Americans Spent More than $16.5 Billion on Cosmetic Plastic Surgery in 2018
American Society of Plastic Surgeons reveals the most and least expensive surgical procedures and national average of cosmetic surgical fees in 2018

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL – A new report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reveals that Americans spent more than $16.5 billion on cosmetic plastic surgery and minimally invasive procedures in 2018, a four percent increase from the previous year. The new report also breaks down the national average surgeon fee for surgical and minimally invasive procedures.

Among the least expensive surgical procedures are:

• Breast augmentation (313,735 procedures): National average surgeon fee of $3,824
• Liposuction (258,558 procedures): National average surgeon fee of $3,518
• Eyelid surgery (206,529 procedures): National average surgeon fee of $3,156
• Labiaplasty (10,246 procedures): National average surgeon fee of $2,924

Among the most expensive surgical procedures are:

• Facelift (121,531 procedures): National average surgeon fee of $7,655
• Tummy tuck (130,081 procedures): National average surgeon fee of $6,253
• Breast reduction (43,591 procedures): National average surgeon fee of $5,680
• Nose reshaping (213,780 procedures): National average surgeon fee of $5,350

"Many surgical and minimally invasive procedures are performed in conjunction with each other," said Alan Matarasso, MD, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. "For example, a facelift procedure is often complemented with injections of soft-tissue fillers. When these procedures are combined it not only provides optimal results, but it can be more economical for patients."

The most-performed minimally invasive cosmetic procedures and their national average surgeon fees:

• Wrinkle treatment injections (such as Botox®, Dysport®) (7,437,378 procedures): National average surgeon fee of $397
• Chemical peel (1,384,327 procedures): National average surgeon fee of $669
• Laser hair removal (1,077,490 procedures): National average surgeon fee of $285
• Microdermabrasion (709,413 procedures): National average surgeon fee of $131

Percentage Increases and Decreases

The national average surgeon fee for breast augmentation surgery increased 2.8 percent from 2017. The cost for liposuction increased 4.2 percent and the cost for nose reshaping and tummy tuck increased 4.4 percent. The surgical fee for eyelid surgery increased 4.3 percent from last year. The cost for neurotoxin injections, like Botox® and Dysport®, increased by 3 percent from 2017, while the cost for laser hair removal decreased by 2.7 percent. Chemical peel and microdermabrasion fees decreased by 4 percent compared to last year.

What's Not Included

Cost factors for most cosmetic surgeries include the type of surgery chosen, location of surgery, surgeon's experience and insurance coverage. Fees generally do not include anesthesia, operating room facilities or other related expenses.

"Cost is always a consideration when considering an elective surgery," said Dr. Matarasso. "However, the least expensive procedure is the one done correctly the first time."

"When considering a procedure, ask your friends and family, review before and after pictures and take the time to consult with more than one board-certified ASPS member," Dr. Matarasso continued. "A patient's primary focus should be selecting a plastic surgeon who places a quality result and the patient's safety at the forefront of every procedure."

About the ASPS Annual Procedural Statistics

ASPS members may report procedural information through the first online national database for plastic surgery procedures, Tracking Operations and Outcomes for Plastic Surgeons (TOPS). This data, combined with an annual survey sent to American Board of Medical Specialties' certified physicians most likely to perform these procedures, results in the most comprehensive census on plastic surgery.

STATS REPORT: 2018 National Clearinghouse of Plastic Surgery
INFOGRAPHIC: 2018 Trends in Cosmetic Plastic Surgery