Cosmetic surgery is a significant investment physically, emotionally, and financially. Medical procedures are not an area where you can cut costs at the expense of quality, so it’s essential to know the financial commitment you are making before going ahead.
The Cost of Common Plastic Surgeries
Plastic surgery prices vary, depending on several factors, starting with the clinic you choose. Picking a clinic solely based on the low cost of its treatment is not advisable, as you tend to get what you pay for. Here are some approximate costs for common surgical procedures.
Facelift
Facelifts can reduce telltale signs of aging, such as loose skin, deep creases, and sagging jowls, by moving the layers beneath the skin to a more youthful position. Facelift techniques have developed considerably over time and now offer much subtler results. Due to their delicate nature, facelifts typically cost around $12,000.
Abdominoplasty
Colloquially known as a tummy tuck, an abdominoplasty procedure involves removing excess skin and fat, often gained from age, pregnancy, or due to weight loss, to flatten the tummy and tighten the abdominal muscles. This effective surgery has a price tag of approximately $8,000.
Liposuction
Despite maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine, some people find it difficult to shift fat from specific areas of their bodies. Liposuction can help with this problem. This procedure, which was first developed 100 years ago, uses suction to remove unwanted fat cells and costs an average of $6,000.
What Does Your Money Cover?
Many people consider the emotional and physical benefits of cosmetic surgery to be priceless and believe that the cost of the operation is worth the confidence and self-esteem they gain from the treatment. However, when making a significant financial commitment, it’s helpful to know where your money is going, and the cost of cosmetic surgery can usually be broken down into the following categories:
- Pre-op consultations with the surgeon.
- Cost of materials such as silicone implants or hyaluronic acid filler.
- Medical professional fees for the surgeon and nurses.
- Cost of anesthesia.
- Operating room costs, such as the cost of operating machinery.
- Post-surgical pain relief medication.
- Aftercare and follow-up appointments.
Don’t Compromise on Your Treatment
When facing a considerable bill, it is tempting to go for the cheapest option on the market, but, when it comes to something as serious as surgery, there are more important factors to consider other than cost.
Clinics that offer prices notably lower than others on the market or bargain deals or coupons are usually best avoided. Your safety and the quality of the result are paramount, so you should take into account the following details:
- It’s crucial you feel comfortable with your surgeon and happy with their plans for your treatment. If you are unsure about the surgeon, don’t be afraid to shop around until you find the right doctor for you that understands your goals.
- You should ensure your surgery will be performed in a credentialed operating room by a highly qualified board certified surgeon.
- Ask about your doctor’s experience and documentation of past surgeries. It’s usually best to opt for a surgeon specializing in cosmetic surgery—even better if they specialize in the procedure you want—rather than a doctor who does cosmetic surgery as part of another specialty.
- Do a little research to ensure your clinic gets its products, such as dermal fillers and implants from reputable manufacturers.
Financing Your Cosmetic Surgery
Finance should not be a barrier to you getting quality cosmetic surgery. If you and your doctor feel that now is the right time for you to get your surgery, there are financing options that can help you achieve your goals.
Many cosmetic surgery clinics accept payment through financial companies such as CareCredit, Prosper Healthcare Lending, and Alphaeon Credit. These options allow patients to get their surgery when they want it and pay over time. Often they provide 0% interest financing for a specific period. Just make sure you read all the fine print before committing to a loan to pay for your treatment.
Make Your Plastic Surgery More Affordable
While you should never compromise on safety or quality to get a cheaper deal on your plastic surgery, there are ways to ensure you are not paying more than average.
Do Your Research and Shop Around
Plastic surgery is a huge physical, emotional, and financial commitment, so it’s worth taking the time to find a surgery that has both great credentials and a competitive price.
Always Read the Fine Print
Make sure the initial price you are quoted includes all expenses, such as consultation fees and follow-up appointments, to avoid nasty surprises further down the line.
Check Your Insurance Policy
You may be surprised to learn that some plastic surgery, or parts of the procedure, such as lab fees, are covered by many insurance companies if they have a medical purpose, such as breast reduction decreasing back pain.
Bundle Your Surgeries
If you plan to get multiple treatments such as a chin implant and brow lift, it can work out to be cheaper to do them at the same time. Talk to your surgeon about how this will affect your recovery before going ahead.
Planning Your Plastic Surgery
When deciding to get plastic surgery, there are many factors to consider, including the financial commitment involved. Knowing what your treatment will cost in advance allows you to plan ahead so, when the time comes to schedule your procedure, you won’t have to make compromises such as using your preferred clinic based on finances.
