According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), there was a 3.4% increase in aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery procedures in 2023. As advancements in accessibility and safety continue, this upward trend is expected to persist. This has revived interest in plastic surgery pricing and how it is determined. This blog aims to demystify the factors that impact plastic surgery costs so that prospective patients can make an informed and affordable choice.
What is Plastic Surgery?
Plastic surgery is a surgical subspecialty. It includes surgical procedures that restore, reconstruct, repair or alter the tissues/body parts to improve either aesthetics or function or both. It is classified into two types. The first type is cosmetic surgery which is conducted for aesthetic improvement. The other type is the reconstructive surgery, which is performed for functional improvement
How are Plastic Surgery Expenses Determined?
Many factors have a part when determining the cost of plastic surgery procedures. Prospective patients are often confused by the fact that the same pricing for the same plastic surgery procedure is not the same across the board. Clearly understanding the pricing process is essential to gauge affordability and plan financially for the plastic surgery procedure as well as the post-procedure recovery process. Following are the basic factors that have a significant impact on the cost of any plastic surgery procedure:
Surgeon
The plastic surgeon’s qualifications and credentials are utmost important in the success of any plastic surgery procedure. These also significantly impact plastic surgery pricing. Surgeon attributes that may drive up the overall cost of a surgery include:
- Board certification
- Years of experience in plastic surgery
- Relevant specializations
- Clinical reputation
- High success rates and safety profile of surgeries
Location
Where you get the surgery also affects plastic surgery costs. Plastic surgeries in metropolitan cities often cost more compared to smaller cities. The transportation from one location to the other adds to the transportation costs. Many times a procedure in the patient’s country of residence may cost more than in a reliable medical tourism destination. Where to have plastic surgery is a complex choice and all the pros and cons need to be considered before coming to a final decision.
Hospital
Procedures at speciality hospitals generally cost slightly more due to the comprehensive care and services on offer. These include access to various types of equipment, relevant sub-speciality support, surgeons, laboratory and pharmacy access, pre and post-operative services, etc., all in one place. It is always prudent to choose a fully accredited facility (hospital or clinic), highly respected and professional staff for a safe surgical experience.
Type of Procedure
The type, scope, and the level of customization add to the cost of plastic surgery procedures. Things like if the procedure is cosmetic or reconstructive, the type of anesthesia (local vs general), whether it is a standalone procedure or is a part of a combination surgery, etc., are crucial in deciding the final cost of the surgery.
Insurance
Due to being elective, cosmetic surgeries do not have insurance coverage in most places. This can significantly drive up plastic surgery expenses. Reconstructive surgeries are covered by insurance, however, patients may face long wait times and difficulty accessing their procedure of choice.
Many patients may choose to get plastic surgery at a medical tourism destination like Turkey for more affordable care. In any case, it is essential to thoroughly understand the cost breakdown and account for travel expenses, etc., to avoid any surprises later on.
What is the Role of Medical Tourism in Plastic Surgery Pricing?
Medical tourism has comprehensively improved the access and affordability of the cost of plastic surgery procedures. Surgeries that were once out of reach to many due to high costs can now be availed with ease and comfort. The risks and reward of affordable pricing versus making a decision solely based on online resources have to be carefully considered.
Turkey is a well known medical tourism destination that provides successful plastic surgery services to thousands of patients every year. Key cost considerations while planning a plastic surgery procedure in Turkey include:
- Select a comprehensive and diverse surgical package
- Consider surgeon qualifications, credentials, and success rates carefully
- Choose a clinic or hospital with a good reputation and proper facilities
- Avail the free consultation many facilities offer to have a frank discussion with the surgeon
- Plan for post-operative care
- Consider travel costs and logistics
Frequently Asked Questions
How to find out the exact cost of a plastic surgery procedure?
Contact the patient care services at your facility of choice to get an exact price quote for your procedure.
Are the costs for a specific plastic surgery the same in all hospitals?
No, based on various factors the price for the same surgery may vary between hospitals/clinics.
What is a free consultation before plastic surgery?
Many hospitals/clinics offer prospective patients complimentary free consultation to discuss their case with the plastic surgeon properly.
How to ensure that there are no hidden costs of a plastic surgery procedure?
Asked for an itemized list of expenses from the hospital/clinic before committing to having plastic surgery to ensure there are no hidden costs.
Is revision surgery cheaper than the original procedure?
No, due to potential for scarring, adhesions, altered anatomy, revision surgery often costs more.
