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 We all want a bargain. Some folks are never really satisfied with a purchase unless they know they got some sort of discount. It’s not about being cheap - it’s about getting good value. Applying these principles to cosmetic surgery is not always the best option. Here’s why: When buying a new car, it is wise to check dealer’s invoice, look into various locations and car brokers, and checking options online. The prices may vary widely for the same make and model of vehicle. This information can be very helpful to negotiating the best price, as well as helping to locate the lowest cost car available. Regardless of where you purchase your car, you can be assured that whichever car you choose, it was made using the same specs in the company factory. If there is a problem with your car, there is a factory warranty, no matter which dealer you bought it from. Plastic surgery is different. For one, your body is different than every other body. Surgeons are also very different in terms of training, experience and ability. Many people now travel to South America or Asia for cosmetic surgery to save on the price. There are many excellent surgeons all over the world. Just remember that if there is a problem, you will need to go back to the original surgeon unless you want to pay a great deal more for a local surgeon to try and correct the problem. Even locally, some patients will pay no attention to anything but the price - only to pay a much higher price later on.
 It is not just the financial price that is at risk here. You have only one body and one face, Your body is not like a car where you can just head to the body shop and fix it up. You don’t get a lot of chances. No one should take any type of surgery lightly, and the old adage really is true - you get what you pay for. So many intelligent people appear to be blind to everything but price when it comes to cosmetic surgery. When choosing a surgeon you need to consider qualifications, experience, referrals … and price. If you have consulted with a few reputable surgeons and then find one who is much less expensive, perhaps you should consider why the price is so different. Choosing the least expensive architect or the least expensive contractor may leave you with a house that needs a great deal more money in the long run. And you usually get one good chance with your body. So, if you are seriously considering a cosmetic surgery procedure, take a look in the mirror, and see the very valuable commodity - you! Then think intelligently and look into your options. We all make mistakes - some we can afford more than others. Dr. Josh Korman, M.D., is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has been a member of the clinical faculty of Stanford University for 15 years. He is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the California Society of Plastic Surgery. He received national attention for his use of lasers in plastic surgery and for body lift surgery. Dr. Korman has been featured on “20/20”; CNN; The New York Times; The San Jose Mercury News; Gentry Magazine, and The Metro. Dr. Korman volunteers his services as physician in developing countries with Interplast; he has served on its board of directors. Locally he donates his time to the Community Breast Health Project in Palo Alto, Calif. He is an accomplished musician and playwright. He has been named one of San Jose Magazine's "Top Docs" every year since 2000. Send your questions to Josh@smartnow.com |
