One of the inevitable issues you will face when considering plastic surgery is the cost. In this article, we talk about the sticker shock of plastic surgery for specific procedures.

Plastic Surgery Sticker Shock

It goes without saying that discussing the “average” of anything is potentially a dangerous task to undertake. In our capitalist economy, prices are dependent on a variety of factors including location, qualification of the plastic surgeon, the number of surgeons in the area and so on.

Given this risk, it is important to understand that the following listings regarding the prices of plastic surgery procedures are to be used as a guideline only. Plastic surgeons in your area may charge exactly these prices, a bit more or a bit less. These numbers will give you a range to consider, but comparing costs quoted by the plastic surgeons you evaluate in your area is the only way to determine the going rate in your town or city. With that caveat in mind, following are procedures and the stick shock prices you might expect to find.

Liposuction - $3,000 to $5,000

Breast Augmentation: $3,500 to $8,000

Rhinoplasty: $4,000 to $8,000

Botox: $300 each location

Eyelid Lift: $3,000 to $6,000

Facelift: $7,500 to $15,000

Tummy Tuck: $5,000 to $10,000

Collagen Injections: $400 to $700

The above procedures tend to be the most popular as of the writing of this article. There are variations to each and entirely new procedures are being offered all of the time. In general, the more specific or new the procedure, the more you are going to pay.

Having put forth the above prices, it is important that you understand something very clearly. Plastic surgery will improve your appearance, but it is a medical procedure like any other. Your body will be modified. Just like you would not select a heart surgeon based on their fees, you should not do so with plastic surgeons. If you find a multiple surgeons you are comfortable with, pricing can be a factor. It should never be the primary factor.

Although the above prices may be cause a bit of sticker shock, plastic surgery costs have actually come down significantly over the last 15 years. Imagine what they used to be!

About the Author

Ricardo de Silva is with PlasticSurgeonPractices.com a directory of plastic surgeons. Visit us to read more articles about plastic surgery.

Tags: Plastic Surgery, Laser Eye Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery, Weight Loss Surgery

When evaluating whether to use a particular plastic surgeon, there are a lot of factors to consider. Talking with other patients about their experience with a surgeon is one of the best.

Plastic Surgery - Talk with Past Patients

Regardless of the medical professional, every office is going to try to put forth their best side to prospective patients. Given that plastic surgery is all about appearances, a plastic surgery practice should be particularly good and doing so. That being said, there is nothing wrong with plastic surgeons or any business offering the best possible view of their practice to entice you to use them. Despite this effort, there is one area that always reveals the quality of the practice - past patients.

A quality plastic surgeon is going to have happy patients. When evaluating a surgeon, you should ask if there is a list of former patients you can speak with regarding their experiences. Not all offices have such a list, but it is a very good sign if they do and you should use it

Because of privacy laws passed in the last few years, it is highly unlikely you will be given the name and number of past patients. It is simply illegal unless they sign a thick waiver, which most surgeons don’t want to bother them with. Instead, the surgeon will usually give your name and number to the past patients, who then contact you.

The nature of plastic surgery is such that patients often like to show off their results. As a result, these individuals will often agree to meet you in person if you ask. Whether you speak with them over the phone or meet for lunch, there are a number of questions you should ask them.

1. How did the process differ from what you expected?

2. Did the final result look like what you wanted when you went in for the surgery?

3. How was recovery?

4. How did the nurses treat you before and after the surgery?

5. What do you know now that you did not going into the surgery?

6. What was the biggest surprise?

7. What did you like least about the services provided and how strongly do you feel about that?

8. Would you do it again?

9. Are you happy with the results?

Obviously, the plastic surgeon is not going to put you in touch with patients that had a bad experience. With this in mind, you need to pay close attention to what the patients say and what they may hint at. The information may open your eyes to issues you have not considered or may put you at ease with the surgeon in question.

As with any business, speaking with previous patients is a great way to find out the skinny on the quality of a plastic surgeon.

