Dr. David Bottger is a world-class plastic surgeon. Over the course of his career, Dr. Bottger has seen a world of changes and advances in he field of plastic surgery. Elective procedures have become more common than ever, while often retaining their allure as luxuries. With more and more practitioners out there, Dr. Bottger noticed dramatic fluctuations in costs. Below, he outlines some prices for elective procedures.
Plastic and cosmetic surgeries typically fall under the realm of elective procedures. In a nutshell, the term “elective” refers to the category of medical operations that are not deemed necessary by the medical establishment. If you have decided to undergo cosmetic surgery for any elective reason, you may have discovered that such procedures come with a price tag that makes regular hospital bills seem cheap in contrast.
Just as no two bodies are quite alike, no two plastic surgeons are either. Quality varies and of course you should always take a great measure of care when selecting a doctor to perform your operation.
It often surprises surgical candidates to know that there are no standardized prices for cosmetic procedures. While industry norms and reasonable rates are out there, ripoffs are abound. Sadly, price gouging exists even within the medical field and everyone needs to be selective about where they undergo an elective procedure. This being the case, I have decided to outline some more common elective procedures and include suggested prices. These prices are meant merely as ballpark figures and should not substitute common sense. As always, you should do as much research as possible when considering any elective procedure.
- Facelift – Technically referred to as rhytidectomy, facelifts are a standard procedure used to combat wrinkles and aging. Though every plastic surgeon should know how to conduct this fairly basic procedure, not every doctor knows how to charge appropriately. I’ve heard stories of facelifts costing entire retirement funds. This is unacceptable. The average cost of a facelift is $7,000 to $9,000, though if you look, you can find considerably cheaper. If a surgeon quotes you a higher price, I suggest seeking a second opinion.
- Nose Jobs – Rhinoplasty is one of the most common forms of cosmetic surgery. Again, this is a bread and butter operation for most cosmetic surgeons. Even still, reconstructive surgery to the nose costs big, usually to the tune of $5,000 to $6,000.
- Eyelid Surgery – This procedure is used to improve the appearance of upper or lower eyelids by raising skin around lids. This restores and makes a candidate look younger and more awake or alert. But alertness has its price too at no less than $3,500 to $5,000.
- Breast augmentation- Breast enhancements may be the most high-profile form of cosmetic surgery in addition to being one of the most often performed. These surgeries help women feel better about their bodies and can also improve balance, posture and back ailments.
- Gynecomastia surgery – Slightly less known than the aforementioned ailments, male breast enlargements can be debilitating and shameful to those afflicted. Gynecomastia related ailments are typically treated by removing excess muscle, tissue and skin from the breasts. These surgeries can vary depending on the patient’s condition, but expect to spend around $3,000 on average for male breast reductions.
- Liposuction – Liposuction can vary dramatically, depending on how many areas you get it done for. For one area, prices average at $2,500 to $4,500.
- Lip augmentation- A few blasts of collagen can bring on your full and beautiful lips. Though a relatively simple procedure, this process retails anywhere from $600 to $2,000.
- Tummy tuck- A tummy tuck can give you a tight and firm abdomen by restoring weakened abdominal muscles. This gives you a great shape and restores vigor and confidence. The price of this procedure is typically a whopping $6,000 to $8,000.
- Chin or cheek implants- A stronger chin or fuller cheek can greatly enhance your profile. This has a great impact on the appearance of your nose and the rest of your face. The price tag for these procedures typically runs $3,000 to $4,500.
The aforementioned list covers some of the most common cosmetic procedures undergone in the United States. This, however, is only a basic list. As such, it always helps to do as much homework as you can before undergoing any procedure. I would also add that safety and competence in a doctor should take precedence over cost, always. The purpose of this article is to ensure you are informed when discussing price, not fishing for bargains at the expense of your health. Be safe and informed and good luck in your search.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
