Plastic surgery pricing – what are you paying for?
Plastic surgery costs are always a factor in the decision-making process. These costs can vary widely, not only in London but throughout the UK, and it can seem tempting to go for the cheaper option. However, it is essential to remember that when it comes to your body, face or breasts, safety should be your top priority.
When you book a procedure with a top plastic surgeon, some of what you are paying for is the security of knowing your surgeon has a wealth of training and experience behind him.
But what else goes into the cost of plastic surgery? We have broken it down to help you understand exactly what it is you are paying for.
Costs applicable to all procedures
Although there are some pricing differences between different plastic surgery procedures (more on that below), some costs apply to whatever surgery you choose. Here’s a breakdown of what you are paying for and why:
The surgeon’s fee:
Like all professionals, plastic surgeons charge a fee for their service, and the amount they charge will reflect their expertise, training and experience, as well as the complexity of the operation they are performing.
The anaesthetist’s fee:
Contrary to popular belief, the anaesthetist doesn’t just administer your anaesthetic prior to the procedure but is responsible for monitoring all your vital statistics during so the surgeon can concentrate on the operation. If you have a general anaesthetic, the anaesthetist will also wait to check that you are well when you come around, ensuring you wake up with minimal nausea and pain. All of this incurs a fee for the anaesthetist’s time and expertise.
Theatre fees:
When a surgeon operates out of a private hospital, they pay a fee to use the operating theatre and equipment, which is reflected in the cost of the procedure. Mr Juling Ong operates out of leading London private hospitals which offer state-of-the-art facilities and outstanding patient care.
Hospital stay:
Some procedures will require an overnight stay in hospital, and this will also be included in the price.
Post-op medication, etc:
You may well be prescribed some medication to take after the operation to help with any bruising, swelling or pain. Some procedures will require you to wear a compression garment. All of this may be included in the cost of your surgery.
Price variants between procedures
Why do some plastic surgery procedures cost more than others? There are several factors at play, but some of the main considerations are:
- Duration: some procedures take longer than others or you may have combined procedures. This means there is more to pay in terms of the fee to use the operating theatre and equipment, plus the cost of paying the anaesthetist, surgical team and the surgeon.
- Implants: while some procedures, such as rhinoplasty (nose job) or abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) require reshaping or removing existing structures, others, like breast augmentation, require the insertion of an implant, and the price of surgery will include the cost of the implant itself. The type of implant used may also affect the price. Mr Juling Ong only uses the highest-quality implants made from materials with a proven track record of safety in clinical use.
- Anatomical differences: while unusual, it is possible that some patients may be charged a slightly higher fee than others because of certain anatomical features which make surgery more complicated.
Why not go abroad?
It is true that some ‘cosmetic surgery holiday’ providers offer prices that are difficult for UK surgeons to beat. However, tread very carefully when booking surgery abroad.
Mr Juling Ong is a member of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) and they have previously warned of the mounting cost of cosmetic surgery tourism, both to the NHS in the form of revision surgery and the patient.
In a survey they conducted, 83% of respondents cited lower costs as the primary reason for choosing surgery abroad. However, alarmingly, 66% of respondents stated they would not make the same decision and nearly half expressing regret.
Planning plastic surgery?
Some things to consider are:
Surgeon qualifications
Surgical qualifications vary widely between countries, so while the letters behind someone’s name might look very impressive, it is important to find out what they mean. In the UK, surgeons are required to have reached Consultant level (which means a minimum of six years’ specialist training, as well as passing several rigorous examinations) before they can offer private plastic surgery.
Regulation
Plastic surgery in the UK is heavily regulated by the Healthcare Commission and the General Medical Council, which typically makes it more expensive for surgeons, hospitals and clinics than abroad. Here, plastic surgeons must also have extensive malpractice indemnity in the rare event that something goes wrong. But this does ensure that you are fully protected and receive the best possible care and treatment.
Communication
One of the most essential things when choosing your plastic surgeon is whether you feel you can understand each other – does s/he understand the result you are hoping for? Do you understand the pre- and post-op advice s/he is giving you?
Follow-up treatment
Even if the surgery goes smoothly, you will require follow-up appointments to check on your progress, and if there are complicationsThe regulations may not be the same in the country you choose for your surgery, so it is important to be aware of that before signing anything.
For more information on our plastic surgery pricing, call 020 7927 6528 or email info@julingong.com to speak to Mr Ong’s team.
