Is it fair for a Surgeon to charge a $300 revision fee for a lipoma that was not successfully removed? It is stil the same size.

Question

I had a lipoma liposuctioned last august but had wanted it cut out. I purposely went to my plastic surgeon as ive always trusted him. However, the lipoma did not shrink whatsoever but it did get squishy. I went back at the 11 month mark for a follow up & i was told there would be a 300.00 revision fee. Is this ethical? I paid 2000 for 3 small procedures that day. 2 out of 3 successful. I feel this is a bit unfair because this was the initial reason i went to see him in the first place. Thanks

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Lipomas are benign fatty tumors that occur under the skin and less commonly within the muscle. They are associated with mild discomfort and a lump underneath the skin. It is always best to talk to an expert plastic surgeon to determine whether the lipoma is possibly a cyst or a tumor or hernia. We would have to remove the lipoma to be sure that it is not something else and we usually do this by sending it to a pathologist for evaluation. If a lipoma is painful, then an exam is needed to make sure it is not compressing on a nerve or whether the diagnosis is different. Aftercare for a lipoma includes gentle compression and Plato’s Scar Serum twice daily on the wound.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Each surgeon will have their own policy in regards to fees for a revision procedure.  I would recommend just speaking with your surgeon and tell him how you feel about the fee for the revision.  You may be able to come to a compromise.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Energetic9315,
every surgeon has a revision policy. Many involve reduced or even no fees for the surgeon (depending on the situation) while the patient may still be responsible for facility (the use of the operating room, staff, and supplies) and anesthesia fees. Best to go back to your surgeon and have a talk about your concerns again. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Is it fair for a Surgeon to charge a $300 revision fee for a lipoma that was not successfully removed? It is stil the same size.

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Answers (3)

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