Are Prices for Plastic Surgery Still Affordable?

With the economy affecting nearly everyone these days, how are repeat patients coping? Those who show signs of body dismorphic disorder (BDD) - a condition that can cause a person to become addicted to plastic surgery - may be struggling as well.

Although there are many people who are still financially able to undergo their routine procedure(s) of choice, be it facelift surgery, nose surgery, or elective breast surgery, there are still less costly options for individuals who desire consistent changes and improvements to their faces and bodies. But what to do when their money falls short, no longer allowing them to indulge in cosmetic surgery?

In addition to consulting a qualified plastic surgeon regarding their desires to undergo repetitive surgeries, for patients who want more, more, more; now may be the perfect time for them to finally step back and evaluate what is healthy and what is not. Especially with the economic changes these days, the state of a person's financial health is also a vital part of their well-being.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), those who underwent minimally invasive procedures (5.5 million) in 2007 largely outweighed the number of people who underwent cosmetic surgical procedures (1.9 million) that same year. This proves the large attraction to less-invasive treatments - which may have been performed with or without plastic surgery.

Facial Procedures

Maintaining the "fountain of youth" is important to millions, which may be a big driving force behind someone who is addicted to plastic surgery. Still not everyone is ready, able to afford, and/or needs a facelift. So for those who prefer a less-invasive, temporary, and less costly procedure, whilst fulfilling their desire to gain a more refreshed appearance, there are options.

Botox ® Cosmetic remains the number one non-surgical cosmetic procedure in the United States, with other facial fillers such as Juvederm ®, Radiesse ®, Restylane ®, and fat grafting available. Other ways to improve a person's facial quality and appearance includes procedures such as microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing, and chemical peels. While results from these treatments are a temporary to long-lasting solution, they are an effective way to save a bit of money and still preserve a youthful look.

See the difference between the national average surgeon/ physician's fees for leading surgical facial procedures and non-surgical facial procedures (2007 statistics provided by the ASPS):

Body Procedures

Those who are looking to maintain the body that they have achieved through liposuction, tummy tuck surgery, and breast enhancement may now desire additional services - less expensive services that will contribute to their new look. While plastic surgery practices typically offer both surgical and minimally invasive procedures, medical spas ("medi spas") offer various non-surgical treatments as well. Some of these include laser treatment for leg veins, Thermage ®, LipoDissolve ™, non-surgical butt augmentation, and cellulite treatment.

These body-enhancing treatments are often long-lasting and, in being more economical, may better meet a patient's budget.

The national average surgeon/ physician's fees for leading surgical body procedures and non-surgical body procedures (2007 statistics provided by the ASPS) are listed below:

A minimally invasive procedure will not (or cannot) replace a surgical body procedure, such as breast augmentation surgery, but they are regarded as a cost-effective means to gaining a new look. To learn which non-surgical procedures stand strong as stand-alone solutions and those that will best complement a surgical procedure you already have, turn to a qualified surgeon for consultation. Some of the latest surgery-free body shaping advancements include buttock enhancement via fat transfer, Thermage ™, VelaShape ™, and VelaSmooth ™. But minimally invasive procedures also carry their own risks and complications, so be sure to fully understand all of the details.

Remember, the surgeon/physician's fees are only a part of the overall cost of plastic surgery. So whether obsessed with looking good or simply desiring a touch of improvement, evaluating your options with surgical and non-surgical procedures may very well benefit the state of your financial well-being.

You can get started with your new look, by locating a doctor in your area using the Google ™ Maps surgeon finder!