Plastic Surgery Advice

Plastic surgery can be pretty expensive, especially as more people are choosing to have procedures. The good news is that your insurance may help cover part of the cost. In order to know exactly what your insurance will cover your doctor’s office may have to consult with the insurance company and send them your information.

Average Cost of Plastic Surgery

Major plastic surgery (excluding simple procedures like laser hair removal) averages between $5,000 and $20,000 in the United States. Of course, the costs will vary by city and state, but you can bet that no major surgery will cost less than $5,000.

Commonly Covered Procedures

Some of the most common types of surgeries that insurance covers are listed here. This list comes from the information provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

Abdominal Surgery

Abdominal surgeries are only covered if they are conducted to heal another condition. For instance, if you are having severe back pain, they will cover the surgery. Other conditions frequently leading to coverage are sores, hernia and rashes.

Breast Surgery

Breast surgery is only covered in certain instances. If you are experiencing severe back pain due to extremely large breasts, your surgery will be covered by most insurance companies. Other covered issues include asymmetry correction, reconstruction due to the loss of a breast, a birth defect where only one breast developed and enlarged male breasts.

Ear Surgery

Ear surgery is almost always covered for birth defects since these defects can affect hearing, and it is usually covered for deformed ears due to caused by disease or injury.

Eyelid Surgery

Surgery for eyelids that are formed in some unnatural way or droop enough to cause vision problems may be covered.

Facial Surgery

If your appearance has been negatively altered due to paralysis, your surgery may be covered. Deformities in the head, neck or facial muscles may also be covered by your insurance company.

Hand Surgery

Carpal tunnel syndrome, Dupuytren’s contracture, nerve injuries, tendon injuries, fused fingers and other deformities are covered by certain insurance companies.

Nasal Surgery

Nasal surgery is often covered when performed to correct deformities resulting from birth, disease or problems with breathing.

Plastic Surgery: Cutting Costs

Many people are looking to cut their plastic surgery costs. Often those in the United States are trying to find facilities in Mexico and Central and South America that will charge less. While the fees may be lower, you certainly get what you pay for. If you are considering a surgeon from another country, be sure that they have a license and have been trained in the type of procedure they are offering.

There is often some confusion about these terms, as different people and websites use them differently. Here’s how they should be used.

• Plastic Surgery – is the over-arching term, including the other two

• Reconstructive Surgery – is done for functional reasons on abnormal body structures which have resulted from congenital or developmental defects, trauma or disease

• Cosmetic Surgery – is done for esthetic reasons on normal body structures, to improve or enhance a person’s attractiveness, and it might also address minor function issues in the process

Basic Training

To perform reconstructive or cosmetic surgery, a physician must be qualified as a plastic surgeon. That means a minimum of:

1. Graduation from medical school

2. Licensing by a State Licensing Board

Legally speaking, nothing more is necessary, but you would not want to entrust your health to a physician who had no more qualification than that. Board-certification is highly important in assuring you that the doctor has gone further in his specialty training.

Specialty Training

So you would want to look for a surgeon who is:

3. Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) This is one of 24 accredited specialty boards recognized by the American board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).

Professional Memberships

The best plastic surgeons also have memberships in other medical organizations such as:

• The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)

• The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)

• The American College of Surgeons (ACS)

• The American Medical Association (AMA)

These memberships keep a physician in touch with his peers, and up to date with new ideas, techniques, and technology. They require high standards of their members.

Reconstructive Surgery

Reconstructive surgery is a very wide field and has subdivisions. It often works on children who are born with an abnormality such as a cleft palate, large disfiguring birthmark, or hand deformities.

Burn patients are another large category and often need reconstructive surgery where the entire skin and areas beneath it were destroyed. Accident victims may need replantation, which is the reattachment of a lost body part like fingers, ear, nose, arm or penis. Blood flow must be reconnected, the bones and muscles reattached, and nerves repaired.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) collects statistics each year, and for 2006, the most often performed reconstructive surgery was removal of cancerous tumors (3,905,831 such procedures). The procedure second in frequency, and very far behind, was laceration repair, at 312,855 procedures.

Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery is a growing field and involves enhancement or recontouring of the face and body, as well as a spectrum of skin treatments. The ASPS gives these surgical procedures as the top five for 2006:

• Breast augmentation (329,000) – implants to enlarge the breasts

• Rhinoplasty (307,000) – recontouring of the nose

• Liposuction (303,000) – removal of fat from selected body areas

• Eyelid surgery (233,000) – removal of excess fat, skin and muscle to restore youthfulness to the eyes

• Tummy Tuck (146,000) – removal of excess fat and skin from the abdomen, and tightening of the abdominal muscles

Skin improvement treatments are continually being developed, such as various chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser skin resurfacing. Injectable fillers are very popular, such as Restylane, Sculptra and Radiesse. Botox injections are often given to smooth out frown lines and forehead creases. These are all non-invasive procedures, as opposed to invasive (surgical) procedures, but modern cosmetic surgeons offer them all the time.

In the past seven years plastic surgery has moved from a Hollywood-centered activity that was viewed as a medical curiosity of the famous and wealth to a mainstream practice that has drawn interest from almost everyone from all walks of life. There are now television shows, books, website and even full time blogs all dedicated to the wonders of plastic surgery and how it can change a person’s life.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons keeps statistics from all of its members about what how many procedures are performed a year and it’s an interesting look at what was popular seven years ago and what is popular today. These trends all compare the calendar year of 2000 with the calendar year of 2007.

Here are some of the surprising statistics when you compare plastic surgeries from 2000 to 2007:

The number of breast lifts rose 97% in just seven years. This procedure is also known as Mastopexy and it’s one of the many procedures that has grown in popularity over time as the procedure itself has been refined and improved over the years. It is performed by taking up some of the excess skin around the breast and literally tightening or lifting the breast on a woman. It can be performed with or without an accompanying breast enlargement. It’s a good alternative for women who want to make their breast appear more youthful without making them larger.

The number of buttock lifts, while still relatively small, has increased about 143% in the past seven years, mostly due to an increase in surgeon skills and technology over the years. You are starting to hear about this procedure more and more in the mainstream media, which may also be a reason for its increase in popularity. In 2007 there were over 3,000 buttock lift surgical procedures performed.

Having a lower body lift or Belt Lipectomy has jumped from only a few hundred in 2000 to more than 8,500 in 2007. It’s actually a series of procedures which usually includes cosmetic surgery on the abdomen, thighs and buttocks. The procedures can all be done at once or spread over a period of time according to the patient’s desires and needs.

Upper Arm lists jumped an amazing 4041% over a seven year period, partially due to a number of people losing massive amounts of weight and then needing to have some of the excess arm skin taken up. This procedure has also been getting more media attention which has lead to a greater increase in the general population.

The use of Botox is also one of the biggest trends from 2000 to 2007, though Botox injects are only a minor procedure compared to some of the more serious surgical procedures listed above. Botox usage saw an increase of over 475% in seven years.

It is interesting to note that many of these procedures have become much more popular over the years as various forms of gastric bypass surgery became popular and more prevalent. Most of the procedures that saw dramatic increases are at least indirectly the result of people undergoing some sort of surgical procedure to lose large amounts of weight and then needing these cosmetic procedures to help put their body back into shape again.

Overall it is clear that plastic surgery itself is becoming more popular as the general population grows older the technology of plastic surgery becomes more advanced.

Plastic surgery is the over-arching term for both reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery. The physician does specialty training in plastic surgery to qualify him or her to do either of those types of surgery. Typically, the surgeon will focus on one or the other. So if you need reconstructive work done on your hands, for instance, after a burn injury, you would go to a plastic surgeon. But if you want to enlarge your breasts so as to have a better-proportioned body shape, you would see a cosmetic surgeon.

