MONEY & LIFE · COSMETIC SURGERY

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.

ASPS 2023 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report; The Aesthetic Society 2022-2023; RealSelf community data
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Lifetime cosmetic spend

Total spend across procedures and patients.

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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. Our Savings calculator shows how you compare against national data.

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. Our Average dental costs breaks down how the figures typically vary by situation.

ProcedureASPS avg surgeon feeEstimated total cost2024 volume (US)
Liposuction$4,711$6,000-10,000349,728
Breast augmentation$4,875$7,000-12,000306,196
Tummy tuck$8,174$10,000-18,000171,064
Breast lift$6,816$9,000-15,000153,616
Rhinoplasty$7,637$10,000-18,000N/A
Facelift$11,395$15,000-25,000N/A

Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2023/2024 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report.

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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; the same applies to dental implants, and the dental implant cost calculator includes financing options alongside the full procedure cost breakdown.

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.

The ASPS reports an average surgeon fee of $4,875 for breast augmentation, but this figure excludes anaesthesia ($1,000–$2,000), facility fees ($700–$2,500), pre-operative tests ($100–$300), and post-surgical garments and prescriptions ($100–$500). The realistic total cost for breast augmentation in the US ranges from $7,000 to $12,000. Silicone implants typically cost $1,000–$2,000 more than saline because the implants themselves are more expensive to manufacture. Geographic location matters significantly: procedures in major metropolitan areas like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami tend to cost 20–30% more than the national average. Board certification, surgeon experience, and facility accreditation all influence pricing. In 2024, 306,196 breast augmentation procedures were performed in the US, making it the second most popular cosmetic surgery after liposuction. (Source: ASPS 2024 Procedural Statistics)

Liposuction was the most popular cosmetic surgery in the US in 2024, with 349,728 procedures performed. The ASPS average surgeon fee is $4,711, but total cost including anaesthesia, facility fees, and recovery expenses ranges from $6,000 to $10,000. Cost varies significantly by the number of areas treated and the volume of fat removed. Liposuction of the stomach alone typically runs $4,000–$8,000 total, while treating multiple areas (flanks, thighs, arms) in a single session can reach $10,000–$15,000. Techniques also affect pricing: ultrasound-assisted (VASER) and laser-assisted liposuction tend to cost more than traditional tumescent liposuction. Recovery garments ($50–$200) and compression wear are additional expenses most quotes do not include. The surgeon fee alone represents approximately 50–60% of the total out-of-pocket cost, according to both ASPS and RealSelf community pricing data. (Source: ASPS 2024 Procedural Statistics; RealSelf community data)

A breast lift (mastopexy) has an ASPS average surgeon fee of $6,816, with total cost ranging from $9,000 to $15,000 once anaesthesia, facility fees, and post-operative care are included. A breast lift is often combined with augmentation in a single operation, which reduces total facility and anaesthesia costs compared to staging the two procedures separately, though combined procedures carry longer recovery times. The degree of lift required affects both the surgical complexity and the extent of scarring. Minor lifts (crescent or periareolar technique) are less invasive and fall at the lower end of the cost range. Moderate and full lifts (lollipop or anchor technique) address greater tissue repositioning and cost more. In 2024, 153,616 breast lifts were performed in the US, making it the fourth most popular cosmetic surgery. Recovery typically takes 2–4 weeks before return to normal activity. (Source: ASPS 2024 Procedural Statistics)

Rhinoplasty has an ASPS average surgeon fee of $7,637, with total costs ranging from $10,000 to $18,000 once anaesthesia, facility fees, and follow-up visits are included. Rhinoplasty is among the most technique-dependent cosmetic procedures, and surgeon experience is a primary price driver. Revision rhinoplasty, performed to correct results from a prior nose surgery, is significantly more complex and expensive, often running $12,000–$25,000 in total. Functional rhinoplasty that corrects a deviated septum impairing breathing may be partially covered by health insurance; the cosmetic component remains the patient's responsibility. Recovery involves swelling and bruising for 2–3 weeks with full results visible after 12–18 months as residual swelling resolves. Non-surgical rhinoplasty using dermal fillers costs $700–$1,500 per session and offers temporary reshaping without downtime, though results last only 12–18 months. (Source: ASPS 2023 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report)

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.

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Data sources
  • 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

Reviewed by Find The Norm Research Team · · Methodology