Think about the last time you bought a Groupon, LivingSocial, or other daily deal. What was it for? Dinner? Carpet cleaning? Yoga class? Botox? With the recent popularity of daily deal sites, some plastic surgeons are jumping on the bandwagon alongside restaurant owners, offering cosmetic procedures at drastically reduced rates. At first glance, these deals might seem like a great idea to get a new look if you’re not keen on spending a lot of money on treatments. Unfortunately, daily deals for laser treatments, Botox, and other cosmetic procedures are almost always a mistake. Here are some reasons why:
1. Great idea for dinner, not for your beauty treatments
Ever wondered how that new steakhouse down the road is? Daily deals sites are perfect for trying out new restaurants, classes, and gyms because the deals give you a chance to try out a service or restaurant to see if you like it. With cosmetic procedures, however, there’s no going back. You can’t just end a subscription if you don’t like your results!
2. Impulsive decision
Daily deals are exactly that–daily. If you see a great deal, you need to grab it before it’s gone. This gives you almost no time to do your research on the plastic surgeon, much less get a consultation. Even at reduced rates, it’s usually a lot of money to spend on impulse.
3. Are you a candidate?
Are you up for the treatment you just bought? You don’t want to find out too late that it would be unsafe for you to undergo the procedure you already shelled out for.
4. The right surgeon for you
It’s important to pick the surgeon that’s right for you, not the one that’s cheapest. You need to be completely comfortable with the doctor you select.
5. Perceived obligation
If you spring for a daily deal, and then decide you’re not ready to get a laser treatment, you’ll be out the money. It might feel like you have to go through with the treatment, even if you start to change your mind.
6. Qualified?
You may be surprised to learn that even non-surgical treatments such as Botox require a great deal of skill to administer properly. Daily deals are a great way for unskilled providers to make some money off impulse purchases. Do your homework on your doctor!
Daily deals: Too good to be true?
Don’t be tempted by a deal that seems too good to be true. Chances are very good that it is! If you’re interested in wrinkle or skin treatments, rhinoplasty or other facial procedure, contact Dr. Stuart Bentkover of Bentkover Facial Plastic Surgery. An experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Bentkover offers compassionate, honest care at 2 locations in Worcester (508-363-6500) and Stoneham (617-247-0033), MA.