Fountain of Youth: 10 Common Plastic Surgery Procedures & Their Costs

Gravity, life, and age can take a toll on our bodies. From wrinkles and sagging breasts to sun spots and stubborn fat around the middle that just won’t go away, sometimes, looking in the mirror can just be depressing. Fortunately, with the help of talented plastic surgeons such as Dr. Brought, there are many procedures that can be done to ensure the clock doesn’t win quite so easily.

Here is a list of 10 common plastic surgery procedures, along with a general overview of their processes and costs.

TOP 10 PROCEDURES	AVERAGE PRICE	INFORMATION
1. Breast Augmentation	$6,400	Click for more information →
2. Breast Reduction	$6,000	Click for more information →
3. Breast Lift	$7,800	Click for more information →
4. Eyelid Surgery	$4,400	Click for more information →
5. Liposuction	$6,000	Click for more information →
6. Fat Grafting	$4,600	Click for more information →
7. Tummy Tuck	$7,700	Click for more information →
8. Botox	$500	Click for more information →
9. Chemical Peel	$675	Click for more information →
10. Dermal Fillers	$700	Click for more information →

1. Breast Augmentation

Over time, women’s breasts can lose their form. This is especially common after life events such as pregnancy or weight loss, and even age.

When breasts appear less full, misshapen or lopsided, a person’s self-esteem and confidence can be affected. Breast augmentation is an option to make breasts look more shapely and youthful. It can also be a reconstructive option after a mastectomy, in which the breast tissue is removed, either due to or in prevention of breast cancer.

What Is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is performed by surgically inserting implants to improve breast symmetry and appearance. Implants can be either saline or silicone.

 

Silicone Implants

Silicone implants are silicone discs filled with silicone gel. They’re filled prior to the surgery and implanted. The benefit of silicone is that it looks and feels more like real breast tissue.

A downside to silicone implants is greater risk for more extensive intervention if they rupture. Since silicone isn’t a natural substance, the body doesn’t readily absorb it. While no real health issues are associated with a ruptured silicone implant, the silicone can leak out around the implant and into the breast, eventually altering the shape.

A silicone implant also doesn’t just deflate once it ruptures, so you may not notice it right away. When this happens, it’s known as a silent rupture. Silicone implants also usually cost more than saline, and you must be at least 22 years old to get them.

Gummy Bear Silicone Implants are also available for a more natural looking breast augmentation.

Saline Implants

The exterior of the saline implant is made of silicone, but it’s filled with sterilized salt water. When you opt for saline implants, the disc will be implanted empty. Then, once it’s in place, it will be filled to the desired size.

If a saline implant ruptures, it will deflate, and the salt water will simply be absorbed into your body. However, additional surgery will be needed to remove the ruptured disc, and a new one can be inserted.  You must be at least 18 years old if you’re looking at getting saline implants.

Breast Augmentation Risks

Breast augmentation can include risks such as:

• Bleeding
• Scarring and scar tissue formation around the implant
• Infection
• Asymmetrical appearance of the breasts that may be a result of an implant defect
• Sensation changes around the nipple and breast
• Implant rupture and leaking

Recovery Time After A Breast Augmentation

Plan on at least a few days of minimal activity to ensure proper healing. Heavy lifting should also be avoided for several weeks after the surgery. Your surgeon will be able to give you more specifics depending on your exact procedure.

Breast Augmentation Costs

The average cost of a breast augmentation procedure can vary depending on your location and can range from about $4,200 to $7,000. Nationally, the average is about $6,400.

In Nashville, you can plan to spend an average of just over $6,900. At SPRSI, a good cost estimate is in the range of $5,500 to $6,500 depending upon whether you opt for saline versus silicone implants.

Will Insurance Cover Breast Augmentation Costs?

If the surgery is performed purely for cosmetic reasons, most insurance plans don’t cover the cost. However, if it’s done for reconstruction after a medically necessary procedure such as a mastectomy, then some or all of the cost may be covered.

It’s also important to realize insurance companies may not cover the cost of treating complications which may be related to these procedures.

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2. Breast Reduction

When breasts are disproportionately large for your body size, their size and weight can cause physical difficulties such as neck, back or even shoulder pain.

