Are you looking to have a plastic surgery procedure performed, but aren’t sure how much you should plan to budget? The cost varies depending on the type of procedure you choose, but below is a breakdown of the average national cost, as reported by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
| Procedure | Average Cost |
| Eyelid Surgery | $2,972 |
| Otoplasty | $3,099 |
| Liposuction | $2,866 |
| Rhinoplasty | $4,545 |
| Breast Augmentation | $3,678 |
| Arm Lift | $3,729 |
| Brow Lift | $3,095 |
| Tummy Tuck | $5,217 |
| Thigh Lift | $4,459 |
| Laser Skin Resurfacing | $2,222 ablative |
| Laser Skin Resurfacing | $1,113 non-ablative |
| Laser Hair Removal | $329 |
| Botox | $365 per area treated |
It is important to remember that costs can vary widely throughout the United States. The fees listed above do not include associated costs for anesthesia, operating room facilities or other expenses.
“Often times, a surgeons price will vary based on his or her experience or geographic location,” says Dr. Andrew Miller, a top plastic surgeon. “When looking for a surgeon to perform your surgery, it is very important not to hunt for the cheapest price. Surgery is surgery, whether it is a triple bypass or a tummy tuck. There are always risks involved with anesthesia and recovery time, so you want to be sure your surgeon is the most experienced and well-qualified, not just the cheapest.”
To discover the average costs for surgery, you can visit the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or refer to the Healthcare Blue Book. Much like the Kelley Blue Book for cars, the Healthcare Blue Book will provide ballpark figures for commons surgeries so you can plan accordingly.
It’s also important to remember that insurance will not cover cosmetic procedures unless they are deemed medically necessary. That means a breast augmentation may not be covered, but a breast reduction could be. Without insurance, the patient will be responsible for the entire cost of any procedures he or she undergoes. This can have some advantages, however. Some surgeons may be willing to negotiate their costs because they aren’t also negotiating with insurance companies. Others may offer discounts for paying in cash or making a full payment upfront.
“Before agreeing to a procedure, always be sure you have a full understanding of the cost and what that covers,” says Dr. Miller. “Make sure you have discussed if your surgeon will accept payment plans, and what other types of payment methods are available to you.”
The total cost of surgery may include the surgeon’s fees, hospital or surgical facility costs, anesthesia fees, post-surgery garments and any medical tests associated with surgery.
When making the final decision to undergo surgery it is important to have a clear understanding of cost, but to also choose a surgeon who is experienced and with whom you feel comfortable.
