How to Reduce the Cost of Cosmetic Surgery

What is the cost of cosmetic surgery? Cosmetic surgery has a huge price range, and how much you will pay depends upon many factors. Fortunately, there are ways to pay less for cosmetic surgery without sacrificing the quality of your results.

Instructions

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  *How to Reduce the Cost of Cosmetic Surgery: Discuss Anesthesia Options*

  Many plastic surgeries can be performed under local anesthesia or conscious-sedation rather than general anesthesia. While some surgeons will not compromise on this, others will consider what you have to say. For example, if you are having scar revision cosmetic surgery, it might not be not be necessary for you to have anything but local pain blockers. If you believe you have a high pain threshold, and are willing to be injected multiple times, this might be an option for you. (If you have had the same type of surgery before, under "local", and were okay with that, let your doctor know.) Of course the decision is up to you and your doctor (so please do not take this as medical advice!)

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  *How to Reduce the Cost of Cosmetic Surgery: Travel*

  If you are in the U.S., the cost of cosmetic surgery generally runs higher on the east coast than in the rest of the country. Also, expect to pay more in larger cities. That said, some of the most well-known and respected surgeons operate in these places, so weigh your costs versus benefits. Do consider traveling to a "more expensive" area if you believe that your results will be better. (Please see Additional Resources for more about this.)

  Before you consider medical tourism, which might make the costs of surgery very low, DO YOUR RESEARCH. Far exceeding the cost of cosmetic surgery done by highly skilled cosmetic surgeons is the cost of surgery performed poorly or in unsanitary conditions. Make sure that any doctor you choose is licensed and in good standing. Consider cosmetic surgeons that are affiliated with major hospitals or universities, or who are well-known in their fields because of their particular expertise.

  Be sure to visit the website of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons for more information about medical tourism and what you should expect from a cosmetic surgeon in the U.S.

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  *How to Reduce the Cost of Cosmetic Surgery: Generic Prescriptions*

  If you have been given prescriptions, see if they brand name or generic. If the doctor routinely prescribes brand name medications, it might be because of "ease of use". Perhaps the brand name drug needs to be taken only once a day but the generic needs to be taken three times a day. Whatever your surgeon's reason, s/he might be open to prescribing you the generic form. This could reduce your cost of prescriptions considerably.