Breast reduction surgery is performed less often simply for enhancement and more often to relieve the physical difficulties associated with very large breasts. Women are the most common recipients of the surgery, but even men with abnormally large breasts, a condition known as gynecomastia, may also be candidates for breast reduction surgery.

What Is Breast Reduction?

During a typical breast reduction surgery, an incision will be made around the nipple and extended inferiorly. Different techniques may be used based on your breasts and desired outcome. From there, the extra skin, breast tissue and fat will be removed. This generally results in the whole breast being lifted into a smaller and more youthful shape.

Risks of a Breast Reduction

As with any major surgery, there are certain risks. Some possible risks and side effects of the surgery include:

• Infection can occur around the incision area, in or around the breast.
• Breast pain. You may experience tenderness or your breasts may ache for several weeks after surgery.
• Scars should heal and become less noticeable over time, as well as not show when wearing most clothing, but this will depend on the technique used by your surgeon.
• Incorrect healing around the nipple area. In some rare cases, the incision around the nipple may not heal correctly and additional surgery may be needed to help the healing process.

Recovery Time After A Breast Reduction

Generally, you can expect to need at least a few days to a week to rest and recover. Strenuous physical activity should be avoided for about a month after your surgery, and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least that long as well.

Breast Reduction Costs

Breast reduction pricing can range anywhere from $2,000 to $8,000. Nationally, the average runs just over $6,000. In Nashville, the average tends to be about $4,700.

Will Insurance Cover Breast Reduction Costs?

Your insurance company may classify breast reduction as medically necessary when resultant medical problems are documented. In that case, the costs of the surgery may be covered based on how much breast tissue is removed. As always, it’s important to check on your individual insurance policy and with your doctor.

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3. Breast Lift

Over time, weight changes, breastfeeding and age can cause the breast to become droopy and lifeless, and this can cause significant issues with confidence. If this applies to you, a breast lift might be in order. Breast lifts may also be needed after having an implant removed.

What Is a Breast Lift?

During a typical breast lift surgery, the areola and nipple are moved to a higher, and more appropriate anatomical position, on the chest, and any extra skin or breast tissue is removed. This results in breasts appearing lifted and more youthful.

In some cases, a patient may also opt for implants while undergoing a breast lift surgery to further enhance the breast’s appearance. Your surgeon will best be able to discuss possible options when you’re looking to receive a breast lift.

Breast lifts aren’t permanent due to the fact that gravity gradually takes its toll as it does everywhere else. With age, touch-up procedures may be necessary to maintain the desired appearance. Another breast lift may not be necessary, but this will depend on your unique needs.

Risks Associated With Having A Breast Lift

Breast lifts can carry risks, which may vary depending on the amount of work done, such as:

• Scarring, which may be permanent
• Infection
• Breast pain
• Loss of feeling around the nipples

Recovery Time After Having A Breast Lift

You can expect at least several weeks for healing, with very limited activity during the first week or so. After that, all of your stitches will likely be removed or will dissolve naturally over time, and the look of your breasts will continue to improve as they heal.

Breast Lift Costs

Breast lift pricing varies depending on your location and if you opt for implants in addition to the lift. However, nationally, the average tends to run just over $7,800, and the range can extend anywhere from about $4,000 to over $9,000.

In Nashville, the average hovers around $5,500. To determine exact costs for your surgery, it’s best to discuss options with your surgeon.

Will Insurance Cover Breast Lift Costs?

If the breast lift surgery is elective and due mainly to cosmetic reasons, insurance companies may not cover it or any of the possible resulting complications. However, if the surgery is deemed necessary due to medical issues or as a reconstructive procedure, insurance may cover some or all of the cost.

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4. Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgeries can be performed for a variety of reasons, but eyelifts, also known as blepharoplasty, can be effective in:

• Removing excess skin on the upper or lower eyelids.
• Improving the appearance of eyelids both above and below.

Because the skin around the eyes is so delicate, it can often be one of the first areas to show signs of age. Sagging or drooping skin can be visibly unappealing, but it can also cause actual vision problems.

What Is Eyelid Surgery?

