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Increase of Cost for Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery was first introduced to repair damaged tissue and remedy impairments such as a cleft palate. The two most common types of plastic surgery are reconstructive and cosmetic. Cosmetic surgery is more focused on improving the appearance of a person, while reconstructive surgery is done to correct issues caused by burns, injuries, facial bone fractures, congenital abnormalities, infections and even cancer or tumors. As the demand and popularity of plastic surgery has increased, so has the cost for the procedures.

  1. Breast Augmentation

    • The number of women choosing to increase the size of their breasts has increased by 476 percent in the past 17 years, which is the largest increase in cosmetic surgery procedures. When this procedure first became available, a silicone-gel implant was originally used but was later restricted by the FDA. Now, saline implants are used instead. As the procedure has become more accepted and popular, the price has also increased. Several factors play into the cost of this surgery, including the physician's skill, where the surgery takes place, what type of anesthesia you choose and the cost of the implants themselves. The total cost can range anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000.

    Face-Lifts

    • Face-lift is another type of cosmetic surgery that has become more popular over the past 20 years, causing an increase in cost for the procedure. The price for a face-lift can range from $6,000 to $25,000 and depends on factors such as the experience of the surgeon and which face-lift procedure the patient chooses. This type of cosmetic surgery also includes more than just the surgeon's fee; it must factor in hospital and anesthesiologist fees.

    Liposuction

    • Liposuction, also known as suction lipoplasty, is one of the most popular forms of cosmetic surgery. This procedure eliminates stubborn fat deposits. Liposuction works by permanently removing these deposits. As with all cosmetic procedures, as the popularity and demand has increased, so has the cost. Fees for liposuction depend on the area of the body the procedure is to be performed on. Price can average anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000. Some surgeons even offer financing options for this procedure.

    Cleft Palate Repair

    • Cleft palate is a birth defect affecting the upper lip and the roof of the mouth. Cleft palate repair can be performed as early as 6 weeks of age. The cost of this type of reconstructive surgery usually averages around $5,000, but often patients will need more than one surgery as they grow older. However, many insurance policies will cover this type of procedure, as it is reconstructive, not cosmetic, and can aid in speech, feeding issues and hearing.

    Risks

    • The increase in the cost of malpractice insurance for surgeons due to inherent risks associated with the procedures is another reason for the increased costs in plastic surgery. Plastic surgery procedures, like all surgeries, carry certain risks. Many times the risks depend on the patient's physical health as well as emotional well-being. Certain medications can increase risks during surgery. Smoking and alcohol consumption may result in a longer healing time for the patient. As with any surgical procedure, these risks should all be discussed with your physician.

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