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Cosmetic surgery is highly affordable for many Americans. For that
reason, it has become popular with mainstream society--not just
the rich-and-famous. Everyone likes to look great. Costs range from
the low side ($50-$2,000) for peels, one-spot liposuction, eyelid
lifts, and lip augmentation; to medium-priced ($2,500-$5,000), for
breast augmentation, breast reduction, and liposuction (several
areas); to high-end ($6,000-$10,000), face-lift with eyelid and
forehead lift and peel, or full-body liposuction. When you're comparing
various doctors' fees, be sure that the quote you're getting is
all-inclusive--plastic surgeon's fee, anesthesiologist's fee, and
operating room fee. You need to know everything up front in order
to make a good decision; there should be no hidden costs. For the
total picture, add in the costs of pain medication and antibiotics.
PAYMENT
Fees for cosmetic plastic surgery are collected prior to surgery. Most types
of aesthetic procedures are considered elective and thus, not covered by most
insurance plans. Sometimes, however, a surgery to improve function will be covered;
examples are ear surgery for the birth defects of ears; nose surgery for difficulty
breathing attendant to a broken nose or defective interior structures; eyelid
lift when drooping lids impair vision.
RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS
Cosmetic surgery is like all surgery in that there are risks attached. You
will be informed of these prior to your operation. Although plastic surgeons
routinely perform thousands of procedures every year, an occasional patient
may have an adverse reaction to anesthesia or experience a post-op complication--infection,
blood clots, or poor healing. Both smoking and taking aspirin are unadvisable
before and after surgery. Remember that while you do, indeed, have a competent,
skilled surgeon , there is no one who can offer risk-free surgery or guarantee
perfect results. Cosmetic surgery reshapes tissue, which makes no result totally
predictable. One of the best things you can do is follow your doctor's instructions
for post-op care, which will help to ensure the very best outcome possible.
DO NOT EXPECT TO SEE THE FINAL RESULTS OF YOUR SURGERY IMMEDIATELY!
Be patient, and you are very likely to be pleased in months to come.
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