RealSelf, patients browse a huge database of reviews, Q&A, cost guides, and doctor profiles. You can see before/after galleries, read patient stories, and filter by location or procedure. Doctors may pay for visibility, so placement isn’t always neutral.
You ultimately shortlist, request consults, and coordinate logistics directly with practices. RealSelf itself doesn’t provide aftercare or concierge support—it’s up to you and your surgeon.
Surgeon Vetting & Quality
- Aesthetic Match: Only admits board-certified surgeons with clean records; every practice is pre-screened.
- RealSelf: Huge variety—any doctor can list. Verified/claimed profiles exist, but paid visibility and advertising can influence what you see first.
Pricing & Transparency
- Aesthetic Match: Free for patients. Proposals are itemized apples-to-apples (surgeon, anesthesia, facility, meds, aftercare).
- RealSelf: Free to browse. Doctors pay RealSelf for ads and memberships, which can shape placement. Pricing transparency varies by doctor.
Human Touch vs Marketplace Breadth
- Aesthetic Match: Humans curate, guide, and stay with you through recovery.
- RealSelf: You get breadth—tons of content and reviews—but comparison, logistics, and scheduling are all on you.
Support Before, During & After Surgery
- Aesthetic Match: Concierge arranges consults, manages logistics, and remains in close contact for 90 days post-op.
- RealSelf: Community Q&A is helpful, but aftercare depends entirely on your surgeon’s office.
Pros & Cons
Aesthetic Match
✅ Human-guided matching (3+ curated proposals)
✅ Board-certified, pre-screened network only
✅ $0 platform fee for patients
✅ 24/7 support + 90-day follow-up
✅ Itemized cost breakdowns reduce surprises
⚠️ Requires a short call (not fully self-serve)
⚠️ Smaller public content footprint than RealSelf
RealSelf
✅ Massive directory of doctors, reviews, and Q&A
✅ Free to browse; great for DIY researchers
✅ Strong community content footprint
⚠️ Visibility can be influenced by paid ads
⚠️ Vetting varies—requires careful diligence
⚠️ No concierge or post-op support
FAQs
Is Aesthetic Match free for patients?
Yes. You never pay a platform fee. Quotes come directly from surgeons.
Can I see more than three surgeons?
Yes. Three is the starting point, but more are available if they fit your criteria.
How is RealSelf free?
Patients don’t pay; doctors pay for visibility and memberships.
Who vets the surgeons on each platform?
Aesthetic Match does screening before referral; RealSelf allows broader listings with varying vetting.
Bottom Line
- Choose Aesthetic Match if you want human guidance, $0 platform fees, vetted surgeons, and 24/7 concierge follow-up for 90 days post-op.
- Choose RealSelf if you want to research deeply through reviews and Q&A, and don’t mind coordinating consults and logistics yourself.
When you’re ready for curated proposals from screened surgeons in 48 hours, start here:
👉 [/get-matched] • [/how-it-works] • [/surgeons] • Explore hubs: /atlanta • /austin • /miami • /tampa • /houston • /dallas