What are the Average Plastic Surgery Prices in the U.S.?

Plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery have become synonymous terms when it comes to invasive procedures to enhance one's appearance. Don't be put off by the term "invasive", however. This simply means that the doctor will be "invading" your skin and it could only refer to a needle, or of course, a scalpel. Below are some standardized plastic surgery prices offered in large metropolitan areas throughout the United States by board certified plastic surgeons.

Not all pricing includes everything; some prices are only for the procedure itself and additional charges such as anesthesia and operating room fees are additional. Always get a written statement from the doctor before booking the appointment, especially if you can't afford any last minute surprises.

One of the most common procedures today is breast implant surgery. Although this surgery was introduced in the 1950s using saline packs that tended to burst and cause infections, women weren't afraid. Those with the money and the need (usually movie starlets) still flocked to plastic surgeons to undergo the procedure. Nowadays the procedure is safer, more affordable, and is being performed on thousands of women each day, even as young as mid teens. Pricing averages between $5, 000 - $7, 000. The pricing also depends on where the implants are placed. A quality, long lasting procedure will place the implants under the chest muscles and because this surgery is more involved, and worth it, you can expect to pay closer to the $7, 000 range, if not more.

As with any type of consumer purchase, you get what you pay for. When it comes to surgery, shopping for bargain basement prices is definitely not the suggested course of action as you research procedures and interview doctors.

Another common procedure, the face lift or rhytidectomy, can be very costly. Although the average price is about $5, 500, there are sharp spikes in these prices as you take high end areas like Beverly Hills, Miami Beach, and Manhattan into consideration. Prices in these areas can easily head closer to $15, 000. Is it worth it? It depends. Anyone can pick up a copy of the latest tabloid at the grocery store to see celebrities with horrendous (yet very expensive) face lifts gone wrong. Although paying more doesn't guarantee a better outcome, paying less almost certainly will.

If a minor nip and tuck is in order, many choose a simpler brow lift. This doesn't have much effect on the lower jaw line, it merely reduces lines and wrinkles on the forehead along with lifting the eyebrows. This procedure alone can significantly improve someone's appearance, and can be had for about $3, 000.

Liposuction is also popular and can be performed on virtually any part of the body. Since there is no standard procedure for liposuction, pricing varies greatly. Liposuction on your thighs will run around $5, 000 depending on the amount of fat to be removed. Lipo on your neck will be around $2, 500.

Nose jobs, or rhinoplasties, have been around for decades and are one of the first popular surgeries to make it to mainstream America. Plastic surgery prices for this procedure run on average of about $4, 000 but, again, this is one surgery you don't want to have done twice. Get it right the first time, at closer to $6, 000. If you are considering a cosmetic surgery procedure it is important to not get caught up in price. When it comes to plastic surgery you do not want to cut corners. Finding a bargain could cost you in the long run; both physically and emotionally. So, do not risk it.