One large clinic that performs LASIK procedures has a very creative advertising approach. On their Web site, they advise people never to look for bargains when they are shopping for parachutes, scuba gear or laser eye surgery. They also wisely counsel interested parties to compare apples to apples when pricing LASIK surgery.
The cost of vision correction, however it is approached, depends on a number of factors. The specific procedure that’s best for you, the location and overhead of the clinic or outpatient surgery center, the physician’s experience, the length of the recovery period and the cost of post-operative pain relief—these are all variables in the complicated price formula. For example, more experienced surgeons may charge higher fees, while some might simply have bigger rent payments in their part of town. As with any other purchase, do your homework and get the facts.
The total cost, of course, will also depend on the particular “vision correction package” that you are purchasing. Many doctors include both pre- and post-operative care in the deal, and offer warranties lasting from 90days to the patient’s lifetime. The great diversity of approaches means, as the clever advertiser said, that you need to compare apples to apples. A “low” price that does not cover follow-up visits, pain medication or other necessities will not, in the long run, be a better bargain than a “higher” price that does include all of these things. Be as careful and exacting in this part of your research as you were when looking into the medical aspects of the LASIK surgery.
On average, the cost for LASIK eye surgery in the U.S. is between $1,500 and$2,000 per eye. By shopping around, you will find any number of doctors and clinics that charge less, as well as those that charge more. And although it’s understandable that you want find the best price, remember that you also have to think about reputation, quality, aftercare and service. Of course, once you decide on the clinic and the LASIK surgeon, you will face another set of decisions that you must make before undergoing the treatment.
If you do not wish to pay for the procedure in cash, there are various financing methods you can employ. If you do decide to finance your LASIK eye surgery, you will then have another investigation to pursue—finding the best deal for financing. Most doctors and clinics will offer some kind of financing plan, whether or not they are the lender, and you will have to decide if their interest rate and monthly payment are the best deal for you.
Naturally, you can finance the LASIK surgery cost yourself by using a credit card, a portion of your homeowner’s line of credit or taking out a loan through a bank, finance company or paycheck advance lender. A simple comparison of interest rates and “total loan cost” will yield a winner in short order.
By: Monica Keller
Posts Tagged ‘Post Operative Care’
What are Reasonable Expectations for your Cosmetic Surgery Results?
January 22nd, 2010Cosmetic surgery can improve someone’s life exponentially. When someone is truly unhappy with their appearance, it can affect every part of their everyday life. From how they act in public to how others perceive them. However, through the miracle of cosmetic surgery, patients can have their body sculpted to their exact specifications, providing themselves with the confidence they never imagined. Results have proven that when you feel good about yourself, you will undoubtedly live a happier and healthier life.
Let’s be frank, the change doesn’t happen overnight. There is a healing time when someone undergoes cosmetic surgery because it is, after all, a surgery. Depending on the type of surgery performed, there may be small, temporary scars or mild swelling and bruising. The stiffness and tenderness will fade quickly, but in a short amount of time, you will be looking and feeling like a new person. When preparing for cosmetic surgery, it’s important to discuss with your doctor your cosmetic surgery and the results you can reasonably expect.
Reasonable Expectations for Cosmetic Breast Surgery
Cosmetic breast surgery is a term that covers a number of procedures, including breast augmentation, breast implants, breast reductions and reconstruction. Post-surgery, you will be expected to listen to and follow your surgeon’s directions for post-operative care because this will greatly enhance your results and provide for the quickest healing time. Depending on the procedure, your surgery may result in breasts that look larger and fuller, more symmetrical and healthier.
Finding the right surgeon to perform your cosmetic surgery is the most important step. Having someone you can place your trust in will not only help you feel more comfortable, but it can actually improve your results. The right surgeon will help you realize reasonable expectations for your results and provide you with all the information you need to know in regards to what you should expect before, during and after your cosmetic breast surgery.
Reasonable Expectations for Cosmetic Laser Surgery
Cosmetic laser surgery can be performed to remove wrinkles, scars, tattoos and a wide number of other procedures. Laser hair removal is another popular procedure. Patients who undergo cosmetic laser surgery can expect to have some swelling and tenderness for about 24 hours after the procedure, but they should have no problem getting on with their daily routine. By following the advice of your surgeon, you can greatly minimize any complications and promote faster healing. Usually, the application of some aloe gel or anti-inflammatory creams will help reduce the “feeling of mild sunburn” most patients experience.
In the case of laser hair removal, you should expect a series of sessions that will ultimately result in permanent hair removal from the area. Consulting with the right surgeon is important for you to feel comfortable with the procedure and its results.
Reasonable Expectations for Cosmetic Surgery Financing
The term “cosmetic surgery” covers a wide spectrum of procedures and, as expected, the costs for them are quite varied. While the price for a procedure can be different from state to state, or even surgeon to surgeon, the best price should never be the only criteria used for choosing a surgeon. For the best success with your cosmetic surgery results, you should choose the doctor that you feel most comfortable with. If that surgeon’s prices are slightly higher than another’s, then you can easily get cosmetic surgery financing to help manage the cost.
There are a number of ways you can get cosmetic surgery financing. From Capital One’s Healthcare Finance to Care Credit to the individual surgeon’s payment plan, you can easily find the best payment method to incorporate into your budget.
By: Dave Donovan
How Much Does Plastic Surgery Cost? Breaking It Down
January 21st, 2010Plastic surgery costs can vary widely from one surgeon to another. Several factors govern the cost of a particular plastic surgery procedure. A couple of major factors include the surgeon’s expertise and experience, and the length and complexity of the procedure. Moreover, the cost may vary from one clinical setting to another. A surgeon owning a state of the art clinic and wielding advanced equipment would charge more for a particular procedure, in order to cover the cost of his/her investments. The same procedure if carried out at a fairly average clinical facility might incur a significantly lower expense.
Whatever the cost, it should be disclosed and settled upon prior to the surgery. Some medical facilities tout attractive bargains, concealing certain costs in order to dupe prospective clients. Therefore, the patient must ensure that the cost agreed to covers the surgery, anesthesia, post-operative exams, and corrective procedures if required. The patient must also make sure that the surgeon has a provision for post-operative care. Plastic surgery costs are typically not covered by insurance unless the surgical procedure is regarded as a reconstructive procedure. However, several finance schemes are available, which allow the patient to pay the costs in easy installments.
At the advent of plastic surgery, the procedure was the preserve of the affluent few, since the costs were simply overwhelming. However, with advances in technology, plastic surgery procedures are now almost ubiquitous. This has significantly reduced the expenses, and made plastic surgery accessible to the populace. The costs depend on the particular plastic surgery procedure performed, and may vary between $1,500 and $8,000. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery’s most recent (2003) estimates, average expense incurred for a few major procedures is as follows:
- Breast Augmentation – $3,360
- Breast Lift – $3,965
- Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) – $4,827
- Breast Reduction (women) – $5,351
- Facelift – $5,966
- Lower Body Lift – $7,874
- Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) – $3,869
