What is the Real Cost of Cosmetic Surgery?

The recent adventures in plastic surgery of reality star Heidi Montag reignited a lot of people’s interest in improving their own appearance through plastic surgery. Although few people might want to go to the extremes she did – ten procedures in a single surgery – most people have one or two nagging body issues that they would love to get ‘fixed” by way of plastic surgery. The biggest obstacle for most people of course though is actually affording to get the procedures done.

The cost of cosmetic surgery varies wildly according to the procedure, the surgeon and even the geographical location of the patient.

There are very few instances in which traditional health insurance will cover the cost of cosmetic surgery. Some breast procedures are occasionally eligible for coverage if the surgery is to reconstruct a breast lost to cancer or if the size of a patient’s breasts can be medically linked to such conditions as severe chronic back pain. Nasal surgery may be covered if the procedure is being performed to correct a defect that significantly affects a patient’s ability to breathe properly.

However most people considering cosmetic surgical procedures find themselves facing the prospect of covering the cost of cosmetic surgery completely out of their own pocket.

It is not uncommon these days for a cosmetic surgeon to offer financing or payment plans that allow patients to get the new look they want and pay for it over time. Most surgeons offer a free consultation session to prospective patients so that the potential cost can be discussed. 

Cost of course should never be the deciding factor when choosing a plastic or cosmetic surgeon. Even if the procedures are being performed for the sole purpose of improving the patient’s looks and self-image many of these procedures are still major surgeries. A surgeon’s skill and reputation should be the first concern of anyone considering undergoing plastic surgery, the cost of cosmetic surgery should always be a secondary factor.

Having said that costs vary,  there are average prices available for certain procedures that can at least give people an idea of how much money they will need to find to achieve the look they want. Here are some very basic figures.

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) $5,400

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) $2,800

Breast Augmentation     $4,000

Breast Reduction (for Women)  $4,300

Gynecomastia (Male Breast Reduction) $3,500

Facelift $6,800

Liposuction         $2,900

Rhinoplasty (Nose Job) $4,400

Vaginal Rejuvenation     $2,400