A Practical Game Plan for OBGYNs Transitioning to Fee-for-Service Cosmetic Gynecology
For OBGYNs looking to shift from an insurance-based practice to the thriving fee-for-service realm of cosmetic gynecology, the transition can be both liberating and lucrative. This game plan outlines actionable steps to wean off insurance dependency, build a cash-pay patient base for non-surgical cosmetic gynecology, and eventually scale into surgical procedures. Along the way, we'll introduce you to invaluable resources like Gynflix, online learning platforms, global surgical teaching programs, and the unparalleled guidance of Dr. Red Alinsod, a pioneer in this field.
Step 1: Assess and Strategize Your Transition
Evaluate Your Current Practice: Start by analyzing your patient demographics, revenue streams, and time allocation. How much of your income comes from insurance versus out-of-pocket services? Identify procedures (e.g., wellness exams, minor cosmetic treatments) that could transition to cash-pay with minimal disruption.
Set a Timeline: Gradually reduce your reliance on insurance over 6-12 months. Begin by dropping lower-paying insurance contracts while maintaining a hybrid model to ensure financial stability.
Educate Yourself: Cosmetic gynecology requires a shift in mindset and skillset. Familiarize yourself with the demand for non-surgical treatments (e.g., plasmaporation, radiofrequency and laser vaginal rejuvenation, O-Shot, Vampire Wing Lift, fillers) and surgical options (e.g., labiaplasty, vaginoplasty, external anal skin tag excision). This is where online learning comes in—more on that later.
Step 2: Start with Non-Surgical Cosmetic Gynecology
Why Non-Surgical First: Non-surgical procedures like Jett Medical (plasmaporation), O-Shot (PRP injections), FemXHA Vulvar Filling (PRP + Hyaluronic Acid), are inexpensive low-risk entry points. They require less initial investment, minimal recovery for patients, and can be marketed as "lunchtime procedures" to attract cash-paying clients.
Build Skills: Invest in training for non-surgical modalities. Don’t go hog crazy spending money. Pick what fits your style. If you don’t know your style then speak to Dr. Alinsod or one of his trained experts. InMode Morpheus and ThermiVa (radiofrequency tightening), Sciton Diva, Fotona IntimaLase, Mona Lisa Touch (lasers) are companies to consider when you have more cash on hand. They are not cheap. Many device manufacturers offer certification courses, but for a comprehensive foundation, Gynflix Online e-Learning (detailed below) is a game-changer. It can help guide you in these choices. And this is also the time to invest in Bioidentical Hormone Training. Creams and troches and pellets. This is a low-risk cash business that has grown steadily. I prefer a cream practice because of ease of use and ability to adjust doses quickly and no equipment needed. Others prefer pellet practices. Do your due diligence and research the style that fits you.
Wean Off Insurance: Begin offering non-surgical cosmetic services as cash-pay add-ons to your existing patients. For example, offer feminine treatments to menopause patients already seeking hormone therapy. Reduce insurance appointment slots by 10-20% monthly, replacing them with cosmetic consultations.
Marketing 101:
Website Overhaul: Update your website with a dedicated "Cosmetic Gynecology" section highlighting non-surgical options, benefits (e.g., improved intimacy, comfort, confidence), and pricing.
Social Media: Share educational content on Instagram or Facebook—think short videos on "What is Plasmaporation?" or patient testimonials (with consent). Avoid overt sales pitches; focus on empowerment and wellness and education. Do really try to teach concepts and the options for care.
Local Networking: Partner with med-spas, dermatologists, or fitness centers to cross-refer clients seeking aesthetic enhancements.
Step 3: Scale Up to Surgical Cosmetic Gynecology
Master the Craft: Once non-surgical services gain traction, prepare for surgical offerings like labiaplasty or perineoplasty. These procedures command higher fees (often $5,000+ per case) and require advanced training. Dr. Alinsod has trained dozens of surgeons around the world who now have their own World Class programs. Dr. Alinsod and Gynflix can help you find the perfect match.