About the Author

Ricardo de Silva is with PlasticSurgeonPractices.com a directory of plastic surgeons. Visit us to read more articles about plastic surgery.

Tags: Laser Eye Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery, Weight Loss Surgery

One undertakes plastic surgery for the purpose of improving one’s appearance. In evaluating potential plastic surgeons, plastic surgery pictures of previous patients are critical.

Plastic Surgery Pictures

Before rushing off to have plastic surgery, it is vital that you evaluate different surgeons to find the right choice for your treatment. The evaluation process is important, and you shouldn’t give it short shrift. Part of the evaluation process should be a review of pictures of patients the surgeon has worked on.

If a plastic surgeon does not have pictures of past patients, move on to the next one. Every plastic surgeon should have photographs highlighting their work, so red warning lights should go off if the one you are speaking with does not.

Assuming the plastic surgeon has them, you need to understand what you should be looking for in them. Most people use the viewing incorrectly when evaluating the abilities of the surgeon.

When viewing the photographs, you should first look at the obvious. Does the patient have an improved appearance? This may sound odd, but you have to keep in mind an odd appearance may actually be what the patient was after. A particularly pointed nose or excessively large breasts may have been the original goal, so whether you like the changes is something you should apply nominal value to.

More importantly, you should look for photographs of the specific procedure you will undergo. Does the after picture present the appearance you are after? Again, your goals may be different from the previous patient, so discuss what you want with the surgeon while looking at pictures. The process is similar to getting your hair cut in a particular style. The surgeon needs as much information as possible, and pictures are a great way to explain what you like and don’t like.

When viewing the images, you should also focus on whether the results look natural. The best procedures produce results that blend with your natural body. When viewing the photographs, do you see this occurring consistently or do the changes stand out?

Plastic surgery on past patients is an important indicator when it comes to evaluating a plastic surgeon. Use them to get a feel for the plastic surgeon’s work as well as to convey what you are hoping to achieve.

About the Author

Ricardo de Silva is with PlasticSurgeonPractices.com a directory of plastic surgeons. Visit us to read more articles about plastic surgery.

Tags: Plastic Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery, Weight Loss Surgery, Laser Eye Surgery

Plastic surgery has become massively popular with television shows and celebrities getting improvements right and left. You might be wondering about plastic surgery, specifically where it came from.

Plastic Surgery Through the Ages

To start off, plastic surgery is term used to describe a surgical procedure to modify a normal part of your body for an aesthetic purpose. It is almost always a voluntary surgery and should not be confused with reconstructive surgery which is usually undertaken to fix an abnormal part of the body caused by disease, trauma and so on.

The term plastic surgery has nothing to do with the material known as plastic. Instead, it derives from the Greek language, much as many modern medical terms do. Plastikos means to mold or shape something in Greek, which roughly translates plastic surgery as meaning a molding surgery. If you think about it, this is a very exact terminology since it is exactly what happens.

Plastic surgery is, to the surprise of many, not a modern medical procedure. While techniques are certainly advanced these days, the basic surgical premise is known to have existed since the eight century BC. Susrutha, an Indian surgeon, was known to undertake skin grafts during this period. He was also known to do nose reconstruction, which may sound odd until you realize nose amputation was a common penalty for certain crimes during that period. Ouch!

As seems to be the case with any discussion of the ancient past, the Romans also made advances in plastic surgery. They were known to perform plastic surgery to repair defects of the ear, or at least perceived defects.

Throughout the centuries, plastic surgery existed but was less common. It was not until the last two centuries that it started to gain in both popularity and occurrence. John P. Mettauer is generally considered the first plastic surgeon in the United States, and practiced in the 1820 to 1840s. He was renowned for designing his own instruments, many which form the basis of modern surgical instruments associated with plastic surgery.

Although plastic surgery has always had a place in the medical profession, its position as a popular procedure is relatively recent.

About the Author

Ricardo de Silva is with PlasticSurgeonPractices.com a directory of plastic surgeons. Visit us to read more articles about plastic surgery.