If both the upper and lower eyelids are being worked on at the same time, the procedure may take around two to three hours. In most cases, incisions will be made along your eye’s natural contours, and the surgeon will remove any extra skin, fat and muscle to help lift the eyelid. Then, small stiches are used to ensure the incisions are closed.

For a lower lid procedure, an incision may be made on the inside of your lower eyelid, and this incision won’t be visible from the outside. Excess fat will be removed. Another variation is making an incision along the eyelash line and similarly, excess muscle, skin or fat will be removed.

Risks of Eyelid Surgery

While eyelid surgery can have profound effects, it’s important to note the risks as well. Some potential complications include:

• Dry eye. If you already suffer from dry eye, eyelid surgery can potentially exacerbate the condition.

• Possibility of not being able to entirely close your eyes when sleeping. If too much of the excess skin is removed, the eyelids may not close entirely. However, this is typically temporary.

• Double vision or blindness. Since eyes are so sensitive, there is always the risk of vision changes such as double vision or blindness. These conditions are very rare, though.

Recovery Time After Having Eyelid Surgery

The recovery time can vary depending on how extensive the surgery is, but you can expect to need about a week. Stitches are usually removed within five to seven days. By day eight, make-up is usually fine to use. With doctor approval, a return to normal activity can usually occur within a few weeks.

Eyelid Surgery Costs

With the eyes being such a delicate and essential area of the body, the cost for surgery can vary greatly. It can range anywhere from about $2,000 to over $6,000. The national average tends to be slightly more than $4,400 with the costs in Nashville averaging just over $4,600. At SPRSI, the cost may be lower depending on how many eyelids need corrected.

Will Insurance Cover Eyelid Surgery Costs?

When eyelid surgery is necessary because of a medical condition, such as excess skin affecting vision, insurance may cover the procedure. In most cases, if the surgery is done strictly for cosmetic reasons, insurance coverage probably won’t apply.

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 5. Liposuction

Sometimes, no matter how much we watch our diet or exercise, stubborn areas of fat can remain on the body, particularly on the stomach, hips and thighs. When this is the case, liposuction is an option. Liposuction removes fat and reshapes contours. After this procedure, the body should have improved shape and proportion.

What Is Liposuction?

Fat resides between the skin and muscle. During liposuction, small incisions are made in the skin, and a cannula is inserted into the layer of fat. Through the use of a suction pump, the cannula removes fat and creates small tunnels throughout the fat layer. After the process is completed, the tunnels collapse, giving your body a new and improved shape.

A benefit of liposuction is that the removed fat cells will not grow back. While a person may gain weight after the procedure, if that weight gain is not substantial, the results of the liposuction treatment will remain.

Risks of Having Liposuction

Liposuction is a very safe procedure, and there are rarely complications. A couple of common things to keep an eye out for, though, include:

• A seroma is a collection of fluid that can remain inside a body’s cavity after tissue has been removed. Generally, the body reabsorbs the fluid within about a month. Depending on the amount of fluid, it can take longer and may require aspiration. Seromas don’t generally cause severe complications, but they can cause some discomfort or swelling.

• Some swelling is to be expected with liposuction. Most swelling resolves entirely around four weeks, but depending on the extent of the procedure, it can take as long as several months before the swelling is completely gone.

• While infections from liposuction are rare, it is a possible complication, as with any surgical procedure.

Recovery Time After Liposuction

Depending on soreness, which is generally manageable, you can usually resume normal activities within a couple days after the procedure. It’s recommended that you begin to gradually increase activity early in the healing process to assist with healing. Use common sense and listen to your doctor’s instructions, though, to ensure you don’t overdo it too quickly.

Cost of Liposuction Surgery

Liposuction pricing is dependent upon the size and area of the procedure and can range anywhere from $2,500 to over $9,000. Nationally, the average tends to hover around $6,000. In Nashville, you can expect to pay an average price of about $5,700. At SPRSI, you may pay significantly less than that, or less commonly, a little more, depending on the amount of fat that needs to be removed.

Will Insurance Cover Liposuction Costs?

Since liposuction is primarily a cosmetic procedure, most insurance plans do not offer coverage for it or, possibly, any of the complications it may cause. Check your insurance plan carefully.

