Botox Bandits – A Wrinkle Free Scam
According to SmokingGun.com, a woman in Florida went into a cosmetic surgery center, had Botox injections and then left without paying (Read more about the “Botox Bandit“).
Other news shows Botox theft is almost as common as bank robberies. In cases where the evidence winds up literally all over the perpetrator’s face. Clinics in Reno, Phoenix, Houston and Newport Beach have all been taken for about $10,000 collectively.
In every case, the bandit or bandits, had the rejuvenating treatment, stopped at business managers’ desks to settle up and then said she had forgotten her credit card and must go to her car to get it. But the patients never came back. A few have been nabbed by police because their Botox before and after pictures were on hand at the clinic.
Despite these news reports, almost all plastic surgeons ask for payment in full before surgery, whether it is Botox or a Breast Augmentation. It’s not because they are greedy about the costs of plastic surgery. Rather, in most cases the surgeon must arrange dates and times at a surgery center in advance, along with the services of an anesthesiologist, representing an outlay of anywhere from $1000 to $1500, depending on the location.
For instance, a surgery center and an anesthesiologist are usually required for:
Once the bill is totally covered, the surgeon knows the patient is not undertaking an elective surgery that he or she can’t afford. (Most cosmetic plastic surgery procedures are not covered by medical insurance.) The patient is also assured the fee is paid in full, with no unexpected additional charges forthcoming.
Because plastic surgery is optional, and not an emergency, the doctor and patient can also discuss other ways – like financing or layaway — to pay for the surgery.
Thus, it’s surprising that some surgeons provide services before payment.
Have you had a cosmetic surgery procedure? What did it cost?
admin @ March 3, 2009