Medicine and Money: Common Procedures

Facelift

Purpose: To rejuvenate the appearance of the face by tightening the muscles of the face, chin and neck.

How it's done: Working through incisions hidden behind the hairline, excess facial fat is removed and muscles are tightened.

Recovery: Patients typically return to work within two weeks. Most of the bruising and swelling subsides after two to three weeks.

Staying power: Up to 10 years.

Surgeon's fee: $5,304*

Eyelid Surgery

Purpose: To correct drooping eyelids or puffy bags below the eyes.

How it's done: Excess fat, skin and muscle are removed through small incisions within the folds of the eyelids.

Recovery: Patients usually return to work within 10 days. It may take several weeks for the bruising and swelling to go away.

Staying power: Several years, can be permanent.

Surgeon's fee: $1,092-$2,415*

Nose Surgery

Purpose: To reshape the nose so that it harmonizes with other features.

How it's done: This procedure is customized for each patient. It can mean changing the size of the nose, removing a bump, changing the shape of the tip or bridge, narrowing the span of the nostrils or changing the angle between the nose and the upper lip.

Recovery: Within two weeks most patients are back to work. The final result may not become fully apparent for a year or more.

Staying power: Permanent.

Surgeon's fee: $2,417-$3,183*

Liposuction

Purpose: To improve the contour of the body, face, neck, arms or legs.

How it's done: Exercise-resistant pockets of fat are suctioned from the body with a tube-and-vacuum device.

Recovery: Most patients are back to work within two weeks, but need to avoid strenuous activity for about a month. The final result may not be visible for several months.

Staying power: Permanent, with sensible diet and exercise.

Surgeon's fee: $1,461-$3,602*

Breast Enlargement

Purpose: To enhance the size and shape of the breasts.

How it's done: Saline implants are placed behind the breast.

Recovery: Patients may return to work within a few days but they need to avoid physical contact with the breasts for about a month. Scars may take up to a year to fade.

Staying power: Varies. Implants may require removal or replacement.

Surgeon's fee: $2,850*

*Additional costs for hospital stay, anesthesia, etc. not included

Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons