Cosmetic surgery in the United States typically costs between $3,000 and $20,000 out of pocket, depending on the procedure and location. Because insurance rarely covers elective cosmetic work, most patients rely on financing tools such as medical credit cards, installment plans, or personal loans rather than paying everything upfront.
Below is a practical breakdown of typical costs, why prices vary, and how financing really works.
Typical Cosmetic Surgery Costs in the U.S.
These are total ballpark ranges (including surgeon, anesthesia, and facility fees):
- Breast augmentation: ~$7,000 average
- Liposuction (multi-area): ~$3,600–8,800
- Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty): ~$6,700–7,200
- Facelift: ~$9,000–18,000+ (mini vs. full)
- Rhinoplasty: ~$6,000–11,000
- Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty): ~$3,400–6,100
Costs can exceed these ranges in major metro areas like Los Angeles, Miami, or New York due to higher facility and surgeon fees.
Why Prices Vary So Much
Several factors influence final pricing:
1. Surgeon Experience & Location
Board-certified plastic surgeons in major coastal cities typically charge more—but often bring higher specialization and safety standards.
2. Facility & Anesthesia
Hospital operating rooms cost more than accredited office-based surgical centers. General anesthesia increases total expense compared to local anesthesia with sedation.
3. Combination Procedures
“Mommy makeover” packages (e.g., breast + tummy tuck) can start around $6,000+ internationally but are typically higher in the U.S. Combining procedures reduces anesthesia and facility costs compared to separate surgeries.
4. Pre- and Post-Op Costs
- Lab tests
- Compression garments
- Prescription medications
- Follow-up visits
- Revision policies
These add-ons can significantly affect the final bill.
Medical Tourism: 40–70% Savings Abroad
Many patients travel to countries like Peru or Colombia to cut costs dramatically.
For example:
- Breast augmentation abroad: ~$3,500–4,500
- Tummy tuck abroad: ~$3,500–4,500
While savings can reach 40–70%, additional risks must be considered:
- Travel expenses
- Limited follow-up care
- Emergency management
- Accreditation standards
Lower cost does not automatically mean lower quality—but vetting the surgeon and facility becomes even more critical.
Insurance Coverage: Rarely Applicable
Insurance almost never covers purely cosmetic procedures. However, it may partially cover surgery when medically necessary, such as:
- Breast reconstruction after cancer
- Severe eyelid ptosis affecting vision
- Functional rhinoplasty correcting breathing issues
Always confirm medical necessity criteria before assuming coverage.
Main Financing Options
Since most cosmetic procedures are elective, clinics commonly offer structured payment options.
1. Medical Credit Cards
Examples include:
CareCredit
PatientFi
Cherry
These work like credit cards limited to healthcare providers.
Pros:
- Fast approval
- Widely accepted
- 0% promotional interest (6–24 months)
Cons:
- Deferred interest: If you don’t pay in full before the promo ends, retroactive high APR (often 25%+) applies.
This option works best for people confident they can pay off the full balance within the promotional period.
2. In-House Payment Plans
Some clinics allow:
- Deposit to reserve surgery
- Monthly installments before surgery
- No interest (in some cases)
Others partner with finance companies for structured post-surgery monthly payments.
This can reduce financial stress—but often requires waiting until fully paid before scheduling surgery.
3. Personal Loans / Medical Loans
Banks and online lenders offer fixed-term loans (3–7 years).
Example:
- Loan amount: $8,000
- 60 months
- 12% APR
- Monthly payment: ~$178
- Total interest paid: ~$2,700
Pros:
- Fixed payment
- Predictable schedule
Cons:
- Interest cost
- Possible origination fees
4. 0% APR Credit Cards (General Use)
Some patients open standard credit cards with long 0% intro APR periods.
Risk:
If not paid off before the intro period ends, interest rates spike significantly.
5. Savings + Hybrid Strategy
Many surgeons offer:
- Cash discounts
- Reduced facility fees for combined procedures
- Lower total cost when paying upfront
Paying partially in cash and financing the remainder often reduces interest burden.
Example: Monthly Payment Breakdown
For an $8,000 procedure:
Option A: 24-Month 0% Promo (CareCredit)
- $333/month
- $0 interest (if paid in full on time)
- Risk: Deferred interest if balance remains
Option B: 60-Month Loan at 12% APR
- ~$178/month
- ~$2,700 total interest
The lower monthly payment often hides higher total cost. That’s why reading the fine print matters more than focusing only on affordability.
How to Decide: Cost vs Risk vs “ROI”
Cosmetic surgery ROI is rarely financial—it’s psychological and lifestyle-driven.
Before financing, consider:
- Can you handle unexpected complications?
- Can you afford time off work?
- Will debt create long-term stress?
- Do you have emergency savings separate from surgery funds?
Stretching finances too thin for elective surgery can create more anxiety than satisfaction.
Safety Over Price
Always prioritize:
- Board-certified plastic surgeons
- Accredited surgical facilities
- Clear complication policies
- Transparent pricing
Revision surgeries are far more expensive than paying slightly more upfront for quality and safety.
Final Thoughts
Cosmetic surgery in the U.S. is accessible primarily because of financing—not because it’s inexpensive. Most patients use structured payment tools to spread costs over months or years.
The smartest approach is:
- Compare total cost, not just monthly payment.
- Avoid high-interest debt when possible.
- Maintain emergency reserves.
- Choose safety and credentials over the cheapest quote.