Plastic surgery for cheap? Why some deals are too good to be true

An old saying goes, "If it is too good to be true, it probably is." The saying warns consumers that if you are getting an out-of-this-world deal on something, there is probably something wrong with it. This advice applies not only to consumer goods but also to services, such as plastic surgery.

Today, with the looming threat of trade wars, inflation, job losses, rising grocery prices and high everything prices, more and more people are looking to save a buck and find "deals." Cutting coupons and shopping around for the best price are excellent money-saving tactics, but there is one area where you don't want to skimp – plastic surgery procedures.

If you find plastic surgery for cheap, it's time to examine what you are getting and from whom carefully. Some deals are just too good to be true.

Plastic surgery on the cheap

No one wants to give up on their aesthetic goals or self-care luxuries. However, instead of being economically savvy and searching for minimally invasive procedures, saving up in a plastic surgery fund or finding financing options, some people are drawn in by the allure of a "good deal" that seems too good to refuse. Unfortunately, plastic surgery on the cheap can end up costing you a lot more in hidden costs.

"You don't even have to leave the country to find unqualified people doing very inexpensive surgery," said Troy Pittman, MD, FACS.

And therein lies the problem. Most people consider medical tourism to foreign countries a cheap but risky alternative to getting care in the United States. However, there are also unregulated operations in the U.S. that promise patients affordable surgery and a beautiful aesthetic result, only to pull the rug out from under them, sometimes ruining lives in the process.

The real costs of cheap plastic surgery

Cheap plastic surgery isn't the money-saver that patients think it is. It may be "affordable" up front, but expect significant costs associated with potential emergency room bills, medical expenses and other issues related to a botched surgery. Medical care targeting complications, blood clots, deformities and infections can also be expensive.

"Revision pricing is always higher than the primary pricing because it's that much more difficult, and you go from maybe a 30-to-45-minute operation to a two-and-a-half-hour operation," said Kristy Hamilton, MD.

While needing another surgery to correct the first one may seem scary, only needing revision surgery may be the best-case scenario when cutting corners with plastic surgery.

"Doing something like this, the consequences are dire – their life or death or disfigurement," said Dr. Pittman. "We all have seen the stories of people who go to unqualified people, and they have disastrous results. Then, they end up spending years and thousands of dollars trying to have those things fixed."

There may be some sticker shock because board-certified plastic surgeons typically cost more, having received more dedicated training in plastic surgery. Yet, they are the best value for your money to both get the results you seek and protect your health. Some doctors may charge less because they are offering procedures outside the scope of their education and training. Any doctor with an MD can perform any procedure, but when it comes to how you look, it's important to choose an expert who has specific training in plastic surgery.

Aesthetic surgery is real surgery with real risks. While the risk of complications with any surgery is never zero, patients can greatly reduce their risks by choosing a qualified plastic surgeon.

That's because plastic surgery is a specialty that requires extensive training, experience and expertise to perform safely and effectively. Patients may be confused by the numerous official-sounding boards and certifications; however, they should choose a board-certified surgeon who is an ASPS member.

Although significant, the financial repercussions of cheap plastic surgery pale in comparison to the other potential issues associated with unregulated, illegal or cheap surgery.

Florida had to take action to regulate Brazilian butt lifts in the state after numerous women experienced complications from dangerous and unsafe procedures. HB 1471: Health Care Provider Accountability legislation, passed in 2023, set parameters for best practices for Florida surgeons to reduce the risk of complications associated with BBL procedures and gluteal fat grafting.

Recently, a young woman died while staying at a post-surgery recovery house.

"You know, there are a lot of these places, not just South Florida, but a lot of these smaller one-off places, like these recovery houses, where you go and you recover," said Dr. Pittman. "And the people who are running the recovery houses don't have the credentials to really take care of a postop patient."

The result? A slower postop recovery, delayed wound healing and the potential for infections, scarring, disfigurement and possibly death.

What is too good to be true in plastic surgery?

How can you tell when the cost of a procedure is fair and when the price may be a sign that something is amiss?

"We know how much these surgeries should cost," said Dr. Pittman. "We know the cost of goods. We know how much it takes to buy an implant. And if, you know, if they're selling Botox for less than the bottle costs, you have to wonder why it is so cheap?"

There are clinics and unregulated or illegal operations that save money and pass those savings onto the consumer by watering down Botox, not dosing properly or accurately, as well as using subpar or non-medical-grade products or equipment. Counterfeit materials can include anything from drugs ordered from the black market or unregulated foreign vendors to silicone and cement purchased from the local home improvement warehouse store.

Additionally, it's essential to receive treatments or procedures in a medical setting. Places like homes or hotel rooms are not equipped to handle complications. Plus, the risk of infection is higher in these locations compared to certified office facilities.

Doctors may know the actual cost of plastic surgery goods, but does the average consumer know it? A good place to start when educating yourself about the cost of plastic surgery is the ASPS Procedural Statistics Report. This report includes a table of average surgeon fees for specific procedures. However, this can also be confusing, as these costs only reflect the average surgeon's fee, which is only part of the total price – it does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities or other related expenses. Surgeon fees, as well, can vary based on geographic location, expertise and several other factors.

"Something dramatically lower and different," said Dr. Hamilton. "Well, wait a second, what's going on there? That seems kind of off."

Dr. Pittman said the same and suggested that prices well below the bell curve of the average cost should be considered a red flag. Substantially lower prices can be an indication that something is not completely legitimate.

The value proposition

Plastic surgery should never be a matter of finding the cheapest option. Too much is at stake, including your physical health, mental well-being and quality of life. Instead, it may be time to switch the way patients think about the cost of plastic surgery. Dr. Pittman points to a more recent turn of phrase: "There's an old Gucci saying, which is, 'Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten.'"

Do you remember the price you paid for that unforgettable vacation or the memories you made with the people you love? What about the cost of that fabulous handbag that has lasted for years and continues to prove just how sheik you are? It's not necessarily the cost of a product or service. It is the value of what you are getting for your hard-earned money. It's a lesson Dr. Pittman and other plastic surgeons try to pass to patients.

"A good, reputable plastic surgeon should be able to offer a value proposition to the patient and say it is more expensive, but this is what you're getting," said Dr. Pittman. "You're getting my training, you're getting my experience, you're getting the experience of my staff. And so that goes right back to if it's too good to be true or it's really, really cheap."

Plastic surgery costs more than medical supplies, anesthesia and medications. It includes the skill and experience of your plastic surgeon and their staff, education and credentials. The cost also includes having the knowledge and resources to address unforeseen complications or emergencies immediately, as well as aftercare and the ability to reach your plastic surgeon if you have questions.

Dr. Hamilton emphasized that cost and budget should be part of the conversation you have with your plastic surgeon.

"I think it's important to discuss it when you're pursuing any of these surgeries," said Dr. Hamilton. "It can be like buying a car sometimes, so it shouldn't be something that patients are reluctant to talk about or discuss. It's okay to be open and have a conversation about your options. I think plastic surgery offices expect these questions, and we provide information to patients."

Plastic surgery is a luxury. A knockoff handbag may save you money and fool your friends. However, cheap plastic surgery could show on your face or body for the rest of your life. Working with an ASPS Member Surgeon is the best way to find strategic solutions to address your aesthetic goals within your designated budget.

To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.