Costs Of Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery prices have dropped like a rock in the last two decades. Affordable plastic surgery is now within the financial grasp of most people. And because procedures are affordable, millions of people are trying to figure out how to get the best price from the best doctor in their area. It can be a daunting task, but with a little preparation anyone can find a good surgeon for the procedure they want at a price within their budget.

In general there are two types of plastic surgery: cosmetic and reconstructive. Insurance covers most reconstructive surgery, such as breast replacement after a mastectomy, or surgery for damage caused by an accident or fire. Cosmetic surgery is not covered by insurance. Most often cosmetic surgery is done to correct something the patient doesn’t like about himself or herself. So consumers of cosmetic surgery want to be well informed when it comes to price and the surgeon’s ability.

Most people don’t know that any surgeon, who is licensed to practice, can call himself or herself a plastic surgeon. But not all plastic surgeons are board certified. This is an important distinction, and is often responsible for wide fluctuations in price for a single procedure. Board-certified plastic surgeons have completed extensive specialized training in the field of plastic surgery; those who have not been certified have not had the training.

It is usually advisable to shop around. Get several opinions and several estimates. Consumers should make sure that they understand what each estimate covers. Does it cover pre-op and post-op care? Does it include the cost of the operating theater and the attending professionals? Also, they should note on the estimates the experience level each surgeon has for their particular procedure. Only when they compare apples to apples, are they able to make a sound decision.

According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery the five most requested surgeries for women are: lipoplasty (liposuction), eyelid surgery, breast augmentation, breast reduction, and abdominoplasty (tummy-tuck). The men’s list for most requested surgeries matches that of women, with one difference that hair replacement takes the place of breast augmentation.

This same report provides an average cost for these procedures. They are:

(1) Nose job, $4350.

(2) Tummy-tuck, $5150.

(3) Silicone breast implants, $3900.

(4) Breast reduction, $5500.

(5) Liposuction, $3000.

(6) Eyelid surgery, $2900.

If your surgeon quotes a price substantially higher or lower than the average, find out why? The difference may be pre-op and post-op care. The price difference may be due to where the surgery will take place: in the surgeon’s facilities or in a hospital. Plastic surgery is infinitely more affordable these days. Using a reasonable amount of caution, you can find an affordable procedure with a surgeon you can trust.