Medicine and Money: Common Procedures

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Facelift|ret||ret||tab|

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

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

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

Staying power: Up to 10 years.|ret||ret||tab|

Surgeon's fee: $5,304*|ret||ret||tab|

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Eyelid Surgery|ret||ret||tab|

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

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

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

Staying power: Several years, can be permanent.|ret||ret||tab|

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

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Nose Surgery|ret||ret||tab|

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

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. |ret||ret||tab|

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

Staying power: Permanent.|ret||ret||tab|

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

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Liposuction|ret||ret||tab|

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

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

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.|ret||ret||tab|

Staying power: Permanent, with sensible diet and exercise.|ret||ret||tab|

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

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Breast Enlargement|ret||ret||tab|

Purpose: To enhance the size and shape of the breasts.|ret||ret||tab|

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

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.|ret||ret||tab|

Staying power: Varies. Implants may require removal or replacement.|ret||ret||tab|

Surgeon's fee: $2,850*|ret||ret||tab|

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

Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons[[In-content Ad]]