Wilfred Brown, MD

Costs are often quite variable - I think the most important issue is how comfortable you are with the surgeon - do you feel that you can communicate openly and honestly with him/ her? Is the surgeon and their staff approachable? Is there a relaxed atmosphere in the office?

Once you have focused on two or three surgeons, you should make sure that they are board certified by the ABPS. Ask to see photos of consecutive patients or their best and worst patients. Ask to  speak to previous patients. Check what your price includes eg. anesthesia, facility, garment, professional fees. Always check that the surgeries are performed in an accredited facility, and the anesthesia is being performed by a nurse anesthetist or anesthesiologist.

Finally, don't rely too much on the hype of some of the newer machines - the most important issue is that you are going to have a positive experience from this surgery. Occasionally, surgeon's fees may be higher because they are using newer, more expensive machines that don't necessarily yield better results.