By Dana Jacoby
Surgical procedures save lives and improve outcomes, and that is reflected in today’s mounting healthcare expenditure. Total healthcare spending in the USA surpassed $4.3 trillion in 2021, a relatively slow year, and is expected to hit $6.2 trillion by 2028.
The most expensive single medical procedure in America is exploratory chest surgery. Hospitals charge around $135,000 for this type of pre-diagnostic surgery.
Some operations are performed much more frequently than others. The most common procedures at private health facilities in the US vary widely in terms of the condition treated and the total cost. Cosmetic and dental surgeries take center stage.
Surging Demand For Aesthetic Treatments
Demand for cosmetic surgery and aesthetic treatments is on the rise. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), there was a massive 29% increase in surgical and non-surgical male cosmetic procedures between 2000 and 2018. Clinicians say this remarkable growth is down to the fact that it has become more socially acceptable.
According to The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the most popular operations are liposuction (with over 11,000 operations), blepharoplasty, gynecomastia, rhinoplasty (nose surgery), and abdominoplasty. Not to mention hair transplants and dermal fillers (augmentation of the cheek and jawline to produce a ‘square jaw’).
Naturally, this brings us to the question of why patients choose a private facility.
State-of-the-Art Services
Private health facilities usually have access to the most up-to-date equipment and are well-resourced in general. After all, they have a generous budget to spend on new technology and innovative treatments, which puts them in a good position to offer their patients the most advanced health care.
When you elect for general or cosmetic surgery at a private hospital, you can expect state-of-the-art facilities and machinery. Not only are private clinics more adequately equipped to offer personalized care, they often boast impressive doctor-to-patient ratios, shorter waiting times, and upscale amenities for a more comfortable patient experience.
Managing Expectations
Before you embark on any procedure, it is important to carefully consider your expectations and seek a detailed explanation of the anticipated results. Ask the practice about potential side effects or complications and what you can expect to happen after the procedure has concluded. It’s important that you are fully prepared.
If it’s a cosmetic operation, the changes in your appearance may boost your self-confidence, but there remains a chance that they will fall short of delivering your ideal body image. The good news is that you’re generally in safe hands when using a private clinic. Surgeons are very experienced due to the competitiveness of the industry.