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6. Fat Grafting

Fat grafting is also known as fat transfer. It’s basically where fat cells from one area are harvested and transferred to a different area of the body. The face is a common place where fat cells are moved to as it can help alleviate the appearance of sunken spots and even deep acne scars.

With regular liposuction, fat cells can actually be destroyed. While a liposuction procedure is used for the fat-grafting process, great care must be taken to ensure the fat cells remain intact in order for the procedure to be effective.

What Is Fat Grafting?

The process of fat grafting uses liposuction to harvest fat cells from a donor area, such as the stomach or thighs. That fat is then inserted into another area of the body where you want more volume. Common areas where fat grafting can work include:

• Fat grafting can be highly successful in reducing the appearance of wrinkles such as laugh lines. It can also help fill in acne scars and soften sunken areas in the cheeks or lips that become more common with age.

• If you’re looking for a slight increase in breast size, fat grafting may be a suitable option. Fat grafting can also be useful for breast implants as the procedure can correct any irregularities and further enhance the breast’s appearance.

• If you’ve heard of the “Brazilian Butt Lift”, it uses the fat-grafting procedure to add volume and enhance the buttocks without an implant.

• Veins, wrinkles and thinning skin can make the hands look unsightly. Using the fat-grafting procedure for hands can reduce the appearance of veins, soften wrinkles and even improve the look of the skin itself.

While using a dermal filler in places such as the face and hands may be able to achieve comparable results, the results from fat grafting are often longer-lasting. However with age, the process may need to be completed again. Another benefit to fat grafting is you are using your body’s own tissue rather than an implant or other injection.

How Does Fat Grafting Work?

Risks of Fat Grafting

Fat grafting is usually a well-tolerated surgery, but as with any surgical procedure, risks are still involved, including:

• The incisions from liposuction are small, and they tend to fade relatively well over time. However, scarring is possible as with any procedure involving incisions.
• Relocation of transferred fat. One risk of transferred fat is that it may get pushed into other areas next to wear it was injected.
• Bruising. Especially in the areas where the fat was transferred to, bruising may be quite visible.
• Possible reabsorption of fat cells. Since it’s your body’s own fat cells, it’s possible the body may reabsorb the cells that were transferred. This would result in a less augmented appearance of the area.
• Infection is still a possibility, though it’s rare.

Recovery Time After Fat Grafting

Recovery times depend on where and how much was completed during the process. In the first week after the procedure, there can be quite a bit of swelling and bruising to the surgical sites.

The swelling generally subsides by two to three weeks, but minor swelling may persist for a bit longer. In most cases, you’ll probably feel and look much better after two to three weeks.

Fat Grafting Costs

Fat grafting pricing depends on the size, area, and duration of the surgery. Nationally, the cost averages just over $4,600, but it can range anywhere from $2,000 to over $7,000. In Nashville, the cost tends to run about $2,400 but this is largely dependent on how much fat is to be transferred. Check with your surgeon, however, about all aspects of your surgery to get the best idea about costs.

Will Insurance Cover Fat Grafting Costs?

If the surgery is conducted as a cosmetic procedure, insurance won’t likely cover the cost. However, if the surgery is done due to a reconstruction, then some or all of the costs may be covered. It’s important to check with your insurance provider for complete information regarding your policy.

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7. Tummy Tuck

The tummy tuck procedure is performed when factors such as pregnancy or excess weight loss cause the skin to become loose and saggy. The excess skin is removed, and the abdominal wall is tightened, resulting in a firmer appearance of the stomach area.

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck is a major surgery, and the extent of the surgery can vary depending on how much excess skin needs to be removed.

Generally, an incision is made across your lower abdomen extending across to both hip bones. From there, the surgeon fixes the skin, muscles and tissues to achieve the desired look. When the procedure is a complete abdominoplasty, your belly button may also need to be moved as appropriate.

Sometimes, the procedure can be done as a mini abdominoplasty, also known as a partial or mini tummy tuck. This is common when most of your fat tissue resides mainly below the belly button. This surgery is usually much shorter, and it probably won’t be necessary to move your belly button.

