Is your cosmetic surgery quote normal for your procedure?
The ASPS publishes "average cost" figures that are surgeon fees only. Most people assume those numbers are the total. The real total is 2-3x the surgeon fee once you add anaesthesia, facility fees, medical tests, and post-surgical expenses. Enter your procedure and quote to see where you actually stand.
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Lifetime cosmetic spend
Total spend across procedures and patients.
Why is the ASPS average cost different from what surgeons charge?
The ASPS publishes average surgeon fees only. These figures deliberately exclude anaesthesia ($1,000-2,000), operating facility charges ($700-2,500), pre-operative medical tests ($100-300), post-surgical prescriptions and compression garments ($100-500), and follow-up visits. When all components are added, the total cost is typically 2-3 times the published surgeon fee. Always ask for a full itemised quote including all fees before committing.
What is the most popular cosmetic surgery in the US?
Liposuction was the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure in the US in 2024, with 349,728 procedures performed (ASPS 2024). Breast augmentation ranked second with 306,196 procedures, followed by tummy tuck at 171,064 and breast lift at 153,616. Among non-surgical procedures, botulinum toxin (Botox) dominates with over 7 million treatments annually.
| Procedure | ASPS avg surgeon fee | Estimated total cost | 2024 volume (US) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liposuction | $4,711 | $6,000-10,000 | 349,728 |
| Breast augmentation | $4,875 | $7,000-12,000 | 306,196 |
| Tummy tuck | $8,174 | $10,000-18,000 | 171,064 |
| Breast lift | $6,816 | $9,000-15,000 | 153,616 |
| Rhinoplasty | $7,637 | $10,000-18,000 | N/A |
| Facelift | $11,395 | $15,000-25,000 | N/A |
Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2023/2024 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report.
Frequently asked questions
Most cosmetic procedures are elective and not covered by insurance, so financing is common. CareCredit is the most widely accepted healthcare credit card, offering promotional 0% APR periods of 6-24 months on qualifying purchases. A $10,000 tummy tuck financed at 0% APR over 24 months costs approximately $417 per month. Always compare the total cost of financing, not just the monthly payment, before choosing a plan. Ad: we may earn a commission if you click this link.
Health insurance typically does not cover cosmetic surgery performed solely for aesthetic reasons. However, breast reduction may be covered if documented back pain or nerve damage is caused by breast weight. Rhinoplasty is covered when correcting a deviated septum that impairs breathing. Eyelid surgery qualifies when drooping eyelids obstruct peripheral vision (documented by a visual field test). Breast reconstruction after mastectomy is federally mandated for coverage under the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act.
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) has an ASPS average surgeon fee of $8,174. Total cost ranges from $10,000 to $18,000 depending on whether it is a mini tummy tuck (lower abdomen only, $8,000-$12,000) or a full abdominoplasty with muscle repair ($12,000-$18,000). A tummy tuck combined with liposuction is common and adds $2,000-$5,000. Recovery is typically 4-6 weeks before returning to normal activity, which means lost wages should be factored into total cost. In 2024, 171,064 tummy tucks were performed in the US. (Source: ASPS 2024 Procedural Statistics)
Botox averages $435 per treatment area according to ASPS 2023 data. Most patients treat 2-3 areas per visit (forehead lines, frown lines, crow's feet), bringing a typical session to $870-$1,305. Results last approximately 3-4 months, so maintaining results year-round requires 3-4 sessions annually, making the annual cost $2,600-$5,220 for a three-area treatment plan. Competing neurotoxins (Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau) are priced differently per unit but produce similar results at equivalent doses. Some practices offer membership models that reduce the per-session cost by 10-20%.
A facelift has the highest ASPS average surgeon fee of commonly performed cosmetic procedures at $11,395. Total cost ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 depending on the extent of the procedure. A mini facelift or S-lift that addresses the lower face only costs $10,000-$15,000 total, while a full facelift with neck lift can reach $25,000-$30,000. Anaesthesia costs for facelifts are typically higher ($1,500-$2,500) because the procedure takes 3-5 hours. Results typically last 7-10 years, making the annualised cost approximately $1,500-$3,500 per year.
Laser hair removal averages $285-$400 per session, with most areas requiring 6-8 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart for optimal results. Total cost for a single area ranges from $1,700 to $3,200. Full-body laser hair removal can cost $2,000-$4,000 across all sessions. Smaller areas (upper lip, underarms) cost $100-$200 per session while larger areas (full legs, back) cost $400-$600. Laser type also affects pricing: newer diode and alexandrite lasers tend to be priced higher than older IPL systems. Maintenance sessions (1-2 per year after the initial course) are an ongoing cost most providers do not mention upfront.
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2023 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report and 2024 Procedural Statistics. plasticsurgery.org.
- The Aesthetic Society. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery National Databank Statistics 2022-2023. theaestheticsociety.org.
- RealSelf. Average procedure cost data. realself.com. Accessed April 2026.
See also: Full cost breakdown for breast augmentation · Dental implant costs · Hair transplant costs