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Everybody is concerned about the cost of plastic surgery, but who has the time to go see six surgeons to get a fix on the going, fair cost of a cosmetic surgery procedure?
However, an old yellow book expression, “Let Your Fingers do the Walking” still applies.
Using the Internet and your phone together can help get a reasonable idea of what your cosmetic surgery may cost.
Here’s how it works: after thoroughly checking the websites of, say, five or six cosmetic plastic surgeons in your area – or a location you would like to visit – be sure the surgeons are:
- Board-certified
- Have hundreds of before and after pictures
- Receive good plastic surgery review letters
Then phone a practice, say you are interested in a cosmetic surgery procedure and ask for the “Patient Consultant.”
That consultant will gladly spend time on the phone with you because he or she is a fountain of information and knows a single patient phone call is almost as important as a patient walking in the door.
Tell which procedure you are interested in and then let the person ask some simple questions like your age, location, occupation and if you’ve had rejuvenation surgery before.
After a little more chatting, just say: “Well, I’m concerned about costs.”
Of course, the consultant can’t give you a confirmed quote because the plastic surgeon must first determine if:
- You are healthy enough for plastic surgery
- If the cosmetic changes you want can even be done
- In the case of rhinoplasty, the state of your nose allows additional surgery
Of course, being a sophisticated consumer, you already know that.
But you can ask for the typical range of costs, from low to high, usually associated with that particular surgery.
Make sure you ask about:
- The surgeon’s fee
- Anesthesiologist fee
- Facility fee for the operating room
- If the surgeon consultation fee is applied to surgery
In other words, you want a total range of costs. Then, ask: “Is there any way to reduce the cost of plastic surgery?”
What you are really listening for: if the practice offers:
- Layaway
- Stand-by surgery
- Slow season discounts
- Discounts for cash
Some offices will allow layaway payments over time towards your surgery until it’s paid.
Cosmetic surgery may also be discounted during the surgeon’s slow periods. Another discount may be available if you agree to undergo the surgery on short notice, say within five or six days. Ponying up with cash – versus credit card or other financing – may also be worth a discount.