How to Get the Best Price for Your Plastic Surgery
Date posted: September 8, 2009 by Helen Colen MDHave you decided you have to have a labiaplasty or vaginoplasty procedure but don’t quite have enough money? Maybe you’re oh-so-close, but still just a bit short. I’m going to put my own bank account in jeopardy and share with you some secrets to saving money on your plastic procedure.
1) First, schedule your surgery in the right month. Those of us who know about the procedures know that almost all plastic surgery is seasonal. Because most surgeons don’t have as many patients in September or December, you’ll have a better chance of getting a lower price in these months.
2) See more than one surgeon for a pre-surgery consult. Naturally one of the questions you’ll ask during this visit is how much they charge. By having several numbers, if you’re confident that all are capable plastic surgeons, you can feel free to go with a lower bid. And don’t be afraid to mention to the surgeon that you’re seeing others for competitive bids.
3) By all means, ask for a discount. I read several years ago: Always ask for what you want, because if you don’t ask, you will not get it. You might not get the discount you want. But you’ll never know unless you try.
4) Stay aware of any new plastic surgeons coming to town. Every once in a while, a good surgeon will relocate to your area. When they do, they will be looking for new patients, and they will be more likely to lower those early fees to attract new patients. Be careful, though, to do a background check to make sure he or she is properly accredited and certified.
5) Take a look at the surgeon’s operating room. This room’s cost will be a major portion of your surgery fees. If a doctor has his or her own operating room, they’ll be more likely to be able to reduce your cost. However, don’t always go for the cheapest. Be sure that, like your surgeon, the operating room itself is accredited.
5) Visit a specialist. They’re better equipped, trained and experienced, and believe it or not, can be less expensive. That’s because these experts will be less likely to require a costly revision surgery. In my case, I specialize in labiaplasty and vaginoplasty, and I think I can humbly say that you won’t be nearly as likely to require a second surgery to fix a mistake if I’m your surgeon than if you get the procedure done by someone who does not specialize in the field.
6) Schedule your procedure the same day that you do your consult with the surgeon. Ask if you can have a lower fee for booking on the same day. There’s a good chance they might agree, since all surgeons know that if you walk out the door without booking the procedure, there’s a high likelihood you will never return.
3 Comments »Categories: Plastic Surgeons, Plastic Surgery
Hello Dr,
My name is Sherry & I am 37 yrs.old. I have been very miserable, ashamed & embarrassed for my ENTIRE LIFE with the way I look regarding my labia area. Even though I am speaking to a Dr.who specializes in this area I am still very embarrassed just writing this.Throughout childhood during the summer months, naturally my friends & I would ofcourse wear our bathing suits in the pool, sprinkler etc. Any how I would always be made fun of because I always had a bulge down there that was different from the other girls. This hurt me tremendously & as I got older things just got worse, now my grown up boyfriends were making hurtful comments.Then came the day I got married & my own husband said some pretty hurtful stuff under his breath at times to me.Our marriage is ruined due to this & although he doesnt know it this is the reason we have had NO LOVE MAKING in 8 years. He is a good man but he thinks I hate him. Now I have lost practically almost all feelings for him. I think we just stay together b/c of our disabled child. I have recently met a wonderful man & I refuse to let him see me all & he doesnt understand why.I want to correct this problem & feel happy & free the way other women do in bed. Do you accept any INS I do have GHI coverage ? Also I have a constant problem with urinating without being able to hold it since the birth of our child 8 years ago.I have annual blood work & check ups always & am in perfect health. Please respond, Thank you, Sherry
Hi-I work with a gynecologist who at the same time as I do the labiaplasty does the bladder work. Usually the bladder work is covered by insurance. Unfortunately the labiaplasty is not. However, there are several doctors working in the office and you might call the office and see the prices. Best to call Dee at 212-772-1300. Hope this helps.
My heart goes out to Sherry above. And I wish that all of the people who criticize those who get labiaplasty could read this. So many people who don’t know what they’re talking about say that a woman who gets a labiaplasty is either vain or perverted. I’ve known several people to get the operation and none of them that i personally know fit into either category. They’re all some version of Sherry above (although not to that extreme). These are compelling reasons for labiaplasty: the physical discomfort that comes to some women in that area that can only be relieved with surgery….and the emotional stigma associated with abnormally shaped or sized labia.
Sherry, i would advise you, though, to have a change of attitude about yourself. By all means, begin saving to get your operation. But think of it as something exciting rather than focusing on the gloom and doom of not having it done now. Envision how much nicer things will be once you have the procedure done–and start liking yourself and your life!