Reconstructive Surgery Cost

You should consult a representative of your insurance company to determine whether or not your reconstructive surgery will be covered. It’s important that you understand what costs and fees you will be responsible for.

Reconstructive surgery costs can vary greatly depending on the surgeon’s skill and experience, where you live, the type and extent of your reconstructive surgery procedure, additional therapies needed after your surgery and other factors. Additionally, your insurance coverage will affect what amount you must pay for your reconstructive surgery. Remember, each patient’s situation is unique.

Medical insurance plans vary widely in coverage, copays and restrictions. You must become familiar with what your plan covers. Learn how to call a representative from your insurance company to discuss your coverage and your specific reconstructive surgery procedure.

Cost of Reconstructive Surgery

The best way to accurately determine the cost of your reconstructive surgery is to set up a consultation with a reconstructive surgery surgeon. He or she will be able to evaluate your case, let you know if you are a good reconstructive surgery candidate and also discuss the costs associated with reconstructive surgery based on your situation.

To learn more about the cost of reconstructive surgery, search for a doctor using our physician locator and set up a consultation. Our physician directory connects you with the best reconstructive surgery doctors in your area.

Will My Insurance Cover My Reconstructive Surgery?

In many cases, reconstructive surgery is covered by medical insurance plans. Because reconstructive surgery procedures aim to fix defects, abnormalities or injuries, they are often deemed medically necessary and approved for coverage.

You should contact a representative of your insurance company to discuss your reconstructive surgery. Even if your procedure is covered, you may still be responsible for fees and copays.

It’s important to learn what copays and other costs will be associated with your procedure under your insurance coverage so you can plan and budget appropriately. Medical insurance plans vary widely.

You should also think about hidden costs, such as the costs of travel if you choose a doctor outside your local area, the costs of bandages and other materials you may decide to pick up after your surgery and the cost of over-the-counter medication you might want to take for pain management.

Financing Your Reconstructive Surgery Procedure

If you discover that your insurance plan will not cover your reconstructive surgery procedure, or if you do not have insurance, other options may be available. You should discuss the situation with your doctor before scheduling your procedure. Your doctor or his or her staff will be able to explain the costs associated with the procedure and may be able to offer a financing plan that works with your budget and allows you to pay for your procedure in a manageable way.

You also may be able to receiving financing from a medical financing company or a bank.

Factors Affecting Costs of Reconstructive Surgery

Many different factors affect the cost of reconstructive surgery. Some of these factors include:

• The experience, training and skill of your doctor
• The type of procedure you will be receiving
• The region of the country where you will have the procedure
• The fees associated with the office or hospital where you will have your procedure
• The costs of pre-surgery tests and x-rays
• The cost of anesthesia

If your insurance covers your procedure, you still may be responsible for copays for many of the medical procedures involved and copays for the doctor’s visits associated with your reconstructive surgery.

Keep in mind that reconstructive surgery may involve additional therapies. For example, hip or knee replacement requires physical therapy to gain range of motion and learn to use the new joint. Jaw reconstructive surgery may involve orthodontics (braces) before and after surgery.

You should also consider the costs of over-the-counter medications you take for pain management, as well as any medications your reconstructive surgeon prescribes for you during your recovery period.

What If I can’t Afford Reconstructive Surgery?

Before your reconstructive surgery, you should carefully go over all associated costs with your doctor or the facility where you will have your procedure. If your insurance will not cover your procedure, it’s important that you understand the associated costs and find a payment plan that will work for you.

If you find it difficult to pay for your reconstructive surgery, options may be available. Consult with your doctor if you believe the cost of your treatment will be too much for you to pay in full at the time of your procedure.

You can find a plastic surgeon near you by using our physician directory. Our doctors understand that cost may be a very real factor in your decision. You should not be nervous discussing these costs with your doctor or his or her staff.

If your physician does not offer financing, you may be able to receive financing from an outside medical financing company or bank.

Choosing Your Reconstructive Surgery Doctor

You should not choose a doctor based on cost alone. In fact, higher cost can be an indicator of more refined skill and greater experience. The success of your reconstructive surgery depends in large part on the skill of your surgeon. A quality plastic surgeon can increase the chance of getting the results you want and can reduce the risk of complications.

You should visit the “Reconstructive Surgeons” page on our site for more detailed information about what types of surgeons perform reconstructive surgery, what qualifications to look for and what questions to ask when deciding on a surgeon.

When choosing your plastic surgeon, you should take these factors into account:

• Certification
• The experience of your doctor, such as how long he or she has been performing reconstructive surgery and how often he or she performs your particular procedure
• The technique your doctor uses; ask questions and make sure you understand how it works before making a decision
• Results of the doctor’s work; ask to see before and after pictures of reconstructive surgery procedures

Don’t hesitate to ask to see before and after photos and read testimonials from patients. Ask your doctor about any concerns you have about reconstructive surgery.