Humans have long been obsessed with ways to improve their appearance. According to Boston Plastic Surgery, the first examples of reconstructive surgery and skin grafts date back to at least 800 B.C. in ancient India. Since then, cosmetic surgery has evolved in terms of complexity, technique, and price. Today, certain cosmetic procedures can be expected to cost close to $30,000, which is why they are primarily the preserve of the wealthy.
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Strictly speaking, the term “cosmetic surgery” applies to a variety of things, from manicures to reconstructive surgery. Some of the most common (and most expensive) include facelifts, abdominoplasties, breast augmentation, liposuction, and rhinoplasty.
What is “luxury” cosmetic surgery?
Even within the same procedure, not all treatments are created equal – for example, there is a difference between a high-end cosmetic procedure and a standard procedure that costs much less.
According to the blog of New York-based Park Plaza Plastic Surgery, high-end cosmetic procedures are “considered to be at the top of the market in terms of quality, expertise, and often price. These procedures use the latest techniques and cutting-edge technology. They may also include the use of unique equipment, innovative surgical techniques, and premium materials.
Costs vary widely depending on where you live and the doctor you see. Generally, you can expect to pay more in expensive cities like New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Miami, and Atlanta than in other locations. But no matter where you live, any particular procedure is never going to be considered “cheap.”
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Does health insurance cover cosmetic surgery?
In some cases, your health insurance may be able to cover some of the cost of cosmetic surgery, such as a nose job that can also fix breathing problems, according to WebMD. You may also be able to get discounts if you get multiple procedures done at once. Plus, some banks offer loans if you can't pay the full amount at once.
If not, you'll need a lot of spare cash to afford the procedure. Here's a look at nine cosmetic procedures the rich get and how much they cost. Unless otherwise noted, national averages come from Statista, and top prices in specific markets come from Westlake Dermatology in Texas.
Facelift
National average: $9,679
Best Price New York City: $26,000
Best Price Dallas: $25,000
Best Price Chicago: $28,580
Best Price Los Angeles: $25,000
Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
National average: $7,465
Best Price New York City: $15,000
Best Price Dallas: $15,000
Best Price Chicago: $12,500
Best Price Los Angeles: $13,375
Rhinoplasty (nose surgery)
National average: $5,999
Best Price New York City: $15,000
Best Price Dallas: $14,000
Best Price Chicago: $17,000
Best Price Los Angeles: $20,000
Breast lift
National average: $5,324
Best Price New York City: $12,500
Best Price Dallas: $9,000
Best Price Chicago: $12,000
Best Price Los Angeles: $11,500
Breast augmentation
National average: $4,617
Best Price New York City: $10,500
Best Price Dallas: $8,000
Best Price Chicago: $12,400
Best Price Los Angeles: $10,213
Liposuction
National average$4,449 (according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons)
Best Price New York City: $11,000
Best Price Dallas: $8,500
Best Price Chicago: $9,000
Best Price Los Angeles: $14,000
Blepharoplasty (Eyelid surgery
National average: $3,339 (WebMD/American Society of Plastic Surgeons)
Best Price New York City: $12,000
Best Price Dallas: $7,500
Best Price Chicago: $8,000
Best Price Los Angeles: $15,000
Hip up (hip lift)
National average: $3,522
Best Price New York City: $14,000
Best Price Dallas: $13,000
Best Price Chicago: $11,800
Best Price Los Angeles: $12,000
Botox
National average: $528 (WebMD/American Society of Plastic Surgeons)
Best Price New York City: $12,500
Best Price Dallas: $1,540
Best Price Chicago: $1,400
Best Price Los Angeles: $2,500
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Can Beauty Be Buy? 9 Cosmetic Procedures the Wealthy Get and How Much They Cost
