Reviews matter more for med spas than for almost any other local business. Patients are choosing who to trust with their face, and they compare reviews closely. Reviews also help you rank in the map pack.
The good news: most happy patients will leave a review if you ask at the right time and make it easy.
What Google allows and doesn’t
Allowed:
- Asking every patient for honest feedback
- Sending a direct link to your review form
- Reminding patients once if they haven’t responded
Not allowed:
- Offering discounts, credits, or gifts for reviews
- “Review gating,” where you only send the Google link to patients who say they’re happy
- Writing reviews for your own business or having staff do it
Breaking these rules can get reviews removed or your profile suspended.
When to ask
The best time is when the patient is happiest. For many treatments that’s not right after the appointment:
- Injectables: 10 to 14 days later, once results have settled
- Facials and peels: within 24 hours, when skin is glowing
- Laser series: after the third or fourth session, when results are visible
Make it easy
Send a text with a direct link to your Google review form. Every extra tap loses patients. A short message from the provider works best:
“Hi Sarah, it’s Dr. Lee’s team. We hope you love your results! Would you share a quick review? It really helps others find us: [link]”
Replying without HIPAA problems
Never confirm someone is a patient or mention treatment details in a public reply, even if they mentioned it first.
Instead of: “Thanks Sarah, we’re so glad your lip filler turned out great!”
Write: “Thank you for the kind words! Our team works hard to make every visit a great experience.”
For negative reviews, respond calmly, don’t argue or confirm details, and invite them to call the office directly.