Before committing to plastic surgery, you need to have a consultation with your doctor. Not only does the doctor need to make sure that you are a good candidate for the surgery, but it is also a chance for you to make sure that you like the doctor and his staff, and that you feel comfortable.
A consultation fee is a fee that you pay to speak with a surgeon about a surgical procedure. There is no set rule on consultation fees. Consultation fees vary from doctor to doctor. You may pay as little as $30, or you may be charged as much as $200 or more. Often times the fee may be applied to the cost of the procedure, should you decide to move ahead and have it done.
Many doctors will offer a free no-fee consultation. But never assume that a consultation is free of charge. Always ask up front about any consultation fees. If they do charge a fee, ask if it will be deducted from the cost of the procedure should you decide to move ahead with it.
Why Plastic Surgeons Charge Consultation Fees
Here are several reasons why cosmetic surgeons will charge a consultation fee:
- They believe it will put the patient at ease and eliminate any sales pressure since they have already paid for the doctor’s time.
- They are worried that patients will waste their time if they do not charge a consultation fee.
- Doctors want to maximize their face time with patients. By charging a fee for a consultation to cover their time, they can afford to give the patient all the information they will need to make an informed choice.
Why Plastic Surgeons Offer Free Consultations
Just because some cosmetic surgeons don’t charge a consultation fee does not mean they are less reputable or that they are in need of patients. This simply is not the case.
Doctors who offer their patients a free consultation do so because they feel it is in the best interest of both the patient and the surgeon.
- These doctors are confident about their professional skills and their likability. They know that they will receive adequate compensation from the many patients who decide to move ahead with the procedure.
- They know that more people are willing to move ahead with a procedure once they’ve had a chance to discuss their options.
- They don’t want a fee to be an obstacle for prospective patients to learn more about plastic surgery.
- They don’t want the patient to feel any pressure to move ahead with the procedure because of a fee.
Should You Pay a Consultation Fee?
Here’s the bottom line. You shouldn’t let a consultation fee be the determining factor in choosing a plastic surgeon. The most important things to consider when making this choice are the doctor’s training, credentials and experience as well as the doctor’s ability to understand and achieve your personal goals.
Your consultation should educate you about your options and put your mind at ease before surgery. Make sure the doctor is a board certified plastic surgeon. Find out if the doctor is experienced in the procedure that you would like to have done. Ask to see before and after pictures of previous patients who have undergone your procedure.
To find out if plastic surgery is right for you, contact us for more information or to schedule a consultation. The Body Sculpting Center is located in Phoenix, Arizona, serving residents of greater Phoenix, Scottsdale and the surrounding areas in Arizona.
