Plastic Surgery Treatments

A few cosmetic doctors publicly promote surgical gift procedures. In December, for example, Dr. Anthony Griffin, a plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, Calif., issued a press release headed, "The Brazilian Butt Lift Tops the New Year's Wish List for Plastic Surgery Hopefuls." This procedure involves removing fat from a patient's lower back and hips and using it to sculpture the buttocks. The cost ranges from $15,000 to $25,000.

Dr. Mark Erlich, a facial surgeon in New York City, sent reporters a "gift of beauty" menu, which included a $100,000 makeover package featuring a full face-lift, neck lift, breast implants, liposuction, chemical peels and injections of Botox and collagen.

But many other cosmetic treatments and surgeries are also given as gifts, doctors say. Here are some examples, and how much they cost.

BOTOX: The average fee in 2004 for injections to relax forehead furrows and crow's-feet was $376, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. But doctors who are considered master injectors, like Dr. Fredric Brandt, a dermatologist who practices in Miami and Manhattan, charge up to $850 per area treated.

TOOTH TREATMENTS: In-office whitening costs $600 to $1,000, according to... (read more)...