Is $4000 too high for an alar base reduction surgery with a triple board certified plastic surgeon?

Question

I went for a consultation in Atlanta, GA for an alar base reduction. The doctor mentioned weirs, sills and coapt suture. I was quoted $4000 just for the surgery, not including any other fees like anesthesia. I have found that the typical price for this type of procedure is anywhere between $2000 - $3000 (from research and other doctors). The doctor I saw is triple board certified in plastic, reconstructive and laser surgery.....if that makes a difference. Is this price unreasonably high?

Philip K. Robb Jr., MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question- I think the fact that your asking this means you're uncomfortable with moving forward. Generally price has a role in this but it's also the way you meshed with the physician. There are many facets that go into price but I'd recommend having consultations with some other plastic surgeons to learn some other perspectives as well! Hope this helps and God Bless!Dr. Robb

John Layke, DO, FACS · Answer

$4000 may be high for this procedure that can be done under local as an outpatient.  Board Certification in Laser Surgery is new to me, but the important certification is in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (either the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery).  Consult with a few surgeons and go with the one that you feel the most comfortable with.

Kenneth Yu, MD · Answer

Hello.  If your surgeon is only doing alar base reduction, then I think $4000 may be a bit high-especially when you said that doesn't include anesthesia or facility fees.  Triple board certified may sound impressive, but --in my opinion-- board certification only matters if each certification is in a distinctly different field.  For example, a common double board certification is in otolaryngology (ENT) and facial plastic & reconstructive surgery.  My plastic surgery friends are board certified in one specialty-plastic and reconstructive surgery.  Notice how the reconstructive surgery is part of the plastic designation.  I've never heard of a board certification in laser surgery.  Perhaps some surgeons justify their prices with extra titles.  Bottom line--the price a surgeon sets is entirely up to him, but I'm a believer in market forces.  If that is the going price in your region, than that's fair.  The only way to find out is to see multiple surgeons and gather information.  Ultimately, you should base your decision on your comfort with the surgeon and the trust you have with him/her.  Good luck.

Brian Maloney, MD, FACS · Answer

Cost for any surgical procedure vary from doctor to doctor. It sounds like you may not feel comfortable with the surgeon. I would suggest having a few more consultations before you proceed. In addition to cost there may be variations in technique.

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

The fees for Cosmetic Surgery vary from Region to region, Practice to Practice, experience of a Surgeon, etc.. No, $4000 is not to high at all.. Keep in mind the costs include surgical fee, facility fee, Anesthesia provider fee.. Remember that a Board Certified PS has 15 years or more of training and hopefully additional years of experience. But changing the Alar Base may require other changes to create the bets looking nose. The cost of course will go up

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Cost of alar base reduction varies based on geographic region and surgeon expertise.  Make
sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients
who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and not just a computer
animation system. The most important aspect is to find a
surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a
qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Don Fontana, MD · Answer

Yes, if that is all that is being done, then the charge is excessive. This is basically a 30 minute procedure done under local. I'd suggest seeing a  board certified PS. I am unaware of  board certification in laser surgery, which makes me question the physician who quoted you this fee.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

That cost does sound a little bit high for a simple alar base reduction.  The procedure takes about 20 minutes under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure.

Oleh Slupchynskyj, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Hi,Alar base reduction can cost between $3500 to $5500 depending on geographic location. Also depends on the experience of the surgeon. If alar base reduction is not done right, it may be very difficult to correct them with revisions.Best,Dr.S.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

The price you were quoted seems reasonable for the procedure you described.  If you have reservations, consider another consult with a board certified plastic surgeon for another opinion.

Is $4000 too high for an alar base reduction surgery with a triple board certified plastic surgeon?

Answers (10)

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