Tags: Plastic Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery, Weight Loss Surgery, Laser Eye Surgery

Rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a “nose job”, is one of the most popular forms of plastic surgery. Used to reconstruct or repair the nose, rhinoplasty is performed on individuals who wish to change their appearance, either in subtle or dramatic form, or for those who require plastic surgery in order to repair damage suffered in an accident.

As is the case with any surgical procedure, including plastic surgery, there are specific risks of infection and/or complications. Rhinoplasty, however, typically requires only small incisions and can either be performed under a local or general anesthetic. The ultimate decision to undergo plastic surgery involves a number of factors, including the patient’s desire, the physician’s recommendation and the complexity of the surgery.

Understandably, many patients are concerned about their decision to have plastic surgery. In addition, they may have a lot of questions surrounding the procedure itself. During the initial surgical consultation, the patient will likely be invited to view either printed or computerized images of how plastic surgery may change their appearance.

One of the greatest hurdles in undergoing plastic surgery is the cost involved. Depending on the patient’s reason for requesting any type of plastic surgery, including rhinoplasty, insurance policies may or may not cover the cost associated with the surgery. If plastic surgery is performed in order to correct injuries resulting from an accident, insurance companies may be more likely to agree. Depending on the insurance company, a second opinion by a qualified physician may help to prove the need for surgery. However, if plastic surgery is requested as an elected procedure, patients may end up footing the bill.

For patients who will be accepting the financial responsibility for rhinoplasty, or any other type of plastic surgery, many hospitals offer a convenient payment plan. Patients will often be directed to the billing office in order to review the hospital’s policy on payment. In almost every case, the patient will be required to sign an agreement accepting full financial responsibility for the services. Because the cost of surgery, the hospital stay and medications can add up quickly, many physicians will urge plastic surgery candidates to carefully consider their decision before proceeding. If a payment plan is reached and hardships later arise causing the patient to miss payments, the hospital may retain their right to file a civil lawsuit in order to collect a judgement for the remaining balance due.

The information in this article is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice and/or recommendations. An individual who is interested in any form of plastic surgery, including rhinoplasty, should consult their physician for more information.

About the Author

To learn more about plastic surgery, please visit our website at http://top-plastic-surgery-tips.info . It is continually updated with the latest rhinoplasty research and resources.

Tags: Laser Eye Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery, Weight Loss Surgery, Plastic Surgery

As is the case with any surgical procedure, including plastic surgery, there are specific risks of infection and/or complications. Rhinoplasty, however, typically requires only small incisions and can either be performed under a local or general anesthetic. The ultimate decision to undergo plastic surgery involves a number of factors, including the patient’s desire, the physician’s recommendation and the complexity of the surgery.

Understandably, many patients are concerned about their decision to have plastic surgery. In addition, they may have a lot of questions surrounding the procedure itself. During the initial surgical consultation, the patient will likely be invited to view either printed or computerized images of how plastic surgery may change their appearance.

One of the greatest hurdles in undergoing plastic surgery is the cost involved. Depending on the patient’s reason for requesting any type of plastic surgery, including rhinoplasty, insurance policies may or may not cover the cost associated with the surgery. If plastic surgery is performed in order to correct injuries resulting from an accident, insurance companies may be more likely to agree. Depending on the insurance company, a second opinion by a qualified physician may help to prove the need for surgery. However, if plastic surgery is requested as an elected procedure, patients may end up footing the bill.

For patients who will be accepting the financial responsibility for rhinoplasty, or any other type of plastic surgery, many hospitals offer a convenient payment plan. Patients will often be directed to the billing office in order to review the hospital’s policy on payment. In almost every case, the patient will be required to sign an agreement accepting full financial responsibility for the services. Because the cost of surgery, the hospital stay and medications can add up quickly, many physicians will urge plastic surgery candidates to carefully consider their decision before proceeding. If a payment plan is reached and hardships later arise causing the patient to miss payments, the hospital may retain their right to file a civil lawsuit in order to collect a judgement for the remaining balance due.

