How Much Does Plastic Surgery Cost? Breaking It Down

Plastic surgery costs can vary widely from one surgeon to another. Several factors govern the cost of a particular plastic surgery procedure. A couple of major factors include the surgeon’s expertise and experience, and the length and complexity of the procedure. Moreover, the cost may vary from one clinical setting to another. A surgeon owning a state of the art clinic and wielding advanced equipment would charge more for a particular procedure, in order to cover the cost of his/her investments. The same procedure if carried out at a fairly average clinical facility might incur a significantly lower expense.

Whatever the cost, it should be disclosed and settled upon prior to the surgery. Some medical facilities tout attractive bargains, concealing certain costs in order to dupe prospective clients. Therefore, the patient must ensure that the cost agreed to covers the surgery, anesthesia, post-operative exams, and corrective procedures if required. The patient must also make sure that the surgeon has a provision for post-operative care. Plastic surgery costs are typically not covered by insurance unless the surgical procedure is regarded as a reconstructive procedure. However, several finance schemes are available, which allow the patient to pay the costs in easy installments.

At the advent of plastic surgery, the procedure was the preserve of the affluent few, since the costs were simply overwhelming. However, with advances in technology, plastic surgery procedures are now almost ubiquitous. This has significantly reduced the expenses, and made plastic surgery accessible to the populace. The costs depend on the particular plastic surgery procedure performed, and may vary between $1,500 and $8,000. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery’s most recent (2003) estimates, average expense incurred for a few major procedures is as follows:

- Breast Augmentation - $3,360
- Breast Lift - $3,965
- Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) - $4,827
- Breast Reduction (women) - $5,351
- Facelift - $5,966
- Lower Body Lift - $7,874
- Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) - $3,869

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By Nicola Kennedy