Should I Use a Teaching Hospital to Get a Cheaper Tummy Tuck?

Question

I want a tummy tuck so bad, i am a college student and unable to make more than minimum wage. In New York there is a place for newly graduated surgeons wanting to practice before heading into the world on their own. The cost for a surgery would be almost half price, (right within my budget, but barely). I am afraid that i will in some way get what i paid for.

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

Most university hospital Plastic Surgery departments have a resident clinic for cosmetic surgery. The residents are usually overseen by board certfied Plastic Surgeons. Each institution runs their clinic a bit differently. This can be a very good option for folks who are short on funds and can't do financing.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there,This could be a very good option for those with a very limited budget.  Each Hospital runs their programs a little different.  I would recommend doing your research and having and in person consultation with the surgeon.  Best of luck to you.

Miguel Mota, MD · Answer

You could. This is always an option if you can't afford a Tummy tuck. Plastic surgery fees vary a lot from surgeon to surgeon and from place to place. Plastic Surgery Residency programs have cheaper fees because you would be operated on by a surgeon in plastic surgery training. Aesthetically speaking, the result will probably not compare to a surgeon that has had several years of experience though. You could also try save up and research other cities that might be cheaper then NYC.
Traveling for surgeries, be that out of state or abroad, can be a good idea as long as you do your research. If you are traveling, make sure your Plastic Surgeon is Board Certified and is accessible before and after surgery. 
Best of luck on you research,Dr. Miguel Mota

Rady Rahban, MD, FACS · Answer

I recommend that prospective patients research facilities
with the ultimate goal to find a surgeon who will help yield the best results,
rather than one who will charge less. There are many surgeons who will provide competitive pricing, yet you may be compromising the outcome of your tummy tuck
results. Using a teaching hospital doesn’t necessarily mean a poor outcome but
you must understand that the residents don’t have much experience and the
supervising physician may not be totally present.  Basically you get what
you pay for.  Hope this helped and good luck finding the right surgeon for
you.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

This is an option if you have no other choice but I am concerned about how young you are for seeking your cosmetic result.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Yes, you will likely be able to find plastic surgery training programs where procedures can be done for less. If I were you, I would want to have proof of your plastic surgeon's experience level; ask to see lots of examples of his work and speak to previous patients who have had surgery with him.Be careful with your decision-making; undoubtedly, the most important decision you make in this regard will be selection ofplastic surgeon. Remember, if cost savings are an issue, that revisionary surgery may be more costly in many ways.Best wishes.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

You can do this to save $'s. It offers a trainee plastic surgeon the opportunity to use his new skills on reduced fee patients usually under supervision of a senior plastic surgeon.

	From MIAMI DR. B

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

New York has several Medical schools with several Plastic Surgery Residency programs (NYU, Columbia, Cornell, Mount Sinai, Downstate etc). If you go to one of their residents clinic you would probably get an OK procedure in which a Plastic surgeon in training is supposed to be supervised by a practicing surgeon in performing the operation. The extent of such supervision may vary from non-existent to scrubbed and helping the resident do the surgery. The skill of these residents varies and will not match much less exceed that of a surgeon who has been in practice for a few years.

	An alternative is to check out the FELLOWS clinic at MEETH (Manhattan Eye and Ear) which rotates both NYU Plastic Surgery residents as well as Fellows who completed their training and took a year to train there and get more cosmetic surgery experience. If forced to go the route of a clinic, I would make sure you were operated on by a Fellow rather than a resident.

	Ideally, you may want to save your money and be operated on by a skilled surgeon who has done many of these operations. If New York is too expensive for you, and it is for many, consider traveling to a cheaper city where the operation will be as good but with a lower price tag.

Elan B. Singer, MD · Answer

Save up and go to a private surgeon. The residency programs are safe places to have surgery, but if you want the best possible result and personalized care, you should see a private plastic surgeon in their own office.

George J. Beraka, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi.

	I see you have several questions.  If you cannot afford $10,000, a plastic surgery clinic is a safe place for a tummy tuck or other cosmetic surgery.  For tummy tuck in New York City, we run a clinic at Lenox Hill Hospital.

Should I Use a Teaching Hospital to Get a Cheaper Tummy Tuck?

Answers (11)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (11)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

How Long Does It Take for Stitches to Dissolve After Tummy Tuck?

Tummy Tuck at 20 Years Old?

Can Lipo of Upper Arms and Back Be Combined with a Full Tummy Tuck?

Tummy Tuck with a Belly Button Piercing

If Lockwood Procedure is Better, Why Don't More Doctors Do It?

How Long Will Bleeding Last After Drain Removal After Tummy Tuck?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS