What’s Involved in the Cost of Plastic Surgery?
The cost of plastic surgery is one factor most patients need to consider when deciding whether or not to pursue a specific cosmetic surgery procedure. The cost of cosmetic surgery varies depending on the type of procedure and the plastic surgeon’s geographic location. There are also several other variables that can come into play. Below, plastic surgery New York City provider Dr. Joshua Greenwald outlines some general guidelines to help you figure out what exactly is involved in the cost of plastic surgery.
General Plastic Surgery Fees
In general, the principal costs of plastic surgery include the cosmetic surgeon’s fee, operating room fee, anesthesia fee and possibly a fee for implants, depending on what type of plastic surgery procedure the patient plans to pursue.
In addition, there are additional smaller costs to keep in mind when undergoing plastic surgery. These include the cost of any needed preoperative medical tests, prescriptions, required surgical garments, such as the compression garments needed after liposuction or the surgical bra required following breast augmentation surgery, and a few other miscellaneous costs.
Variables That May Affect the Cost of Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery may cost more in certain geographical areas, such as major urban centers. This is because the cosmetic surgeon’s overhead costs are usually more in these areas, as well.
The total cost of plastic surgery also varies depending on what body part is being treated. Treating larger areas of the body such as the abdominal area usually costs more than treating smaller areas of the body such as the upper arms.
Another factor that can affect the total cost of plastic surgery is if multiple body areas are being treated at once. For example, patients may want to treat the abdomen, back and thigh area with liposuction. Or, moms may want to undergo mommy makeover surgical treatment, which typically involves both abdominoplasty (“tummy tuck” surgery) to address the lax abdominal skin and weakened stomach muscles that pregnancy can cause, as well as breast augmentation surgery to restore fullness to breasts that have been flattened by breastfeeding.
Some cosmetic surgery treatments involve the use of implants, such as breast implants for breast augmentation surgery, buttock implants for Brazilian butt lift surgery, a chin implant for chin augmentation surgery, etc. With procedures that involve implants, the cost of the implants is usually included in the plastic surgery fee, but implant-based procedures usually cost more than those without implants.
Questions to Ask the Plastic Surgeon
Undergoing plastic surgery is an important decision, and cost is an integral factor to keep in mind. That is why it is important for those who are considering plastic surgery to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to gather all the needed information regarding the procedure, including fee information.
When consulting with the plastic surgeon, two of the most crucial fee-related questions you should ask are:
- What is included in the plastic surgery fee? Is it just the surgeon’s fee, or does it include the operating room fee, anesthesia fee or any related implant fee?
- Do you offer payment or financing options?
Choosing a well-qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon and asking him or her the right questions will increase the chances of getting the most favorable return on this investment, which is exactly what plastic surgery is: an investment in oneself.
To schedule a personal consultation to find out more about your plastic surgery options, please contact the practice of Dr. Joshua Greenwald by calling (914) 421-0113 today.
Dr. Joshua Greenwald is a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City who studied and trained at prestigious educational institutions including Columbia University, Emory University, and New York University School of Medicine. His keen aesthetic eye and refined surgical techniques have led him to be a top choice for cosmetic face, breast, and body procedures in NYC. His exceptional patient care has earned him the distinction of “Top Doc” by both Westchester Magazine and Castle & Connolly for over 10 years running. Dr. Greenwald is an active member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Medical Association, and the Westchester County Medical Society.