The American plastic surgery industry is a multi-million dollar business, but how much do individual procedures cost patients? Even though this is one of the first questions people ask themselves when considering cosmetic surgery, it can be hard to answer with so many contradictory “facts.” While, in fairness, prices can vary by geographical location and plastic surgeon among other factors, I thought I would round up the national averages for the top five surgical and nonsurgical procedures in 2014, as reported by the American Society forAesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Top 5 Surgical Procedures
1. Liposuction – $3,099
2. Breast augmentation – (saline implants) $3,441(silicone gel implants) $3,848
3. Blepharoplasty (Eyelid surgery) – $2,981
4. Abdominoplasty (Tummy tuck) – $5,638
5. Rhinoplasty (Nose surgery) – $4,757
Rhinoplasty was the fifth most commonly performed surgery in the US in 2014, and it’s got a high price tag to match. The national average cost clocks in at $4,757, which is not bad considering the plastic surgeon is working on a critical part of your face. Skimping on a nose job would be like playing Russian roulette. If you want the odds in your favor you must be willing to pay for them. The highest of the lot, though, is the tummy tuck. Working on muscles requires a great deal of skill, which is why it is essential to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience performing a tummy tuck. A plastic surgeon is not just removing excess skin; he is sculpting your core.
Top 5 Non-Surgical Procedures
1. Botulinum Toxin – $324
2. Hyaluronic Acid – $592
3. Hair removal – $311
4. Microdermabrasion – $127
5. Photorejuvenation – $360
When it comes to non-surgical procedures, the prices are, as expected, much friendlier on the wallet. It’s worth noting, however, that one visit is sometimes not enough to get the complete effect. You only need one appointment for Botox and results typically last between 3-6 months (the cost of which has come down to an affordable $324), while hair removal can require three to eight sessions to achieve the desired results. Make sure to ask your plastic surgeon how many visits you’ll need before committing to a procedure. There’s no sense in paying for two hair removal sessions, only to find out you haven’t budgeted for the extra sessions you need.
Personally, when it comes to something as serious as changing your body, I say it’s worth paying top dollar for the best, even if it takes you longer to save up the money. And remember – consultation fees are typically deducted from the overall cost (hey, it may not seem like a lot in the grand scheme of things, but every bit counts!). Most importantly, check your doctor’s credentials If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. It could cost you more in the long run undergoing corrective surgery for a procedure performed by an inexperienced physician at a cheap price.
Do your research to find a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area who you feel the most comfortable with, and when you’re done, you’ll truly be able to enjoy the results!
Disclaimer: National average surgeon fees are based on ASAPS 2014 statistics. Fees vary considerably by geographic region. Facility fees, anesthesia and other surgical costs not included.
