Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

SurgeonScout ("we," "us," "our," or "Company") operates as a consumer-driven plastic surgeon directory aggregator. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring you have a positive experience on our website.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, including any other media form, media channel, mobile website, or mobile application related or connected thereto.

2. Information We Collect

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information about your device, including:

• • IP address and browser type
• • Pages visited and time spent on pages
• • Referring URL and search queries
• • Device type and operating system
• • Geographic location (general)

Information You Provide

We may collect information you voluntarily provide, such as:

• • Name and email address (if you create an account)
• • Search queries and filters used
• • Surgeon profile interactions and bookmarks
• • Feedback or inquiries submitted through contact forms

Third-Party Data

We aggregate publicly available surgeon data from public records, including state medical boards, NPI Registry, Google Places, Yelp, Healthgrades, RealSelf, and other public sources. We do not own this data; we organize and present it for consumer transparency.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• • Providing and improving our directory service
• • Personalizing your search experience
• • Analyzing usage patterns and trends
• • Responding to your inquiries and feedback
• • Sending service-related announcements
• • Complying with legal obligations

4. Data Aggregation & Third-Party Content

SurgeonScout aggregates publicly available information about plastic surgeons from multiple sources. This information is republished under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which provides immunity for platforms that aggregate third-party content.

Important: We do not own or create the surgeon data displayed on our platform. Each data point includes a link to its original source. If you believe any information is inaccurate or violates your rights, please contact the original source or submit a DMCA notice as described in our Terms of Service.

We cache surgeon reviews and ratings for up to 6 hours to improve performance. Fresh data is fetched from public APIs (Google Places, Yelp, Bing) on each page load when available.

5. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to:

• • Remember your preferences and search history
• • Maintain your login session
• • Analyze website traffic and user behavior
• • Improve our service

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. Disabling cookies may affect some functionality of our website.

6. Information Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information in the following circumstances:

• • Service Providers: With vendors who assist in operating our website (analytics, hosting, payment processing)
• • Legal Requirements: When required by law or in response to valid legal process
• • Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
• • Aggregated Data: We may share anonymized, aggregated analytics with partners

7. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information, including:

• • SSL/TLS encryption for data in transit
• • Secure database storage with access controls
• • Regular security audits and updates
• • Limited employee access to personal data

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Your Rights & Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

• • Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• • Correction: Request that we correct inaccurate information
• • Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal obligations)
• • Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications

To exercise these rights, please contact us at [email protected] with your request and proof of identity.

9. CCPA & GDPR Compliance

California Residents (CCPA): You have the right to know what personal information is collected, used, shared, or sold. You also have the right to delete personal information collected from you and to opt-out of the sale or sharing of your personal information.

EU Residents (GDPR): We process personal information based on your consent or our legitimate interests. You have the right to access, rectify, erase, or restrict processing of your data. You also have the right to data portability and to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.

10. Children's Privacy

Our website is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, we will delete such information and terminate the child's account.

11. Third-Party Links

Our website contains links to third-party websites, including surgeon websites, review platforms, and public records databases. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. Please review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of material changes by updating the "Last Updated" date and, if necessary, by sending you a notification. Your continued use of our website constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us: