How Much Is Plastic Surgery for Face, Breast, and Stomach? Patient-Reported Data

One of the most common misconceptions about the cost of cosmetic surgery is the belief that the quoted cost entails all aspects of the process, from consultation to recovery. However, many auxiliary costs are typically not included in the initial quote.

Another misunderstanding is that cheaper surgery equates to less skill or experience on the part of the surgeon. While sometimes this can be the case, the cost is also influenced by geographical location and the complexity of the procedure.

 Typically Included

• Surgeon’s Fee - The majority of the cost quoted is typically the professional fee for the plastic surgeon. This fee varies widely based on their experience, reputation, and the complexity of the procedure.
• Anesthesia - This is often factored into the quoted cost, as it's a critical component in surgeries to ensure patient safety and comfort. The cost will depend on whether a local or general anesthetic is required (American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2021).
• Facility Fee - This fee is for the use of the operating room and encompasses equipment, staff, and emergency protocols. Hospitals typically charge higher fees than accredited outpatient surgery centers (American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2021).

Costs Generally Not Included

• Pre-Operative Medical Evaluation - Before surgery, patients may need routine tests or specialized exams such as blood tests or EKGs. These costs are usually not included in the quoted average plastic surgery cost (Real Self, 2022).
• Post-Surgical Garments - Some surgeries require compression garments or specialty bras post-operation. These are typically an additional expense (Real Self, 2022).
• Medications - Prescription drugs for pain management or antibiotics to prevent infections during the recovery period may also be an additional cost (Real Self, 2022).
• Follow-Up Appointments - Some surgeons may include the cost of post-operative care in their initial quote, but others may charge separately for each follow-up visit (American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2021).
• Potential Revision Surgeries - In some cases, the desired results may require more than one surgery or corrective surgery, these additional procedures will significantly increase the overall cost.

Regional Differences on the Cost and Quality of Plastic Surgery

Within the United States

The cost of plastic surgery varies significantly across different regions of the United States due to a number of factors. Metropolitan areas, particularly on the East and West coasts, tend to command higher surgical fees due to the high demand, surgical expertise, and high cost of living.

• East Coast: Surgeons in renowned medical hubs like New York or Boston may charge higher than the national average because of their famed expertise and the high demand for their services (American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2022).
• Midwest & South: In these regions, the cost of plastic surgery procedures is typically less expensive compared to the coasts due to the lower cost of living (American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, 2022).
• West Coast: Particularly in California, plastic surgery costs are among the highest, driven by the concentration of top-tier plastic surgeons and the influence of Hollywood and the entertainment industry (American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2022).

International Comparisons

Procedures in countries popular for medical tourism can be between 40%-80% cheaper than in the U.S., depending on the specific procedure and country.

• Mexico: Commonly 40%-65% cheaper than equivalent procedures in the U.S. (Patients Beyond Borders, 2022)
• Thailand:  Plastic surgery procedures are typically 60%-75% cheaper than in the U.S. (Patients Beyond Borders, 2022)
• Brazil: Procedures can be 30%-50% cheaper compared to U.S. prices depending on the exchange rate and procedure. (Patients Beyond Borders, 2022)
• India: Plastic surgery costs are typically around 65%-90% lower than U.S prices, a proportion reliant on the specifics of the surgery and healthcare provider. (Patients Beyond Borders, 2022)