Risks Associated With A Tummy Tuck

Since this is a major surgery, and your abdominals are a critical part of your everyday movement and posture, you’ll likely have pain and swelling for some time. You may also be sore for up to several months after the procedure is completed.

Other risks include:

• Infection
• Swelling after the procedure
• Scarring
• Blood clots
• Seroma

Scars are an inevitable part of the tummy tuck, but with the help of time as well as a good diet and exercise regimen, the scars usually fade quite well over time and are easily hidden underneath clothing.

Tummy Tuck Recovery Time

Like the duration of the procedure itself, the amount of recovery time needed after the surgery varies greatly depending on exactly how much work was done.

Your surgeon will be able to give you the best idea for what to expect, but in many cases, you will need to ensure you engage in only limited activity for several weeks after the procedure. You’ll be bandaged and stitched, and to make sure everything heals as it should, you’ll need to follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully, which will include beginning an exercise program after surgery to aid in healing and reduce swelling.

It’s also important to remember your body will need time to heal for you to see all the changes the surgery provided. While you’ll see significant improvement right away, it may not be exactly as you envisioned for several months after the surgery.

Tummy Tuck Costs

Tummy tuck pricing varies by location and the expanse of the surgery. Costs can range anywhere from $4,000 to upwards of $15,000. On average, you can expect to pay about $7,700, with the average cost in Nashville being just over $7,800.

Will Insurance Cover Tummy Tuck Costs?

In most cases, a tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. There are cases, however, in which a tummy tuck may need to be performed due to physical complications. Also, in patients who have a large overhanging pannus of skin that often occurs after massive weight loss, a panniculectomy or portion of the tummy tuck procedure may be covered by insurance. In that case, it would be beneficial to review your insurance policy as well as schedule an appointment to discuss what information should be provided to your insurance company.

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8. Botox

Botox, also known as botulinum toxin, is a popular treatment option to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It’s also gaining recognition as a way to relieve a variety of other medical conditions, including:

• Migraine headaches
• TMJ disorders
• Excessive perspiration
• Severe muscle spasms in the eyelids

What Is Botox?

Botox is an extremely diluted dose of the botulinum toxin, and it’s injected into the desired area. Botox temporarily paralyzes the muscles that can contribute to the formation of wrinkles. Unlike creams or other products that may or may not work, Botox offers proven results, and they last for several months after the injection.

It may take up to a week for Botox to achieve its maximum effect. Most people, however, see results in 2 to 3 days.

Risks & Side Effects of Botox

Since the dose of botulinum toxin is so low, most people tolerate the injection quite well and have no side effects. There are some possible risks of Botox, though, that include:

• Pain or redness at the injection site
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Eyelid drooping
• “Frozen” face
• Decreased function of muscles

Botox Recovery Time

There is very little recovery time needed after you’re treated with Botox. You’ll likely be asked to avoid taking any aspirin or other medication that thins the blood, which can cause bruising. You’ll also need to make sure you don’t rub the injection site for a while after the procedure so it can heal properly and not displace the product to undesired areas.

Botox Costs

If you’re using it for wrinkle reduction, Botox pricing varies depending on doctors, locations and areas injected. Often, the price ranges from $100 to just over $1,000, and the average is generally around $500. In Nashville, you can expect to pay about $375 on average.

Will Insurance Cover Botox Costs?

For cosmetic procedures, Botox injections are usually not covered. However, if the injections are used for medical reasons, such as relief of chronic headaches, they might be covered. The best idea is to talk to your doctor and insurance provider to determine if the injections are covered.

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9. Chemical Peel

In most cases, people choose a chemical peel as a non-invasive method to improve the appearance of skin. Chemical peels can be helpful in treating:

• Sun damage
• Wrinkles
• Uneven skin pigmentation
• Areas of precancerous cells
• Skin growths or lesions
• Acne scarring

What Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel involves applying chemicals to the skin. The outer layers are destroyed, and new skin can regrow. There are three types of chemical peels:

• This type of peel takes the least amount of time to complete and heal from. The superficial peel is best when looking to improve the look of skin due to very fine wrinkles, acne scarring, unwanted pigmentation and light sun damage. The superficial peel can be used on any part of the body, as well as the face, and generally only results in slight redness, discomfort and peeling.

