As society continues to be fascinated with the medical community's ability to change a person's appearance we get more and more sucked in. Any day of the week, with a click of the remote control, we can be in the operating room with a patient receiving cosmetic surgery - and we're hooked. It can be fascinating to witness the transformation of someone struggling with self-esteem; and we eagerly anticipate the unveiling; what will the patient look like with his new nose, with her new breasts, new teeth, thinner thighs?

We are a culture for whom cosmetic surgery has become standard operating procedure. Whether we are unhappy with the toll age has taken on our faces or the way our belly droops over our jeans, we need only visit a cosmetic surgeon to eliminate or change that which does not work.

When it comes to such procedures there are numerous things to consider - finding a reputable surgeon, preparing for surgery itself, and learning the average cost of cosmetic surgery. While all these steps require extensive research, determining the average cost of cosmetic surgery can be tricky simply because it fluctuates so dramatically.

The average cost of cosmetic surgery depends on a number of factors; not the least of which is the area in which you live. The average cost of cosmetic surgery on one side of the country may not be the average cost of cosmetic surgery on the other side of the country. Therefore, decide first where you want to have your surgery performed. Most people choose to stay in the area in which they live. But if you are from a smaller town with less surgical resources, you may choose to travel to a larger city where you can choose from more experienced doctors.

Once you have decided on a specific area then you can narrow down the average cost of cosmetic surgery. Take a sampling from doctors in this area just to get an idea. You will probably still see a variance in price among these doctors. Remember, experienced, highly-regarded doctors come at a price. Sometimes it is true that you get what you pay for.

Once you have established a ballpark figure you can begin to whittle it down based on the doctors in which you are interested. Again, the average cost of cosmetic surgery may not wind up being the actual cost you pay. But it will give you an idea so that you make arrangements for financing if needed.