You probably already know that the cost of plastic surgery, like the cost of any other healthcare-related service or medical procedure, can be high. But a big price tag doesn’t mean that plastic surgery is out of your reach.
Whether you’re considering a body procedure, such as a tummy tuck, or a facial procedure, such as a facelift, understanding the true price of surgery and how you can manage the costs can help you determine whether or not you’re ready for a cosmetic procedure and if the plastic surgery you’re considering works within your budget.
Cost of the Surgery
The cost of plastic surgery varies considerably based on a number of factors. Those factors include the type of surgery you want and how complicated it is. In some cases, the price of a procedure can vary quite a bit based on where on the body it’s performed and the particular technique a surgeon uses.
Usually, the more complicated and difficult the surgery and the more equipment and specialization it requires, the higher the price tag.
What’s Included in the Price?
Occasionally, patients are surprised to find that the price of surgery is considerably more than they expected or more than what was printed on a website or listed as an average surgical fee.
That confusion might stem from the fact that there’s a difference between the surgical fee and the total price of the surgery. The surgical fee only covers the amount the surgeon charges to perform the surgery. There are likely to be other costs involved, which can include:
- Anesthesiologist’s fee
- Operating room cost
- Follow-up care costs
- Cost of any garments or accessories required
When you consult with a plastic surgeon about a particular procedure, they are likely to give you a proposal that will detail all of the costs you can expect to pay. Knowing the final, full price tag of a particular procedure allows you to see if it works for you and helps you avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Cost of Preparing for and Recovering From Surgery
The price tag of the surgery itself is just one thing to consider when you’re thinking about plastic surgery. It’s also important to determine how much plastic surgery might cost you in terms of missed work or other missed opportunities to earn income.
If you work for a company that offers a generous amount of paid time off, you might not have to concern yourself with the cost of missed hours on the job. But if your job doesn’t offer paid time off or if you’ve already used all of your time, you might either have to accept that you’ll lose out on the income while you take time off to recover or you might have to find a way to make up your missed hours at work, so that your income doesn’t take a hit.
You also want to think about the costs associated with preparing for your surgery and recovery. You’ll need to cover the costs of getting yourself to and from the surgeon’s office for your consultation, surgery, and any follow-up visits.
If you need to hire someone to watch your children or pets during your appointments, don’t forget to include the cost of doing so in your calculations. The same is true if you end up hiring a housekeeper to help out while you recover or if you get a meal service during that time.
How to Manage the Cost of Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery might be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be out of reach. Your health insurance isn’t likely to cover your procedure, but you’ll probably have a few options when it comes to financing the surgery.
Several medical financing companies exist to help patients manage the cost of plastic surgery and other treatments. These companies often offer interest-free financing, provided you pay off the balance within a year, or very low-interest rates for people who want to take longer to pay.
If you’re interested in plastic surgery, it can be worthwhile to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon, even if you’re not sure if a plastic surgery procedure works within your budget at the moment. Meeting with a surgeon can help you get a better idea of what you’ll need to pay and what your options are for financing. Dr. Paul Vitenas is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Houston, Texas, offering patients a variety of surgical and non-surgical procedures. He accepts multiple types of healthcare financing, as well as major credit cards and cash. Call 281-484-0088 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Vitenas today.