One of the most common questions we receive during a plastic surgery consultation is “how much will this cost?” As a general rule of thumb, cost is related to the amount of time we spend in the operating room. Because every patient has different anatomy and we customize care, each patient will have a different surgical plan and time estimate. Our patient coordinators will meet with you directly after the consultation with the doctor and you will leave our office with a quote. The quote will be comprehensive and includes surgeon’s fees, follow up visits, implants, facility fees, and anesthesia fees. The only things not included in the quote are the cost of compression garments, scar cream, and pathology fees (in case your tissue needs to be analyzed). You will not experience any surprise fees.

Surgical vs Non-Surgical Treatment Options

When it comes to plastic or cosmetic surgery, there are both surgical and non-surgical treatment options. Examples of surgical procedures include breast augmentation or tummy tuck and involve incisions, sutures, and downtime following surgery. Non-surgical treatments such as injectables do not include large incisions and don’t have associated downtime. While surgery is typically a more expensive option, the results of a surgical procedure are usually more dramatic and longer-lasting than the results of non-surgical procedures.

The best way to determine which procedure is right for you is to meet with a trustworthy plastic surgeon. He or she will be able to examine your anatomy and speak with you regarding your goals to help determine which option is best for you. Sometimes non-surgical options will be tempting because they are less expensive and with no down-time, but if these procedures will not adequately meet your goals, you will potentially spend a significant amount of money and not be satisfied.

Factors that Determine Pricing

Factors that affect the cost of a surgical procedure include:

• The type of procedure being done: Longer procedures require more time in the operating room and are more expensive. Some procedures, like breast augmentation, do not require significant OR time but have associated costs like implants and sterile funnels.
• Surgeon’s fee: The surgeon’s fee includes not only the expertise of your surgeon but also the costs of follow up visits, staffing, and materials used in the clinic.
• Anesthesiology fee: The doctors that provide anesthesia during your case are paid based on time in the operating room.
• Surgical center or hospital fee: Due to local regulations, in Vermont most surgeons do not have their own operating rooms. When we perform surgical procedures at a surgery center or hospital, there will be separate charges for the use of the facility, staffing, and materials. There are many minor procedures we can perform in our office without general anesthesia, such as blepharoplasty and labiaplasty, and this can significantly reduce costs for patients.
• Equipment: This includes things like sutures, medications, sterile solutions, and specialized equipment. Medical equipment is rigorously tested for safety and can be very expensive. Certain procedures also require expensive specialized medical devices, such as liposuction.
• Location: Costs will vary by region due to multiple factors, but before you decide to travel for cheaper plastic surgery, remember that some procedures will require many follow up visits and if you develop any type of complication it may be onerous to get the follow up care that you need.

The popular saying “you get what you pay for” often rings true when it comes to plastic surgery, which is why you should never undergo a procedure with an unqualified surgeon because of cheap pricing. Make sure you shop the surgeon, not the pricing.

What to Look for in a Plastic Surgeon

When choosing a plastic surgeon, it is important to find a board-certified plastic surgeon with good before and after photos for the best results. While your procedure may be more expensive when choosing a board-certified surgeon, you will be working with a surgeon with the experience needed to ensure your procedure goes smoothly, safely, and you receive the results you desire. At Mountain Lake Plastic Surgery, our team of plastic surgeons are both board-certified and are dedicated to providing the natural-looking and beautiful results you desire.

Schedule a Consultation

For more information regarding our offered procedures and treatments, contact Mountain Lake Plastic Surgery today. Your first step will be to schedule a consultation appointment with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Susan MacLennan or Dr. Alexandra Schmidt. We offer a large array of both surgical and non-surgical plastic and cosmetic surgery procedures to help you make your anti-aging goals a reality.