If you are thinking about some sort of cosmetic surgery, you may be thinking more about the physical issues than things like insurance, facilities, and accreditations.
Cosmetic surgery is generally considered elective surgery, and therefore is not covered by most insurance plans. Your plastic surgeon will be able to tell you what may be covered and what might not be covered — a breast reduction for health reasons may be considered “reconstructive” instead of “cosmetic” and may be covered by your insurance plan.
Fees for the surgery are generally paid before the actual surgery takes place. Your cost will vary, based on where the surgery takes place, what type of anesthetic is used, and how complex the operation is. Your cosmetic surgeon may choose to perform the surgery in an office-based surgery facility, a free-standing surgery facility, or a hospital. If the procedure will be done outside of a hospital, it doesn’t hurt to make sure your doctor is permitted to perform the same procedure IN the hospital.
Please don’t pick a doctor based on cost; make sure your doctor is fully certified and accredited. Talk to friends and family who have had cosmetic surgery about their doctors. Ask your general practitioner for a recommendation.
Like any type of surgery, cosmetic surgery does have risks. You may have an adverse reaction to the anesthetic or experience post-operative complications. Be sure to discuss any potential risks and complications with your family doctor and your plastic surgeon. Recovery time varies from one procedure to another; you may need to restrict work and social activities to allow yourself time to heal.
If you are ready to look for a plastic surgeon, start with the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery — ASAPS members are required to be accredited for cosmetic surgery procedures both in hospitals and at office-based facilities. Make sure your doctor of choice is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.