Cost and value of office-based facial plastic and reconstructive surgery procedures

Abstract

Introduction: This chapter will provide an overview of factors affecting the cost of office-based procedures in Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery (FPRS), and will discuss the value of office-based interventions.

Material and methods: An in-depth literature review was conducted using multiple primary and secondary sources. Literature from multiple disciplines was included in the review, including otolaryngology, anesthesiology, surgery, public health, and economics.

Discussion/conclusions: A wide variety of procedures can be performed in an FPRS office. Large upfront costs to the office include laser, electrocautery and surgical equipment. These investments will yield an initial negative cost margin until sufficient case volume is achieved. It is often in the best interest of the patient to perform a procedure in-office and avoid the facility and anesthesia fees associated with a surgical center or hospital. Costs and reimbursements vary greatly across regions and facilities. Additionally, overall cost depends on payer mix, procedures performed, and productivity of the practice. The scarcity of literature on this topic as it applies specifically to FPRS indicates that further research is needed to elucidate the value of common facial plastics procedures in an office-based setting.

Keywords: facial plastic surgery; office‐based procedures; reconstructive surgery.