Dr. PIERGIORGIO ALLEGRA

Costs are in line with the current prices in this geographical area for the same level of quality and experience. Differences in the costs might be confusing to the public and difficult to read. Here are some useful guidelines to choose the right doctor for you.

First of all costs depend on the diagnosis and therefore the complexity of the treatment. Quality of materials and of the surgical facilities are other critically important variables of the equation. Paradoxically, the team's experience, although the fundamental element in providing excellence of results, in a competing free market contributes little in elevating costs.

On the other hand, the contrary is true: the unexperienced or unqualified can only compete on cost, certainly not on quality, years of experience and accreditation. Beware, therefore, of the lowest prices, because they most often hide shortcuts in quality and safety, with serious risks to the patient.

Be also diffident when various professionals suggest significantly different treatments. Although we work in a "frivolous" field of medicine, there are serious clinical protocols and the well being of a patient is not a variable personal opinion.

If you wish to get accurate information on a single therapy or procedure we recommend the official website of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, at www.plasticsurgery.org.