Beware of Low Cost Liposuction Procedure
When shopping for cosmetic surgeons, it's important to consider the hidden costs of bargain clinics. Firstly, because of lower prices, most surgeons that compete on price make up for their thinner margins through volume. That means they are more likely to tell you that you are a candidate for their services. It's important for the individual to do their own research and consult with a variety of surgeons. And if you are being price conscious, it's best not to go too far from the median because you begin to take on unforeseen risks once the price falls too far below average. For your reference, the average cost of liposuction in the abdominals should be between $4,000 and $8,000.
If you feel it absolutely necessary and can't afford it in one payment, then ask your surgeon about payment plans. Sure you wreck your finances; it doesn't have to be permanent. But wrecking your body by destroying fat cells naturally given to you by birth is permanent.
Many of the low prices in advertisements don't disclose the fact that they are only quoting one of the three fees. There are two other charges that will be added to your total bill which they won't tell you. You will be billed for the amount of anesthesia used as well as facility fees depending on the equipment that is needed for the procedure.
Anesthesia fees usually vary from $500 to $1,000 depending on the dosage your surgeon thinks you need for the size of the area. And facility fees, depending on the number areas where you'd like liposuction performed, range from $600 to $1,200. These make up two of the three charges in all plastic surgery procedures. The rest of the cost is the surgeon's fee.
Some advertised discounts fail to mention that you will not be getting a board certified anesthesiologist but a nurse. Some advertise board certified cosmetic surgeons but have surgeons in dentistry, gynecology, or just a general practitioner. Make sure your surgeon is not without a board certification in plastic surgery.
Trying to find a bargain should be one of the last considerations since surgery is such a serious procedure. In fact, you probably can't help the price because liposuction prices vary according to the cosmetic surgery market of the region, the skill of the surgeon, and the amount of work you want done.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recently put out a warning that the quality of care and safety cannot be compromised by those considering plastic surgery during the economic downturn. It states that patients should proceed carefully prior to putting their health and physical bodies in the hands of anyone who is not qualified to perform surgery. But you already knew that didn't you?
May 02 2009 10:43 am | Liposuction