Have you ever considered having plastic or cosmetic surgery but wondered if the prices were too high? If so, you're not alone. Many people are curious about the cost of cosmetic surgery procedures.

Most people use the terms plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery interchangeably. Contrary to common belief, plastic surgery is not named because of the stereotype of it being "plastic" or "fake". The name actually derives from the Greek work plastikos, which means "to mold or shape". Reconstructive surgery is different from plastic and cosmetic surgery. It includes procedures like breast reconstruction, burn treatments, facial reconstruction and surgery to correct birth defects. Cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures on the other hand, are both elective and recommended by medical professionals.

Despite the economy, in the year 2008 there were approximately 12.1 million cosmetic surgery procedures performed - a 3% increase over 2007.

Cosmetic surgery procedures performed on Hispanics increased by 18%, African Americans 10%, and Asians 5%. The only group that declined in the numbers of procedures performed was Caucasians with a decrease of 2%. Female patients comprised nearly 91% of all cosmetic surgery patients. In 2008, the most commonly performed procedures were:

• Breast Augmentation
• Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)
  
• Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
  
• Liposuction
• Blepharosplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

The price of breast augmentation ranges from $3,500 to as high as $10,000. According to The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the national average cost is $3,813 for silicone gel implants, and $3,544 for saline implants. Costs can be affected by many factors, including geographic location, type of implants, anesthesia fee, surgeon's fee and the facility fee.

Most patients will be able to be up and around by the second day. It might take a week or so to return to work.

Rhinoplasty "Nose Job"

Rhinoplasty is sometimes referred to as a nose job. The cost for this surgery ranges from $3,000 to $7,500. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery states the national average cost of this procedure is $4,277. Factors determing price consist of geographic location, anesthesia fee, surgeon's fee and the facility fee.

The average cost for an Abdominoplasty, otherwise known as a tummy tuck, is $5,000 - $9,000. Factors affecting price variations are geographic location, anesthesia fee, surgeon's fee and the facility fee.The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery states the national average price for an Abdominoplasty is $5,263.

Patients may take between 2-4 days before managing with no assistance. Patients can typically return to a desk type job within 5-7 days.

Liposuction costs will vary depending on how many areas of the body are treated. Costs start around $4,000 for one area, $3,000 to $8,000 for three areas and $8,000 to $11,000 for five areas. Costs can be affected my many factors, including geographic location, anesthesia fee, surgeon's fee and the facility fee.

Liposuction patients can usually manage to get around independently by the second day and sometimes earlier if smaller number of areas have been treated. Most patients can return to work and normal activities within 5-7 days.

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, ranges from $2,000 to $5,000. Factors affecting price variations are geographic location, anesthesia fee, surgeon's fee and the facility fee. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery lists the national average price for Blepharoplasty at $2,882.

Patients recovering from eyelid surgery can usually can get around independently by the second day. Sunglasses will probably be needed for a few days after that, and makeup should adequately cover most bruising for the remaining days. The patient should be ready to return to work within a week.

Everyone recovers from plastic or cosmetic surgery differently. Depending on which procedure was performed, some patients experience only mild pain, while others are much more uncomfortable. The physician will take the patients needs into account and will typically prescribe medications to eliminate discomfort and provide pain relief.

Likewise, recovery time is dependent on the individual and the procedure performed. Most patients will require assistance for at least the first couple of days. After that, it is still important to have some help available just in case.

Most doctors recommend a patient try to get up and moving, and perhaps even attempt a short walk, within a couple of days of surgery. More vigorous activities should be avoided during the first two weeks after surgery. Weight-lifting and other very strenuous exercise is not advisable until after the first month.

It goes without saying, that choosing the right doctor is of paramount importance. A prospective patient should always check to make sure the doctor is board certified and in good standing.

Each state has a medical board that keep records of doctors authorized to practice medicine. These records include pertinent information on how long the doctor has been practicing, any disciplinary actions, and other important information. Some states provide access to the databases online which makes it very easy to do a quick check.

Other places to check a doctors standing are the The American Board of Plastic Surgery® or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada® and The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Getting personal recommendations from friends or relatives or from previous patients can also provide good feedback.

There are different options available when it comes to paying for plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery. Some clinics and doctor's offices will offer financing, accept credit cards, and in some cases a patient's health insurance will cover the cost. Be sure sure to discuss these options with the staff.

Once you obtain this information, you can visit the doctors office to make sure you feel comfortable with the office and personnel. Make sure to check on the current cosmetic and plastic surgery prices and you will be well equipped to make a good decision about plastic surgery.