The information in this article is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice and/or recommendations. An individual who is interested in any form of plastic surgery, including rhinoplasty, should consult their physician for more information.

About the Author:

To learn more about plastic surgery, please visit our website at http://top-plastic-surgery-tips.info . It is continually updated with the latest rhinoplasty research and resources.

Tags: Plastic Surgery, Laser Eye Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery, Weight Loss Surgery

Many people seem to think that just having plastic surgery done will change everything. However, it is important to note that proper preparation is vital to a successful experience. This is important not only for people who have plastic surgery done for reconstructive purposes, but also for people who are having it done for cosmetic reasons. Plastic surgery changes things about you, and some people need emotional, as well as physical, help adjusting to those changes. This is especially vital for plastic surgery patients who need to have the surgery as part of a recovery from a severe accident or illness.

For emergency surgery, or for reconstructive surgery, there is very little physical preparation that can take place. The person undergoing the surgery may not even be aware of it. This is why it is important for someone close to the patient to prepare for when the person is confronted by the new reality he or she is living in. A psychologist or counselor can help with this process. Additionally, it would not hurt for a close friend or relative to consult on what he or she can do to help the patient. A good support system needs to be prepared in such cases.

But a good support system is necessary in any case of plastic surgery, even the cosmetic surgery cases. Someone may not fully realize the emotional impact a new look can have on her or him until the surgery is complete. Many ethical and conscientious plastic surgeons make sure that the prospective patient has a psychiatric evaluation before performing the surgery, and some require a couple of counseling sessions prior performing the surgery. This is especially true in cases of plastic surgery that involve gender changes. Proper preparation before such a plastic surgery procedure is extremely necessary. Even though someone might feel as though he or she is finally getting the body that always belonged to him or her, the immensity of the change can still come as a shock.

Physical preparations for plastic surgery are also in order. When the plastic surgery includes procedures to reduce weight, it is important to begin exercising and changing eating habits. Even after the surgery, the body can revert back if no lifestyle changes are made. Exercise and proper eating can also help the body boost its overall wellness, meaning that you will be able to better handle the surgery. It is important that you are as healthy as possible when going in for cosmetic surgery. Even if the surgery is meant to correct obesity, it is possible for you to improve your overall health before going in for surgery.

Finally, many plastic surgeons offer advice and a checklist of things to do in order to get ready for the surgery. It is important that you follow these instructions carefully, so that you have the best possible outcome from your surgery. The directions given by a plastic surgeon are for your own good, and they will help you have a better recovery, both physically and emotionally.

About the Author

Find out more about plastic surgery, and find plastic surgeons at The Plastic Surgery Resource

Tags: Plastic Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery, Laser Eye Surgery, Weight Loss Surgery

Breast Augmentation (Augmentation Mammaplasty) is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breast. It is a surgical procedure which enhances the size of the breast by the implementation of breast implants filled with saline. The average cost for this procedure is $3400.

Breast Lift (Mastopexy) is designed to raise and reshape sagging breasts - to give the person a more youthful breast contour. The procedure removes excess skin and repositions the remaining tissue and nipples. The average cost for this procedure is $3900.

Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammaplasty) is designed for women with very large breasts. The procedure removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer. The average cost is $5300.

Botox is a popular non-surgical injection that temporarily reduces or eliminates frown lines, forehead creases, crows feet near the eyes and thick bands in the neck. The average cost per session is $600.

Chemical Peel (Gyneal Peel (Phenol and trichloroacetic acid [TCA]) is a technique used to improve the appearance of the skin - usually on the face, neck or hands. In this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to the skin that causes it to “blister” and eventually peel off. The average cost is $1500.

Chin surgery (Mentoplasty) this procedure aims at either reshaping the chin by enhancement with an implant or reduction surgery on the bone. The average cost is $2000.

Dermabrasion to refinish skin and give it a smoother, fresher look. It is a mechanical scraping of the top layers of skin using a high-speed rotary wheel. Softens sharp edges of surface irregularities, including acne and other scars and fine wrinkles, especially around the mouth. The average cost is $1500.

Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) can help reshape an ear to a enhance the appearance. Most often undertaken on children between the ages of 4 and 14 years. Average cost is $2800.

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) removes excess skin and/or fat on upper and/or lower eyelids. Average cost: Upper - $1800, Lower - $2200.

Facelift (Rhytidectomy) can reverse the signs of aging and give you back decades. Improving sagging facial skin, jowls, and loose neck skin by removing excess fat, tightening muscles, redraping skin. Average cost is $6000.

Facial Implant to improve and change the basic shape of the face using carefully shaped implants to build up a receding chin, or add prominence to cheekbones. The average cost is $2500.

Forehead Lift ( Browlift) the forehead’s muscles and tissues are reconstructed to be tighter. The frowning and drooping are removed and replaced with a smooth forehead, raised eyebrows, and less frown lines. Average cost is $3000.

Hair Replacement Surgery - hair integration replacement takes existing hair from the back of your head and places it where there is thin hair. It fills in balding areas with a patient’s own hair. The average cost is $3000.

Laser Facial Resurfacing - a laser is used to remove areas of damaged or wrinkled skin, layer by layer smoothing and softening lines around the eyes and mouth. Average cost is $2250.

Liposuction ( Suction-Assisted Lipectomy) helps sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas, including the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks and neck. Average cost is $2500.

Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia) This procedure removes fat and/ or glandular tissue from the breasts, and in extreme cases removes excess skin, resulting in a chest that is flatter, firmer, and better contoured. Average cost is $3100.

Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty) can reduce or increase the size of the nose, change the shape of the tip or the bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils, or change the angle between the nose and the upper lip. Average cost is $3900.

Tummy Tuck - (Abdominoplasty) this operation is done to tighten the loose skin of the abdomen and repair the weak muscles of the abdominal wall. The abdomen is flattened by removing excess fat and skin and tightening muscles of abdominal wall. The average cost is $4500.

About the Author

Gay Redmile is the webmaster of several health and well being sites. For more important information on plastic surgery visit her site at http://www.plasticsurgeryinfosite.com or visit one of her other sites at http://www.newliposuctioninfo.com or http://www.botoxsite.net

Tags: Laser Eye Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery, Weight Loss Surgery

Mexico is not exactly a first world country, but, at least in its metropolitan areas, it is far from a third world country.

It is also home to a fine medical school at the University of Guadalajara, where a lot of American students receive their medical degrees. Guadalajara is also the location of the prestigious Institute of Reconstructive Surgery which has been educating physicians from around the world in the latest surgical techniques for over 35 years.

Guadalajara alone has more than 75 certified plastic surgeons and most of the hospital facilities are first rate. Another benefit is the culture of care you will find in Mexico. Unlike most US doctors who seem to be in an eternal rush to get their patients out of their offices, in Mexico doctors spend time listening to their patients? needs and responding to their concerns.

Most of the doctors in Mexico speak at least a little English. Many of them have taken graduate courses or have done their internships and/or residencies in the States. Some are Board Certified by US licensing agencies.

In addition to Guadalajara, there are many fine plastic surgeons in Mexico City and the northern city of Monterrey. There are also many clinics along the Texas, Arizona and California borders, but there you are taking a bigger chance that the care will not be first rate. If you are considering a border clinic, take extra care in checking out the physicians and the facilities.

The cost of a face lift in Guadalajara is about $2500 US. A full suite of services including lifting the eyelids and forehead will run about $6000. These include your hospital or clinic stays.

Even Botox injections are substantially cheaper.

There are services such as Airlift, Inc., which is owned by a nurse, which arrange everything for you, from your flight down, your accommodations while in the county and the doctor, nursing and hospital fees.

In many cases, you can arrange to recuperate in a pleasant facility with round the clock nursing care. By the time most of the swelling and bruising are under control, you will be ready to return home with your new look.

There is a downside however. One of the reasons US care is so expensive is malpractice lawsuits. One of the reasons that Mexican procedures are so cheap is that malpractice is not recognized in Mexico. So, if something does go wrong, you will have no recourse.

