Is it Wrong to Try and Negotiate a Slightly Lower Price for Surgery?

Never hurts to ask! I know in my practice we have a reward program for referring patients (that actually schedule!!!). But I would run it by the office manager, rather than the doctor..then if you don't get the answer you want...move to the doctor!!!!!!!!!

Patients negotiate price all the time,  there may be the opportunity to get a better price if you plan or gave the surgery on short notice by taking an unexpected cancellation.  I always give prior patients a discount especially if they have referred other oatients to me, but not plastic surgeons are as generous.

I do not think it would rude to ask and you may be pleased with the answer.  You sound like you are an excellent referral source.

You can always ask for a discount and in this tough economy we try to do what we can.  This is a very competitive field and we are all working to get your business.

Thank you for your question. I agree with the comments below. When patients return for multiple procedures over time, yes, some plastic surgeons will extend better pricing through some type of loyal client program. There are many factors to consider.  The plastic surgeon may be able to give you a break on the surgeon's fee portion of the tummy tuck.  However, some of the costs such as the anesthesia fee and the facility fee may be fixed and beyond the control of the surgeon himself/herself to adjust.  You pay the total fee to the surgeon but then he/she must turn around and pay for the supplies, instrument processing, facility, anesthesiologist, etc.... You may be able to get better pricing but it may not be as much as you like.  The least you could do is ask, and the worst that could happen is that he could say no.  However, I wouldn't go elsewhere just to get a cheaper rate. It sounds like you have had a good experience and that you trust him.  If you go elsewhere and it goes badly, the cost to fix an undesirable outcome may be much larger than paying full price for a tummy tuck well done the first time.