Cost of Plastic Surgery. Do you know?

Everyone, it seems, has something about themselves that they wish could be changed; a large nose, small breasts and baggy eyes are all common complaints. Plastic surgery has become more affordable and the technology has advanced dramatically over the last few decades. But can you afford it?

One of the most popular procedures is breast augmentation (or, “boob-job” to the layperson). According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the national average cost for this operation is $3,360, or, $1,680 each.

Keep in mind, that price DOES NOT include the operation room fee, which varies by hospital, anesthesia, supplies or the implants themselves. So you can plan on spending at least an extra $2,000 on top of the surgeon’s fee. Still think it’s worth the price?

You must factor in the cost of prescriptions, time off of work (generally a week), new bras, which cost an ungodly $50 each, new shirts to fit your new sweater cows, and then there’s the time used to prepare an explanation. You’ll also need to practice telling people that they’re real, which may require acting classes.

One procedure popular with both men and women is Rhinoplasty (nose job). This procedure averages in costs comparably to the breast augmentation at a national average of $3,869. Once again, this doesn’t even come close to the total cost.

After all is said and done, expect to spend closer to $10,000 after the other fees due to a longer hospital stay and more prescription pain killers. Seriously, have you ever seen someone after a nose job? It’s like they went four rounds with Mike Tyson before the tribal tattoos and ear biting.

Furthermore, most surgeons require payment prior to the procedure. Most also offer a payment plan wherein you pay monthly until you’ve reached the amount required to have the procedure. Sometimes, a portion of this payment plan is non-refundable.

If you’re looking to get a touch-up here and there for cheap, there are some budget friendly, non-surgical options.

Botox, for example can be injected pretty much anywhere for just $384. Laser hair removal seems practical at just $388. If you have pesky spider veins, Sclerotherapy can be your problem-solver for just $272.

However, these figures do not include the costs of supplies and other hidden fees associated with the procedures.

Procuring the means to have the surgery done is a matter of personal economics. Some have opted to use credit cards, which I would only condone if your creditor offers a low interest rate, say below 10 percent.

Students have been known to accept student loans, which are very low interest, to have procedures done. Just be sure to calculate the interest into your “budget” for surgery.

However you choose to do it and whatever you choose to do, be careful and do your research. Be certain that the surgeon is Board Certified. Review an itemized bill before you pay anything. Above all, be certain that it is what you want and that it will make you happier with yourself.

Prices, as listed below, include the surgeon's fee, anesthesia fee, operating room fee, and implant fee. When you call a plastic surgeon's office to inquire about cost, be certain to ask if each of these fees are included. This is important, because often they will only tell you the surgeon's fee, which makes up only 60-80% of the total cost. Then, when you schedule your appointment, see the plastic surgeon, and receive your quote, you may be in for sticker shock.
Costs in the United States are surprisingly uniform from coast to coast. The only exception is the New York area, where you should expect to pay about 50% more than the prices quoted below.

Botox $200-400 per area
Breast Augmentation (saline) $5000-6500
Breast Augmentation(silicone) $6000-8000
Chin or Cheek Implants $3000-4500
Collagen Injection $500-1500
Deep Chemical Peel $3500-5000
Eyelid Tuck (upper & lower) $4000-5500
Face Lift $7000-9000
Forehead Lift (Brow Lift) $3500-5000
Hair Removal (Laser) $300-800
Lip Augmentation $600-2000
Liposuction (1 area) $2500-4500
Liposuction (3 areas) $5500-7000
Liposuction (5 areas) $8000-10,000
Nose Surgery $5000-6000
Pectoral Implants $6000-7000
Permanent Lip Liner $300-1000
Tattoo Removal (Laser) $300-800

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