There can be great variation in the price of cosmetic surgery, even within the same geographic area. There are many factors to consider when choosing a plastic surgeon including: expertise, Board Certification, facility, staff, ease of communication, cost, and professionalism – among others.
The price that you noted does seem fairly steep for an abdominoplasty and does not necessarily indicate better care or result.
Overnight stays after cosmetic surgery are rarely necessary and can add significantly to the cost of surgery.
I would suggest that you meet with at least 2 or 3 other board certified plastic surgeons in the Charlotte area to be sure that you feel comfortable with your choice. (Eric T. Emerson, MD, FACS, Charlotte Plastic Surgeon)
First, are you engaging a board certified plastic surgeon? Then, are you comfortable with the plan that was proposed for you? Does it address your areas of concern? Is it the least surgery you need to do to get the result you want? Once these questions are answered then the fees should be transparent. I agree with you, why post $6000 for a tummy tuck when most women having that procedure will need to spend closer to $9,000 once all fees are totaled. I think hidden fees or incomplete disclosure detract from your confidence in the doctor. Too many women price shop a surgery as if it was a dress or a piece of furniture. Surgery like you are considering is for a lifetime. You deserve the best care. I suggest you openly discuss your budget and ask what plan will fit with your goals, recovery time and budget. (Jeffrey Ditesheim, MD, FACS, Charlotte Plastic Surgeon)
Cost of surgery will vary from physician to physician and location. Many tummy tucks can be done as an outpatient and save the overnight cost. Some patients do require an overnight stay, and that is best discussed with your surgeon.
I would recommend a board-certified plastic surgeon who has done several procedures. Be careful if the price is very cheap, for you might get what you pay for. (Connie Hiers, MD, San Antonio Plastic Surgeon)
Fees do vary between surgeons, but the overnight fee definitely sounds high. Most tummy tucks go home, but I sometimes keep them in my facility overnight if the surgeries are over 6-8 hours of if patients have any significant medical problems (such as sleep apnea).
Though it’s good to “shop around”, always remember that you typically get what you paid for. If it’s too cheap, there’s probably a good reason for it. Also, beware that some doctors are calling themselves “cosmetic surgeons” and are not true plastic surgeons (that is, they haven’t done 2-3 years of formal plastic surgery residency training). Doctors can attend even a weekend seminar and call themselves “cosmetic surgeons”. (Victor Ferrari, MD, FACS, Charlotte Plastic Surgeon)
I think when patients call to get an idea re cost it’s wise to give them a range and unfortunately many times they get a bait and switch on the phone in order to get them in the door. Many times fees range according to surgery time as well – it would be a good idea to compare fees among board certified plastic surgeons and honestly ask them if there is a huge discrepancy.
All our surgeries are done in a AAAASF surgery suite and there are no overnight stays, as we found that most patients feel more comfortable in their own environment. (Edward J. Bednar, MD, Charlotte Plastic Surgeon)
Plastic Surgery Fees
There are fair fees and then there are fees way too low and way too high. This is why you get 3 opinions at least. You do not need to stay overnight so that saves $2300. That would have been a waste of your money. Then there are very low fees. Very low fees ALWAYS represent a sacrifice of SAFETY or of QUALITY. Do not delude yourself. You more or less get what you pay for. Then there is price gouging which takes care of itself because the surgeon has few patients. So you want a fair price with high safety standards and high quality.
Get three opinions and then get another if you need. Do not be impulsive. You have to live (or die) with you decision so beware and take your time. The search should take 3 months. If impulsive, you may pay the ultimate price. (George Commons, MD, Palo Alto Plastic Surgeon)
I can understand your concerns. You bring up a most important point. And that is, that when comparing the cost between surgeons, it is very important to get the “total” caost and not just the surgeon’s charge. The total cost of any procedure should include charges by the surgeon, the facility (which includes the costs for supplies, OR room, recovery, nursing, etc.) and anesthesia.
The biggest variation may be between surgeons. In general, but not always, more experienced and accomplished surgeons might charge a bit more for their services.
Everyone sets their own fee schedule. Without photos or clinical info it is hard to know if this is a “routine” or more extensive procedure. So I am not inclined to comment on the fee.
Most surgeons do not keep an average tummy tuck patient overnight. If you feel that the surgeon’s marketing was deceptive (if $6,000 was quoted) then you should consider going elsewhere for another opinion on that basis alone. (Jourdan Gottlieb, MD, Seattle Plastic Surgeon)
While cost is certainly an important issue in having any type of surgery, be careful to avoid unbelievable deals which seem “too good to be true”. This is when too many corners can be cut and the results may not be whet you are hoping for. (Ronald Schuster, MD, Baltimore Plastic Surgeon)