Cosmetic surgery is growing fast in popularity and in response, cosmetic surgeons have been expanding their array of offerings. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) assembles statistics each year, categorized in many ways. In 2006, the top five cosmetic procedures were, in this order:

· Breast Augmentation – 329,000

· Nose Reshaping (Rhinoplasty) – 307,000

· Liposuction –303,000

· Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) – 233,000

· Tummy Tucks (Abdominoplasty) – 233,000

Those numbers have been rounded off. They include both men and women and are surgeries, as opposed to “non-invasive” procedures.

The ASPS gives the top five minimally-invasive procedures for 2006 as:

· Botox Injections (for smoothing forehead wrinkles) – 4.1 million

· Chemical Peels (for rejuvenating facial skin) – 1.1 million

· Laser Hair Removal – 887,000

· Microdermabrasion (for rejuvenating facial skin) – 817,000

· Hyaluronic Acid Injections (for plumping up facial skin) – 778,000

Clearly, a desire for a more youthful shape and younger-looking skin are widespread. As the Baby Boomers continue to age, we can probably expect cosmetic surgery to expand even more in popularity. The Liposuction procedure encompasses reshaping of many body areas, as it can be done on the abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, upper arms, chin and perhaps every other area, depending on the individual case.

There are many more rejuvenating procedures offered by cosmetic surgeons, other than these top five listed above. You can have your ears reshaped, chin and cheekbones enlarged, lips plumped up, neck and face lifted, breasts reduced or lifted, and many more.

The best way to start sorting through what is available is to look at some cosmetic surgeon websites. When you feel ready, you can email one of them to arrange for what is usually a free initial consultation. Cosmetic surgeons are very interested in patient education, so you will be able to have your questions clearly answered, and will meet the staff and be given a tour of the facilities. Cosmetic surgery facilities tend to be extremely relaxing and pleasant, and the staff will be focused on providing for your comfort.

Plastic surgery is no longer the domain of celebrities. All types of people pursue plastic surgery as a means of enhancing their satisfaction with their appearances. From mothers in their early 30s to baby boomer men in their 60s, plastic surgery has increasingly been accepted as a path to self improvement.

The entrance of plastic surgery into the mainstream is evident in the statistics about plastic surgery. Comprehensive survey data is collected by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons every year, and the results reveal the surprising popularity of plastic surgery among different demographic groups. Baby boomers are getting breast lifts, upper arm lifts, and facelifts, and mothers are not shy about turning to the “mommy makeover” procedures to rejuvenate their bodies.

In 2006, 11 million cosmetic procedures were performed in the United States. These procedures included plastic surgery and minimally invasive cosmetic treatments such as BOTOX® Cosmetic. Of the people receiving plastic surgery or cosmetic treatments, the overwhelming portion remain women who make up 90 percent of patients. However, men are showing a rising interest in cosmetic plastic surgery. The number of men pursuing cosmetic procedures has risen 8 percent between 2000 and 2006.

Baby Boomers and Plastic Surgery

At this time, the 40 to 54 age group, which includes both men and women, seeks plastic surgery the most often. With nearly 5 million procedures in 2006, this age group accounted for 45 percent of total patients. People age 55 and over made up one quarter of cosmetic procedures in 2006 at 26 percent. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons both of these age groups combined displayed a 12 percent rise in cosmetic procedures from 2005 to 2006.

People in the 40 to 54 age group and especially the age 55 and over group represent the famous baby boomer demographic. With a large segment of the population aging, the rise in cosmetic procedures makes sense, but the youthful attitude of many baby boomers prompts them to seek plastic surgery. Healthy and active lifestyles are becoming the norm for people as they enter their 50s and 60s, and the desire to look young is a natural reaction.

Data from the ASPS surveys indicate that since 2005 tummy tucks have increased 7 percent, breast lifts are up 11 percent, and facelifts went up an impressive 22 percent for the baby boomer age groups.

Mothers and Plastic Surgery

The Los Angeles plastic surgery procedures of breast augmentation, tummy tucks, and breast lifts are often dubbed “mommy makeover” surgeries. Although not all women who undergo these procedures are mothers, they do provide women unhappy with how pregnancy has changed their bodies with attractive options for rejuvenation. Among women of childbearing years, typically ages 20 to 39, plastic surgery is on the rise. For example, within this age group tummy tucks were up 9 percent in 2006 over the previous year and breast lifts rose 11 percent.

