The cost of plastic or cosmetic surgery has been dropping over the last two decades. As the price drops, more and more people are seriously considering plastic surgery. With so many surgeons and so many different prices for the same procedure, how does anyone know if their surgeon is as good as he says he is and if the price is really reasonable?

Most cosmetic plastic surgery is not covered by insurance, so all the money for the procedure comes out of the consumer's pocket. Some surgeries are reconstructive in nature, or have a medical reason for the surgeries. Reconstructive surgeries preformed for a medical reason are often covered by insurance. If the consumer thinks the procedure they are considering, might be covered by insurance, they should first consult with their physician and then check with their insurance company.

Most people don't know that any surgeon, who is licensed to practice, can call himself or herself a plastic surgeon. But not all plastic surgeons are board certified. This is an important distinction, and is often responsible for wide fluctuations in price for a single procedure. Board-certified plastic surgeons have completed extensive specialized training in the field of plastic surgery; those who have not been certified have not had the training.

Second, when you receive an estimate for your procedure, find out exactly what that covers. Does it include pre-op and post-op care? Does it include the anesthesiologists and other professionals attending the surgery? Make sure that you compare apples to apples and that you ask the surgeon about other costs that may not be included in the estimate.

According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery the five most requested surgeries for women are: lipoplasty (liposuction), eyelid surgery, breast augmentation, breast reduction, and abdominoplasty (tummy-tuck). The men's list for most requested surgeries matches that of women, with one difference that hair replacement takes the place of breast augmentation.

So to get an idea of whether or not your surgeon is in the ballpark or not, here is a list what average prices for the most commonly requested surgeries.

(1) Nose job, $4350.

(2) Abdominoplasty (tummy-tuck), $5250.

(3) Silicone breast implants, $3800.

(4) Breast reduction, $5500.

(5) Eyelid surgery, $3000.

(6) Breast reduction, $5500.

If your surgeon quotes a price substantially higher or lower than the average, find out why? The difference may be pre-op and post-op care. The price difference may be due to where the surgery will take place: in the surgeon's facilities or in a hospital. Plastic surgery is infinitely more affordable these days. Using a reasonable amount of caution, you can find an affordable procedure with a surgeon you can trust.