Invest in Equipment: Purchase tools like plasmaporation, radiofrequency, and laser surgical instruments tailored for cosmetic gynecology. Dr. Red Alinsod’s innovations, such as the Jett Medical Plasmaporation, Soniquence RF, LightScalpel CO2 Laser, Lone Star APS Vaginal Retractor, are industry standards worth exploring. Check out the top companies Dr. Alinsod recommends on this Resources Page.
Full Transition: Phase out remaining insurance contracts as your cash-pay revenue grows. Aim for a 100% fee-for-service practice within 12-18 months, depending on patient uptake. Dr. Alinsod spent 5 years to wean off all insurances smoothly.
Advanced Marketing:
Before-and-After Portfolios: Showcase results (anonymized, with consent) to build trust and credibility. Take pictures of all your cosmetic cases.
Workshops/Seminars: Host local events titled "Feminine Wellness Unveiled" to educate potential patients on surgical options. Medical topics can be “The Synergy of Energy and Biologics,” “Health and Hormones.”
VIP Packages: Offer bundled services (e.g., labiaplasty + non-surgical tightening) to provide added value and retain clients. Dr. Alinsod best-selling bundle is called “The Leaky Bladder Special” that combines radiofrequency, PRP, and electromagnetic “Pee Pee Chair.”
Step 4: Leverage Gynflix and Online Learning
What is Gynflix: Created by Dr. Red Alinsod, Gynflix is the premier e-learning platform for cosmetic gynecology. Think of it as "Netflix for Gyns" - hundreds of high-definition videos covering surgical and non-surgical techniques, from basic labiaplasty to complex combination surgeries. It’s designed for you to learn at your own pace, anywhere, anytime.
Why It’s Essential: Residency and fellowships rarely if ever cover cosmetic gynecology. Gynflix fills this gap with step-by-step guidance, narrated by Dr. Alinsod himself. Subscriptions start affordably, with modules for targeted learning (e.g., "Core Labiaplasty" or "Non-Surgical Cosmetic Gynecology” to “Vaginoplasty and Perineoplasty") and certificates of completion to boost your credentials.
How to Use It: Begin with non-surgical modules (e.g., NS1: Synergy O-Shot & RF Training) to launch your practice. As you grow, dive into surgical modules (e.g., S1: Labia Minoraplasty w/ Clitoral Hood) to prepare for bigger cases. Visit gynflix.com to explore.
Step 5: Tap Into Global Surgical Teaching Programs
Worldwide Opportunities: Hands-on training is critical for surgical mastery. Programs like the Alinsod Institute for Vulvovaginal Surgery have offered preceptorships for over 20 years. Dr. Alinsod now has graduate Fellows around the world who offer their expert hands-on training. Other options include:
ISCG (International Society of Cosmetogynecology): Hosts cadaver courses and live surgery workshops (e.g., Fort Lauderdale, NJ).
CAVS (Congress on Aesthetic Vulvovaginal Surgery): Founded by Dr. Alinsod, it’s the longest-running event for networking and learning. This is now integrated into ISCG which Dr. Alinsod fully supports and attends every year. The next Congress is just 3 weeks away on March 20-22, 2025.
Why It Matters: These programs bridge the gap between online theory and real-world practice, ensuring precision and patient safety.
Step 6: Learn from Dr. Red Alinsod’s Expertise
Who is Dr. Alinsod: A urogynecologist and innovator, Dr. Red Alinsod is a global leader in cosmetic gynecology. With over 30 years of experience, he’s trained countless doctors, invented techniques like the "Barbie Look" and “Curvilinear Labia Majoraplasty, Office Vaginoplasty, and co-authored the seminal textbook Female Cosmetic Genital Surgery. His patents (e.g., ThermiVa, Lone Star Retractor, Genital Predictive Permeation) have transformed the field.
His Guidance: Through Gynflix, preceptorships, and personal mentorship, Dr. Alinsod offers a roadmap to success. His one-on-one teaching—both virtual and in-person—has transformed practices worldwide. Doctors praise his precision, accessibility (email him at red@gynflix.com), and passion for elevating patient care.