However, thousands of Americans, Canadian and even residents of South America flock to Mexico every year for face lifts and other cosmetic procedures. I have been living part time in Mexico for over nine years and have many friends who have had successful surgeries.

Check out the credentials of any physician you are considering carefully, Try to get references. If possible visit one of these cities beforehand so that you can become familiar with the facilities available and you can meet with some of the plastic surgeons.

There is a large ex-patriot community in and around these cities. You can always find help and references by visiting with some of these residents, who are among the biggest consumers of this type of care.

If you have a little sense of adventure and wish to save thousands of dollars on cosmetic surgery, Mexico might be the place for you.

For more information on plastic surgery, visit http://www.ageless-beauty.com/ antiaging-cosmetic-procedures.html

About the Author:

Jean Bowler was a ballet dancer and instructor, a teacher, a personal trainer and a cosmetics consultant. She is editor of Ageless Beauty.

Tags: Weight Loss Surgery, Laser Eye Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery, Plastic Surgery

Who in their right mind would go to Mexico for plastic surgery? After all, isn’t it a third world country?

Mexico is not exactly a first world country, but, at least in its metropolitan areas, it is far from a third world country.

It is also home to a fine medical school at the University of Guadalajara, where a lot of American students receive their medical degrees. Guadalajara is also the location of the prestigious Institute of Reconstructive Surgery which has been educating physicians from around the world in the latest surgical techniques for over 35 years.

Guadalajara alone has more than 75 certified plastic surgeons and most of the hospital facilities are first rate. Another benefit is the culture of care you will find in Mexico. Unlike most US doctors who seem to be in an eternal rush to get their patients out of their offices, in Mexico doctors spend time listening to their patients’ needs and responding to their concerns.

Most of the doctors in Mexico speak at least a little English. Many of them have taken graduate courses or have done their internships and/or residencies in the States. Some are Board Certified by US licensing agencies.

In addition to Guadalajara, there are many fine plastic surgeons in Mexico City and the northern city of Monterrey. There are also many clinics along the Texas, Arizona and California borders, but there you are taking a bigger chance that the care will not be first rate. If you are considering a border clinic, take extra care in checking out the physicians and the facilities.

The cost of a face lift in Guadalajara is about $2500 US. A full suite of services including lifting the eyelids and forehead will run about $6000. These include your hospital or clinic stays.

Even Botox injections are substantially cheaper.

There are services such as Airlift, Inc., which is owned by a nurse, which arrange everything for you, from your flight down, your accommodations while in the county and the doctor, nursing and hospital fees.

In many cases, you can arrange to recuperate in a pleasant facility with round the clock nursing care. By the time most of the swelling and bruising are under control, you will be ready to return home with your new look.

There is a downside however. One of the reasons US care is so expensive is malpractice lawsuits. One of the reasons that Mexican procedures are so cheap is that malpractice is not recognized in Mexico. So, if something does go wrong, you will have no recourse.

However, thousands of Americans, Canadian and even residents of South America flock to Mexico every year for face lifts and other cosmetic procedures. I have been living part time in Mexico for over nine years and have many friends who have had successful surgeries.

Check out the credentials of any physician you are considering carefully, Try to get references. If possible visit one of these cities beforehand so that you can become familiar with the facilities available and you can meet with some of the plastic surgeons.

There is a large ex-patriot community in and around these cities. You can always find help and references by visiting with some of these residents, who are among the biggest consumers of this type of care.

If you have a little sense of adventure and wish to save thousands of dollars on cosmetic surgery, Mexico might be the place for you.

For more information on plastic surgery, visit http://www.ageless-beauty.com/antiaging-cosmetic-procedures.html

About the Author

Jean Bowler was a ballet dancer and instructor, a teacher, a personal trainer and a cosmetics consultant. She is editor of Ageless Beauty - http://www.ageless-beauty.com

Tags: Weight Loss Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Laser Eye Surgery