If you’re considering cosmetic surgery in Austin, you’ve probably wondered: why is pricing often kept a secret, and why is it so expensive? Here we break down what actually goes into the cost — and give honest ballpark ranges for common procedures. (For our current published pricing, see the menu of services.)
The Four Components of Cost
The total cost of a procedure generally breaks into four parts:
- Surgeon’s fee: this reflects the training and expertise of a board-certified plastic surgeon (6+ years of post-med-school residency, board exams, and years of independent practice) — and it isn’t all take-home pay. It covers practice overhead: staff payroll, rent, supplies, malpractice insurance, and marketing, which commonly runs 55–70% of revenue. Post-operative visits are typically included.
- Anesthesia fee: for IV or general anesthesia, a provider (in Texas most often a CRNA, sometimes an anesthesiologist) monitors you during surgery. What matters most is experience with cosmetic patients.
- Facility fee: covers the operating room, supplies, and pre-/post-op nursing. When a procedure is done under local anesthesia — as Dr. Levesque does for many face procedures — this fee is eliminated, saving thousands and improving safety.
- Post-procedure care: medications, compression garments, and sometimes lymphatic massage. These add up, so ask about protocols in advance.
Ballpark Costs in Austin
Specific pricing requires an in-person evaluation, but general ranges help you plan:
- Tummy tuck: a 2–3 hour procedure (longer if combined with liposuction or breast work), almost always with anesthesia and facility fees — in Austin, often upward of $12,000+.
- Facelift: priced largely on the 3–4 hours of surgeon time and the high stakes of a visible result. Under general anesthesia, facility and anesthesia alone can be $6,000+, with totals north of $20,000 for many surgeons — which is exactly why our under-local-anesthesia facelifts can cost significantly less.
- Breast augmentation: adds implant cost (roughly $400–$1,200 per implant) plus insertion-funnel costs. Be very skeptical of “$2,999” ads — implants, anesthesia, and facility fees alone exceed that. Expect roughly $7,000–$8,000 in Austin.
Why It Costs What It Does
A board-certified plastic surgeon has invested a decade-plus becoming safe and well-rounded, and no surgeon gets consistent results without a great team. Compared with per-hour fees from other professionals, a fixed surgeon’s fee — with post-op care included — is a fair value. And remember: this is your body, not the best place to bargain-hunt.
Financing
Many practices work with financing partners like CareCredit, Alphaeon, Cherry, and PatientFi, some with promotional no-interest periods — just understand the APR if you don’t pay within the promo window. See our financing options for current partners.
The Bottom Line
Plastic surgery is an investment in your confidence, and being informed about the four cost components helps you compare fairly and avoid too-good-to-be-true offers. We aim to be transparent with pricing and deliver strong value — especially with our local-anesthesia procedures. Schedule a consultation for pricing specific to you.