During tough economic times, consumers everywhere are pinching pennies and looking for price breaks on all types of goods and services. The costs of plastic and cosmetic surgery are no different.
Doctors Face and Body observed the economic writing on the wall at Plastic Surgery 2008, the annual scientific meeting of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) in Chicago which wrapped up this year’s event on November 5th.
Dr. Face (Dr. Kotler): Doctor, did you hear the results of the survey among ASPS members about the impact of today’s economy on plastic surgery?
Dr. Body (Dr. Linder): Did I ever! Turns out 62 percent of surgeons reported a downturn in procedures compared to this time last year. The Northeast and Southeast are the most affected while the Midwest is the least affected, according to the survey.
Dr. Face: I’ve noticed that procedures in the plastic surgery “hot spots” – Beverly Hills, Manhattan and Miami — are also down in volume.
Dr. Body: But the important thing is, if you know when to ask for a discount on cosmetic plastic surgery, the surgeon’s business manager is more likely to accommodate you.
Dr. Face: One way we keep our operating rooms at full capacity is via patients who are willing to undergo procedures on a space available basis. Usually, we give the patient anywhere from seven to 14 days notice. Or, they can give us a list of days on which they are available. That’s worth a serious discount to us because we always have cancellations for any one of dozens of reasons. But if we can reach out and quickly fill that cancellation, our operating rooms don’t stand idle -which runs up costs for everybody.
Dr. Body: There are also situations in which a patient’s health insurance may cover some of the costs, even if the outcome of the operation provides an improved appearance. Take breast reduction, for example. Health insurance may kick in on that procedure because overly large breasts frequently cause other health problems, most notably in the back and shoulders.
Dr. Face: Same situation with nasal surgery. If the patient’s nose is causing breathing problems, the outcome is frequently a nicer looking nose even when the whole point of the procedure is to improve breathing.
Dr. Body: Any other insurance coverage on facial procedures, Doctor?
Dr. Face: Yes, for some patients who have sinus woes. During the final month of the year, we see many more patients for both nasal and sinus surgery because the insurance deductibles for the year have been recorded. So the insurance company, if the request is granted, picks up most of the tab.
Dr. Body: There are also times when you should not ask for a discount. Typically, the most busy times for body procedures are from late November to the new year and again during April –when people want to get in better shape for summer –and on through July, when the kids are out of school. The slow time for body procedures are when school starts once again.
Dr. Face: Here’s another tip for patient savings, Doctor. If you want to bring another person interested in plastic surgery with you to the first consultation, the fee is the same as for one. If two people want to undergo surgery at the same time, the fees will be less than if each had surgery separately. The savings can continue if two post-surgery patients occupy one room in a recovery center.
Dr. Body: What are your slowest periods for facial rejuvenation, Doctor?
Dr. Face: Many of our patients are a bit longer in the tooth and have requested procedures to make the face appear more youthful. That includes eyelid lifts, face lifts and wrinkle removal. So from the last week in November through the first of the New Year, we are usually booked solid. However, the first two months of the year are the least busy. So if you can arrange to have your facial surgery then, we can offer the usual procedures at only 75% of its full price.
Then, during summer, we become busy again, with many high school and college students booking appointments for nose jobs and other facial procedures.
Dr. Body: Many people are intimidated by plastic surgeons and are reluctant to ask about fees, costs and other pricing. What’s the best way for a consumer to get around that?
Dr. Face: Just call and ask! Everybody – plastic and cosmetic surgeons included – understand we all must be careful about spending right now. Just tell the office manager you are interested in such-and-such a procedure and would like to know if it fits into your budget. She can usually give you a range of probable costs, but you should be sure and leave your initial consultation with a firm quote on the total costs of your surgery.
Dr. Body: Be sure and mention credit cards, Doctor!
Dr. Face: Gladly! If a patient can write a check or pay cash for cosmetic plastic surgery, ask if
there is a discount for that. The reason? If you put the procedure on a credit card, the credit card company also charges the doctor’s office.
Besides, doing without credit cards is the current “in”thing to do in this economy!
What do you think? What discounts would you like to see in plastic Surgery? Post your questions/comments below!
Other Plastic Surgeon Bloggers who have something noteworthy to say:
- New Zealand Dr. Thomas Stuttaford: “How Plastic Surgery has a profound effect on the mind.
- Dr. Ben Lee: How Americans Invested $13.2 Billion in Plastic Surgery During 2007.
- Stewart Wang, M.D., F.A.C.S. Stem cells for Breast Augmentation?