- Having More than one Plastic Surgery Procedure done at the same time: I strongly advise my patients that are interested in having more than one cosmetic procedure to have them done at the same time for the following reasons:
- Most surgeons routinely decrease the second procedure by at least 25-30%
- Having the procedures at the same time also produces
- one recovery episode,
- one-time off work resulting in a significant savings in fees, and
- one anesthetic fee.
- It is important to note that if one is contemplating having multiple procedures, it is under the discretion of the surgeon to ascertain whether the patient is healthy enough to avoid any added complication risk.
- Avoid Expensive Hospital Fees for Cosmetic Surgery: a great many cosmetic surgery procedures are done in a hospital setting and this can lead to increased fees. First there is the cost for the hospital room, then the anesthetic cost is also included. If the surgeon has an accredited operating room in his or her office, the overall cost can be significantly reduced by avoiding these additional hospital and anesthesia charges. It is highly recommended that an outpatient facility be fully accredited by The American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities. This organization demands the highest safety standards in outpatient accreditation and has for nearly 40 years.
- Plastic Surgery procedures that may be covered by insurance. Many patients are unaware that certain plastic surgery procedures are often covered by insurance. The most common procedures are:
- Rhinoplasty: nasal surgery may be covered if the nose has been disfigured by injury and the patient has nasal breathing issues.
- Scar Release (scar revision): in some instances, this is covered by insurance if there is a scar contracture and it limits normal body function. Example: scar of the eyelid prevents partial closure of the eye.
- Breast Reconstruction: either after mastectomy or lumpectomy and even if a revision is needed after breast reconstruction, it is mandated to be covered in some states.
- After Breast Augmentation scarring around implant can be corrected and possibly covered by some insurance companies.
- Eyelid Surgery: this may be covered if the recommended procedure will help restore normal vision and reduce eye irritation.
- Breast Reduction: if breast size contributes to one’s daily activities, most insurance carriers will consider coverage.
- Removal of a Mole: if the examining physician notes any worrisome changes in a mole then insurance may cover its removal.
- Have insurance-covered procedure done at same time as a Cosmetic Surgery procedure: In many instances, the patient’s insurance carrier will partially cover and significantly reduce anesthesia costs and any hospitalization cost if a prior-authorized insurance-covered procedure is done simultaneously with a plastic surgery procedure. The two most common instances are noted below:
- Tummy Tuck (cosmetic)/Abdominal Hernia Repair (insurance-covered)
- Breast Reduction (insurance-covered)/Tummy Tuck (cosmetic)
- Having a procedure done during certain times of the year:
- During summer months, practices may offer discounted fees because of the lower volume of cases scheduled during this time of the year
- Holiday season: paid time off work while recovering from a procedure
- Take Advantage of Cosmetic Surgery Financing opportunities: we have reviewed several financing opportunities, and we recommend CareCredit.
- Many Practices Routinely Offer Specials: These specials may include skin care, fillers, and even Plastic Surgery. It would be wise to sign up for the practice’s online email newsletter to keep informed about upcoming seminars and seasonal specials that may be available. Also, it would be wise to enlist in the practice’s VIP offers which can also generate considerable savings on Plastic Surgery procedures and services.
- Selecting a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon when considering cosmetic surgery is probably the most important factor. A physician certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgery ensures that he or she has been intensively trained in performing these cosmetic procedures and is able to manage any complications that may occur. This is important because there may be a higher complication rate with non-board-certified surgeons which can ultimately lead to higher costs and the possibility of a more difficult recovery period.
