Should I pay for blepharoplasty surgery upfront?

My physician is asking me to pay the full sum of a blepharoplasty 'up front', two weeks before the surgery. Is that legit?

My physician told me that my eyelid procedure is minor, and will cost $2700, paid two weeks BEFORE the procedure. That sounds wrong to me. What if I am ill, or my elderly mother needs me, and I have to cancel? His office told me that this policy is to keep patients asking for cosmetic procedures from cancelling their appointments. Please advise me - is this standard practice?

5 answers to “Should I pay for blepharoplasty...”

A: cosmetic surgery typically paid for in advance

By Jonathan Hoenig, MD - Beverly Hills Oculoplastic surgeon

It is common to have fees paid in full before cosmetic surgery. If you have concerns, it is not unreasonable to ask for the cancellation policy in writing.

A: Scheduling and paying for Blepharoplasty

By Raffy Karamanoukian, MD - Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Most professional and ethical practitioners have a policy to schedule surgery. Typically, payment is made several weeks ahead of time. This should not surprise you as the policy is commonplace in the United States. It avoids the extra drama of completing financial commitments on the morning of surgery. On the... more

A: Payment of Cosmetic Surgery

By Steven H. Williams, MD - Bay Area Plastic Surgeon

Thanks for the question - Typically payment for cosmetic procedures is required prior to surgery. Most practices have cancellation policies to deal with the need to reschedule, postpone or cancel surgery. Be sure to ask prior to deciding on surgery. I hope this helps.

A: Yes, this is the standard

By Richard P. Rand, MD - Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Cosmetic surgery is always paid up front usually 2 weeks before surgery. This prevents the patient after the fact telling the doctor they aren't happy and aren't going to pay even in the setting of a perfectly good outcome. It also protects the surgery schedule as there will be stiff penalties for... more

A: do ask for the cancelation policy

By Kamran Khoobehi, MD - New Orleans Plastic Surgeon

This is a commen practice for elective and cosmetic procedures. Make sure that your doctor's office has a cancelation policy. It is customary to return 100% of the fee if there is a legit reason for the cancelation.

Comments

anonymous73
14 posts
21 Mar 2009

This sounds totally standard to me. Not sure how emergencies like family illness or death is handled for a cosmetic procedure. but paying at minimum 2 weeks ahead is the general policy that I'm familiar with. The MDs have to schedule the OR and anesthesiologist so others need to be paid regardless if you show (I'm assuming).

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