Plastic surgery can be pretty expensive, especially as more people are choosing to have procedures. The good news is that your insurance may help cover part of the cost. In order to know exactly what your insurance will cover your doctor's office may have to consult with the insurance company and send them your information.



Average Cost of Plastic Surgery

Major plastic surgery (excluding simple procedures like laser hair removal) averages between $5,000 and $20,000 in the United States. Of course, the costs will vary by city and state, but you can bet that no major surgery will cost less than $5,000.

Commonly Covered Procedures

Some of the most common types of surgeries that insurance covers are listed here. This list comes from the information provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

Abdominal Surgery

Abdominal surgeries are only covered if they are conducted to heal another condition. For instance, if you are having severe back pain, they will cover the surgery. Other conditions frequently leading to coverage are sores, hernia and rashes.

Breast Surgery

Breast surgery is only covered in certain instances. If you are experiencing severe back pain due to extremely large breasts, your surgery will be covered by most insurance companies. Other covered issues include asymmetry correction, reconstruction due to the loss of a breast, a birth defect where only one breast developed and enlarged male breasts.

Ear Surgery

Ear surgery is almost always covered for birth defects since these defects can affect hearing, and it is usually covered for deformed ears due to caused by disease or injury.

Eyelid Surgery

Surgery for eyelids that are formed in some unnatural way or droop enough to cause vision problems may be covered.

Facial Surgery

If your appearance has been negatively altered due to paralysis, your surgery may be covered. Deformities in the head, neck or facial muscles may also be covered by your insurance company.

Hand Surgery

Carpal tunnel syndrome, Dupuytren's contracture, nerve injuries, tendon injuries, fused fingers and other deformities are covered by certain insurance companies.

Nasal Surgery

Nasal surgery is often covered when performed to correct deformities resulting from birth, disease or problems with breathing.

Plastic Surgery: Cutting Costs

Many people are looking to cut their plastic surgery costs. Often those in the United States are trying to find facilities in Mexico and Central and South America that will charge less. While the fees may be lower, you certainly get what you pay for. If you are considering a surgeon from another country, be sure that they have a license and have been trained in the type of procedure they are offering.