Since almost all of cosmetic surgery is an out-of-pocket expense, the consideration of cost is extremely important. Many patients save up for some time for their surgery, borrow the money from family or banks, or most commonly, finance it through a variety of means. For many patients they have just enough or it is just within their budget to afford the surgery.
But from a financial aspect, this is a bit of a dangerous approach. It does not account for the possibility of the need for revisional surgery. While no patient ever really thinks that their result will not be perfect or everything they thought it would be, the reality is a significant number of patients (an overall average risk is 10% to 15%, may be higher or lower depending on the procedure) may either need or want some form of a ‘touch-up’. Most of the time this is for aesthetic improvement and not any major problems, but the ‘problem’ is just as real for the patient.
While patients usually willingly accept a revisional surgery, the sticking point is always the cost of doing it. Patient usually feel that they should not have to pay anything for a revisional procedure. While this is an understandable feeling, it does not take into account the economics of surgery and many costs that the surgeon can not control. Usually what the costs of a revisional surgery may be are spelled out beforehand but, if not, you need to find out what potential costs may be incurred. Thus number should then be put into the overall cost of the cosmetic surgery and used to determine if you really can afford it.
‘The Affordability of Any Cosmetic Surgery Should Take Into Account The Potential Added Cost Of A Revision’
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana