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For something as important and personal as the appearance of one’s face – arguably the most memorable and distinct feature that each one of us has – there are many people who would like to improve some aspect of their facial appearance, knowing they would like the way their face looks better if they could improve or enhance one or more of its features.

Many others are happy with their facial structure and features but would like to rejuvenate their facial appearance to look more like they did when they were a little younger.

For some, the desire stems from an insecurity about their looks that a facial cosmetic procedure can correct, giving them a valuable boost of confidence and self-esteem. For others, the motivation is simply a desire to look their best.

Whatever the reasons for seeking plastic surgery, one relevant factor in a patient’s decision to undergo a facial plastic surgery procedure is the cost involved, and in the beginning stages of researching the pros and cons of plastic surgery, potential patients want to get an idea of the price of a facial plastic surgery procedure.

You may have found that it’s difficult to get an accurate assessment of the cost without an in-person examination of your face and medical history by a cosmetic surgeon, and an in-depth consultation about your specific goals and desired outcomes for undergoing facial plastic surgery.

Because your face is as unique as your fingerprint, and because the facial enhancements ought to vary by patient, cosmetic surgery to alter facial features is an individualized plan and operation for every patient based on their face and their aesthetic desires.

No two facelifts are the same, each rhinoplasty will be different for each patient, and each eyelid or earlobe procedure is unique. Facial surgery to correct a medical problem (such as rhinoplasty to improve breathing) may be covered by some insurance policies.

There are also multiple procedures to achieve the same result and multiple surgical methods for performing the same procedure:

• Each with their own pros and cons,
• Each more or less invasive and prone to complications for a given patient,
• Each with different requirements for anesthesia,
• Each with their own typical recovery times,
• And each with varying limits on the extent of the results that can be achieved.

All of these different factors and the surgical plan you and your doctor choose will determine how much a facial plastic surgery operation will cost for each different patient.

In helping patients to come to a decision about their plastic surgery, a modern, professional cosmetic surgeon will help the patient assess how each separate aesthetic feature of their face contributes to their overall facial appearance. The surgeon will also help determine what enhancements to the brows and eyelids, nose, cheeks or mid-face, lower face and chin, neck and/or the composition of the facial skin, fat, and muscle will achieve the most aesthetic overall result in line with the patient’s goals.

Subsequently, the cosmetic surgeon and patient will develop an individualized surgical plan that addresses the patient’s concerns and desires. Therefore the price of the operation will depend on what each person needs and the amount of time it will take the surgeon to perform the operation.

For something that will affect your life as much as facial plastic surgery, it is important to take your time researching plastic surgeons, reviewing their credentials and experience, reading over their websites, viewing before and after photos, and calling to ask any questions you have after researching online.

The High Cost of Impatience

As the old saying goes, haste makes waste – and it can also be costly. When patients require a second or even third visit to the surgeon, each of these revisions could cost as much as the initial operation. That’s why it’s important to be diligent with your research before undergoing any procedure. Communicate your concerns and questions to your doctor. If he or she doesn’t respond to your satisfaction, then it’s time to ask for a second opinion.

Medical professionals must be just that: professional. They should never rush you into a procedure for which you are not ready.

The ramifications can be dangerous and pricey.

Take, for example, breast augmentation surgery. Last year, the cost of this operation averaged $3,718. Now consider the fact that somewhere between 20 and 40 percent of all breast augmentation patients sought additional surgeries within eight to ten years of their first procedure. This leads to soaring healthcare costs, not to mention the discomfort and inconvenience of repeated recuperation times. In addition to the price of the actual operations, you must also factor in lost salary from work as you take time to heal, not to mention the consultations and residual medical costs involved with each follow-up visit.

Caution is advised for any cosmetic procedure, not just the one detailed above. Rhinoplasty, for example, is a delicate operation that requires an equally delicate touch. Of course, you want a skilled doctor in the O.R., but you also want that exacting attention to detail long before the date of your procedure. Planning ahead is essential, and your physician should map out your unique facial structure before formulating any plans when it comes to reconstruction.

Your cartilage is as individualized as your bone structure. Some people have thick, sturdy reserves of cartilage that is more difficult to reshape. Others have thinner nasal shapes that are extremely vulnerable to change and must be treated as such.

Also, once the cartilage has been reconstructed, your skin must be assessed for its elasticity. Will it conform to your new face? How conducive will it be to breathing and general functionality? Are your cosmetic goals attainable given the parameters of your cartilage and skin, as detailed above? If not, how can you and your doctor work together to re-imagine your plans and move forward safely and effectively?

It’s important to answer these questions before the day of your procedure to avoid the need for a repeat visit. After all, the average rhinoplasty costs somewhere in the vicinity of $5,125 according to recent studies. That’s a price tag you only want to encounter once, so let’s work together to get it done right the first time.

When it comes to facial surgery, the most important consideration is safety and the quality of the results you will achieve. USA Today personal finance correspondent Regina Lewis has sound advice to offer regarding the costs of cosmetic surgery. “Don’t cut quality corners,” she said. “Regardless of the procedure you’re interested in, always look for a top board-certified surgeon. Certification standards can vary.” Lewis outlined the following questions to consider when choosing a surgeon:

• What is the doctor board-certified in?
• Is the doctor licensed? Are there any state disciplinary actions?
• How often has the doctor performed the surgery you are considering?
• Is the facility where the surgery taking place accredited?

Lewis concluded, “Just because you’re getting a nip and tuck, you never want to cut corners on quality.”

Be wary of plastic surgeons who advertise discounts on their fees. “Bargain” and “surgery” are two words that do not look good together. Discounting the value of any specialized, professional service, especially surgery shows very poor judgment in marketing and calls into question the quality of the face-altering surgery you may receive.

When consulting with your prospective plastic surgeon about the cost of your operation, pay attention to whether your surgeon is carefully listening to you, make sure they truly understand the aesthetic results you hope to achieve and gauge your sense of how available and attentive they will be to you after the operation has been completed. Don’t hesitate to look elsewhere if you have any concern that an operation with them might cost you more than their fee.

About Dr. William J. Binder

Dr. William J. Binder is a facial plastic surgery specialist with over three decades of experience with facial plastic surgery.

For almost three decades, his individualized philosophy and approach to facial plastic surgery has led him to pioneer new techniques for facial surgery procedures and earned him international acclaim for his results.

If you want your facial plastic surgery performed by one of the world’s leading cosmetic surgeons, contact Dr. Binder’s office today to schedule an initial consultation.