According to the ASPS, more childbearing women are turning to plastic surgery due to busy schedules and their need to return to their careers quickly after becoming mothers. However, other contributing factors are the broader availability of qualified plastic surgeons across many regions and the appeal of the results that can often be achieved. Tummy tucks for example are sometimes the only way to achieve a firmer and smoother torso once skin has been stretched by multiple pregnancies.

Furthermore, women often have a deep personal desire to slim and firm up their bodies after childbearing in order to boost their self image. Some women can take considerable pride in looking good after having children, and revitalizing some of the physical firmness of their pre-pregnancy bodies provides much satisfaction.

The types of people that seek Los Angeles plastic surgery and their reasons for wanting to enhance aspects of their physical appearances are diverse. Plastic surgery attracts women and men of all different ages. No single stereotype of the plastic surgery patient exists. People generally have a natural desire to improve and maintain their appearances according to their personal preferences, and for some people this includes plastic surgery.

People who receive plastic surgery and cosmetic treatments aren’t all upper-income patients, in spite of the stereotype, and this means the tough economy will have an impact on the plastic surgery industry in 2009.

In a 2008 survey by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, some 27 percent of patients said they were considering less expensive options. That figure is up from 20 percent during the past years.

For example, a person may consider injections rather than a major surgery. Doctors say they might cut prices, depending on further feedback.

Before the economic recession took hold, the society polled more than 600 people who said they were considering plastic surgery during the next two years. Plastic surgeons were stunned to learn that:

- 30 percent reported annual incomes of less than $30,000.

- 41 percent made between $30,000 and $60,000.

- 16 percent made between $60,000 and $90,000.

- A mere 13 percent reported incomes higher than $90,000.

So much for associating plastic surgery exclusively with Hollywood and Beverly Hills.

According to the people surveyed, their main reasons for plastic surgery and cosmetic treatments are to improve their looks and often to enhance their romances or their prospects for romance. They said that they did not feel that they were vain or self-centered. Many wanted to remove or alter an irritating physical feature.

Nearly half of plastic surgery and cosmetic treatment patients are between 35 and 50, but nearly a quarter are younger than 35.

As for gender, 91 percent of plastic surgery and cosmetic treatment patients are women, but the number of men undergoing plastic surgery is growing rapidly.

The society reported that 11.7 million Americans spent money on either plastic surgery or cosmetic treatment during 2007. Figures for 2008 still are being compiled. Plastic surgery patients spent $8.3 billion on plastic surgery during 2007, led by liposuction and breast augmentation, and another $4.7 billion for cosmetic treatments, led by Botox injections for younger-looking skin.

Some doctors say they specialize in convincing insurance companies to help pay for various plastic surgeries and cosmetics, and patients often are surprised to learn that they qualify.

Through the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, doctors also reported their standard fees for dozens of procedures and treatments. Here are a few examples, followed by total amounts spent in a year:

- Breast augmentation, $3,600 ($1,185,920,285)

- Breast lift $4,200 ($437,952,317)

- Remove breast implants $2,319 ($63,669,776)

- Nose reshaping $3,511 ($1,047,697,610)

- Liposuction $2,750 ($832,747,086)

- Tummy tuck $5,063 ($740,343,243)

- Facelift $4,856 ($505,305, 441)

- Botox injection $492 ($2,011,283,275)

- Chemical peel $686 ($729,527,236)

- Cellulite treatment $192 ($6,453,888)

Most people who undergo plastic surgery can avoid paying for a hospital bed. Seventeen percent of procedures were performed in hospitals, 29 percent in free-standing surgi-centers and 54 percent in doctors’ offices.

Caucasian Americans comprise 67 percent of the population and received 78 percent of the plastic surgeries and cosmetic treatments over the course of the survey year. Hispanic Americans are 14 percent of the population and comprised 9 percent of patients. African Americans are 13 percent of the population and comprised 6 percent of patients. Asian Americans are 5 percent of the nation and were a matching 5 percent of patients.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate medical professional.