• Medium peels essentially burn the skin with a second-degree burn and remove more layers. They are commonly completed on the face for the treatment of deeper wrinkles, more severe sun damage and changes in pigmentation. They can also be used for removing areas of precancerous cells, which are often the result of sun damage.

• Deep peels are the most intense — they can only be done on the face and usually only completed once. Deep peels utilize phenol to rid the skin of very deep wrinkles, prolonged sun damage, lesions or actual skin growths, and very obvious pigmentation. Since deep peels remove many layers of skin, they actually change skin color, making the procedure incompatible for most individuals with darker skin tones.

Risks of Having A Chemical Peel

Some common risks of chemical peels include:

• Redness, which should subside over time
• Swelling, especially if areas around the eyes are treated, but it should also subside
• Changes in skin tone, resulting in uneven coloration between treated and non-treated areas
• Scarring
• Infection
• Sunlight sensitivity

Chemical Peel Recovery Time

The recovery time after a chemical peel depends on the deepness of the peel. With a superficial peel, you can return to life as normal right away after the procedure. There is only minimal redness, which can be easily covered with makeup.

With a medium peel, since the skin is burned deeper, the healing time takes longer. Redness and discomfort will still likely not be significant, but it may take a week or so to heal to the point where the redness can be hidden with make-up.

Deep peels are the most painful and take the longest to recover from. It can take up to three weeks for the redness to subside, and it can take even a couple of months for the skin to totally heal.

Chemical Peel Costs

There are a range of procedures and types of chemical peels. Chemical peel pricing can be anywhere from $100 to over $3,000. The national average tends to run about $675. At SPRSI, the average chemical peel costs approximately $500 depending on the type and depth of the peel.

Will Insurance Cover Chemical Peel Costs?

Chemical peels that are performed strictly for cosmetic reasons will likely not be covered by insurance. If, however, the peel is done for medical reasons, the cost may be covered. Talk with your doctor and insurance company about your policy and what documentation may be needed.

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10. Dermal or Soft Tissue Fillers

People choose dermal fillers when they want to reduce the appearance of sunken spots and wrinkles, make lips thicker and add volume to areas such as the cheeks.

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are a variety of substances that can be injected directly into a trouble spot to restore a youthful look. There are many different types of dermal fillers that fall into different categories such as:

• Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
• Synthetic Fillers
• Collagen Fillers

JUVÉDERM® is a type of hyaluronic acid filler.

Risks of Dermal Fillers

The risks involved in this type of procedure are minimal, but there are a few things to watch out for, including:

• Redness or irritation at the injection site
• Bruising
• Swelling, or firmness
• Formation of small bumps under the skin
• Pain

Recovery Time After Having Dermal Fillers

There is virtually no downtime with a dermal filler procedure. Though the injection site may be red, or there may be bruising, there is no need to refrain from resuming normal activity right after the procedure. It may take about a week to see the full effects of the dermal fillers. Actually, over time, hyaluronic acid fillers absorb water which can add more volume and improve results.  You will also need to protect the area from direct sun exposure for a period of time after the procedure, but your doctor will let you know the specifics.

Dermal Filler Costs

Dermal filler pricing varies depending on the type of dermal filler received. The range can be from about $470 to $2,000. For JUVÉDERM®, the national average tends to run around $700. In the Nashville area, the average hovers closer to about $1,450. At SPRSI, you can expect to pay from under $500 and upward depending on the type and amount of filler that is best suited for you.

Will Insurance Cover Dermal Filler Costs?

Dermal fillers aren’t used for medical procedures, so they are likely not covered by your insurance.

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Contact Dr. Brought for Nashville TN Plastic Surgery

It’s important to discuss your specific procedure with your surgeon to determine exact costs, risks, recovery times, etc. Since each person is different, your surgery will be tailored to your individual needs.

If you’re in the Nashville area, and you’re considering a procedure to restore a youthful appearance, Dr. Brought and the staff at SPRSI can help. Contact us today for a consultation.

*Updated October 17, 2017