Beauty comes with a price. If your idea of beauty is a little cosmetic surgery and update, that price may be rather costly. These prices depend on which surgery you are doing and who is doing the procedure. It may or may not be worth it to you, depending on how long the surgery will last, how much of an impact it will make on your psyche and how many other risks you incur.
Money
Cosmetic surgery is truly an investment. Depending on your location and the type of surgery you are interested in, the cost can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. Unless your surgery is disease- or accident-related or is a reconstruction from a problem at birth, you will not be able to deduct the cost of the surgery from your taxes, as you sometimes can with other medical costs. These costs are most often not covered by insurance, unless the surgery is prescribed by a doctor or is constructive to take care of damage from a disease or accident.
Location
Where you have the surgery may affect the cost. You may find that medical colleges that offer reconstruction and surgical programs, such as the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, will provide lower prices for elective surgeries. Others have chosen to go overseas for these surgeries. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons warns those who choose this method to conduct thorough research of the office they have chosen. Patients should remember they are undergoing surgery and should guarantee they will be taken care of.
Alternatives
If you don’t have the lump sum of the fees for your elected surgery or can’t afford to finance the procedure, you may choose a more temporary option. For instance, you can talk with your doctor to see if there is a smaller, simpler procedure that will give you similar results. For instance, you may choose ongoing injections rather than a face-lift. Lotions and other products sometimes offer dramatic results at a cheaper price.
Other Costs
Even if you have the thousands of dollars it takes to finance your surgery, you must calculate any associated costs. If you have children, you may need a baby sitter. You may lose days at work while you recover. There may be other fees involved in your surgery, such as patient care, checkups or supplies. Ask for a full price before deciding whether you can afford the surgery.
Considerations
Don’t forget that there are other costs involved, other than just monetary prices. Because cosmetic surgery is a real surgery, there are medical complications possible. Talk with your general care doctor, in addition to a surgeon, to ensure that your body is prepared for such a procedure.