Exclusive Video: Check out Dr. Alinsod’s latest video in this newsletter, where he walks you through key steps to kickstart your cosmetic gynecology journey. It’s a must-watch for practical insights!
Final Tips for Success
Mindset Shift: Embrace the entrepreneurial spirit—think of yourself as a boutique provider, not just a clinician. Patients pay for results and a feeling of family, not paperwork.
Patient Experience: Offer concierge-level service (e.g., private consultations, follow-up calls) to justify premium pricing. Get started with Zoom and FaceTime.
Stay Curious: Cosmetic gynecology evolves fast. Stay ahead with Gynflix updates and Dr. Alinsod’s newsletters (subscribe at cosmeticgynecology.substack.com, femininewellness.substack.com, labiaplasty.substack.com).
The Payoff
Transitioning to fee-for-service cosmetic gynecology can triple your per-hour revenue compared to insurance-based practice. Non-surgical treatments build your confidence and cash flow, while surgical expertise cements your reputation as a top-tier provider. With Gynflix, global training, and Dr. Alinsod’s mentorship, you’re not just leaving insurance behind—you’re stepping into a future of autonomy, impact, and prosperity.
Ready to start? Dive into Gynflix today and watch Dr. Alinsod’s video for your next steps. Your new practice awaits!
Originally published in the Cosmetic Gynecology Newsletter, March 2025. Explore Gynflix courses
Sign Ups are Still Open for the Annual ISCG Congress 2025!
If you have not been to an ISCG Congress then you must attend ISCG 2025. Plan ahead for for March 20-22, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale. Lots of amazing topics and world leaders to present them. Meet and speak with the BEST.
HIGHLIGHTS for ISCG 2025
Cutting Edge Cosmetic Gyn Program
Expert Body Contouring Sessions
Expert Marketing & Business Sessions
The Dr. Miami Experience
Spanish Session
SPECIAL EVENTS
The President's VIP Dinner
ISCG Awards Ceremony
Here are some examples of Dr. Pelosi’s presentations at past ISCG Congress:
GYNFLIX COMMUNITY HAS LAUNCHED!
On January 2025 I launched Gynflix Community on X (formerly Twitter). Go join it. It is new and fresh. I will build an online community of expert Cosmetic Gynecologists from around the world who you will be able to communicate with and pick their brains. Click on the logo picture for the link:
GYNFLIX Cosmetic Gynecology e-Learning
For Detailed Videos Click on the Index Photo Below:
For more Cosmetic Gynecology Training join Gynflix.com
Gynflix is an online e-Learning platform dedicated to Feminine Wellness. Videos of topics such as labiaplasty, vaginoplasty, cliteroplasty, clitoral hood reduction, anal skin tag excision.
Subscriptions: GYNFLIX PRICING
SILVER BULLET SUBSCRIPTIONS: $98/month. Access all regular subscription videos, SHORTS Videos, Fellows Videos, Free Cosmetic Gynecology and Feminine Wellness Newsletters, scheduled access to Dr. Alinsod personally.
GOLD FELLOWS MEMBERSHIP: $198/month. This unique and valuable service provides access to all future surgical and non-surgical videos on www.gynflix.com.There will be 1-2 complete and unique videos per month. Dr. Alinsod will be available to discuss the intricacies and details of topics covered in the videos and answer specific questions that may arise . This is the first and only true Master’s Course for continuing education focused on cosmetic gynecology. Get all my practice forms. All Newsletters are free. The Modules are FREE with Diplomas upon completion.
I love hearing from my Fellows, Grads, subscribers. Text or email me. I answer questions from all around the world!
Contact Suzette Peterson at (909) 374-1000 or email her at sette.peterson@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Social Media:
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For the Lay Public and Medical Professionals: Feminine Wellness Newsletter
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DALLAS OFFICE
Alinsod Institute Dallas
Women’s Wellness Institute of Dallas
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Phone: 945-900-7576
Dr. Red Alinsod: red@gynflix.com
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