Why Do Surgical Costs Vary?

If you are considering any type of elective surgery, one of your most pressing questions is probably “what will it cost?” This question becomes even more important when you realize that health insurance does not cover cosmetic procedures. Bummer, right? Well rest assured that your results will be more than worth the cost. As you’re researching, we know that you need complete information to make the right decision.

One thing you’ll discover early in your research is that surgery costs can vary considerably. That can certainly be frustrating! So, what does that mean? And how can you compare prices if you’re considering more than one surgeon or practice? Let’s review the details of a surgical price quote.

Factors that Affect Cost

First, know that there are many variables when it comes to surgical costs. This is why you must meet your potential surgeon face-to-face for a consultation.

Type of Procedure

Highly complex procedures cost more than simpler ones. For example, Dr. Raval may be making relatively minor changes to the shape of your nose, or he may be making more significant modifications and also repairing your nasal airways internally so you can breathe better. Similarly, a deep plane facelift is more complex than a mini-lift. In other words, everyone is different, so every surgery is unique. That alone means your surgery will likely be priced differently than someone else’s.

Even though health insurance won’t pay for cosmetic surgery, it often does cover restorative rhinoplasty such as deviated septum repair. It’s always worth a call to be sure you clearly understand what your policy does and does not cover.

Surgeon’s Fees

A surgeon who is just starting out in practice may charge less than one with years of specialized experience and successful results. As a plastic surgeon, Dr. Raval can perform both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. As an ENT (ear, nose and throat specialist), he has focused his surgical career and experience on the head and neck. This type of expertise is critical to ensure stellar results - think of it like this: you get what you pay for.

Anesthesia Fees

This fee is listed separately because it is set by a contracted provider. An anesthesiologist is a medical professional specializing in perioperative care, developing anesthetic plans, and of course, administering anesthesia. These fees vary between providers.

Surgical Facility or Hospital Fees

Where your surgery takes place can affect your safety as well as cost. A fully accredited surgical facility means your surgeon will perform your procedure in an environment that meets the highest standards when it comes to equipment, staffing, monitoring, and sanitation.

Post-Surgery Medications or Supplies

Cost covers more than the surgery itself. There will be follow-up visits, and you will be sent home with appropriate medications and any procedure-specific supplies you may need for at-home care. In order for your recovery to be successful, you will need to follow instructions regarding these items.

Geography

The “going rate” for surgical procedures varies around the country. You can shop around for a lower price, but also to choose the best possible surgeon regardless of location. Patients from all over the country travel to Denver to be treated by Dr. Jeff Raval.

So, How Do You Compare Quotes?

This can be challenging, but there are a few things that you can keep in mind while reviewing any cost estimates given to you.

Inclusivity

Check to be sure everything is included, so you can see the total, final cost. A lower price quote may actually be missing a few things, in which case you’ll get a surprise bill later on. That’s not the kind of surprise that any of us like!

Apples to Apples

Variables in experience or quality in any of the factors mentioned above can affect cost, which may or may not matter to you. Treatment plans can also vary, affecting cost. Make sure you understand precisely what the surgeon will do (or will not do) during your procedure, including administration of anesthesia and duration of surgery.

Ask Questions

At Raval Facial Aesthetics, we will provide a detailed, inclusive quote and go over it with you during your consultation, so you can be fully informed before making a final decision to have surgery. This is an important decision, so we encourage you to ask us (and any other surgical team you meet with) any and all questions you may have.

Surgery Is an Investment in Yourself

It can change your life! Of course you care about the cost, but the most important factor is results. This is no time to skimp, because cost and quality usually go hand-in-hand. The last thing you want to do is short-change yourself on the results you’ve dreamed of – perhaps for quite some time.