By Dr. Michelle Sieffert |
Average Anesthesia Fees for Plastic Surgery
What Patients Should Know About General Anesthesia Costs
When it comes to your well-being and finances, the details matter. And few details are as overlooked (yet important) as anesthesia costs. Some practices don’t include these fees upfront, leaving patients feeling blindsided when the final invoice arrives. That’s not how we operate. Donaldson Plastic Surgery believes in full transparency, from consult to recovery.
We’ve compiled the average anesthesia fees for plastic surgery procedures based on real data from 12 full months at our practice.
Note: These are only the anesthesia costs. Surgeon fees, operating room charges, garments and post-op visits are billed separately.
How Much Are Anesthesia Fees?
| Procedure | Average Fee |
|---|---|
| Breast Augmentation | $1,232 |
| Breast Augmentation w/ Bilateral Mastopexy | $2,005 |
| Breast Implant Exchange | $1,242 |
| Breast Reduction | $2,026 |
| Rhinoplasty | $2,422 |
| Mastopexy | $1,952 |
| Tummy Tuck (Standalone) | $1,936 |
| Liposuction – Circumferential | $1,980 |
| Deep Plane Facelift / Neck Lift | $3,389 |
| Brachioplasty – Extended | $2,177 |
| Average Anesthesia Fee | $1,936 |
Why Do Anesthesia Fees Vary So Much?
Anesthesia costs are typically based on time. The longer you’re under controlled anesthesia, the more it costs. Complex procedures, combination surgeries or cases requiring more delicate tissue manipulation can all extend operative time, which directly increases anesthesia requirements.
Can Combining Plastic Surgery Procedures Save Me Money?
Yes. Our patients save an average of $613 in anesthesia fees alone when they combine procedures — and even more when factoring in surgeon and operating room fee reductions, which tend to see steeper savings. Combining surgeries also allows for one recovery instead of multiple, which means less time off work, fewer delivered meals and fewer overall pre- and post-operation prescriptions.
| Fee Comparison | Cost |
|---|---|
| Averaged Fee When Procedures Are Combined | $2,509 |
| Estimated Separate Total | $3,122 |
| Average Savings | $613 |
Why Does a Facelift & Neck Lift Cost More in Anesthesia?
A deep plane facelift involves lifting and repositioning the underlying facial muscles and connective tissue (SMAS layer), rather than just tightening the skin. This approach creates longer-lasting, more natural results but it requires significantly more surgical precision and time. The procedure becomes even more time-intensive when combined with a neck lift, which addresses the platysma bands and submental fat.
Longer procedures require longer periods under general anesthesia, as well as continuous monitoring and dosing adjustments. This, in turn, increases anesthesia-related costs. The facelift and neck lift pairing represents one of the highest anesthesia investments among elective surgeries, but it also remains one of the most impactful among our patients.
In-Office Procedures Only Require Local Anesthesia
Some procedures at our practice can be performed with local anesthesia alone, offering a significant reduction in fees compared to general anesthesia. Local anesthesia also comes with fewer inherent risks associated with general anesthesia, along with a faster rebound time and the option to remain awake and comfortable throughout their treatment.
The Most Common “Awake” Procedures Include:
Additional Findings
Most Common Procedure Pairings:
-
Tummy Tuck + Liposuction
-
Tummy Tuck + Breast Augmentation (Often called “The Mommy Makeover”)
-
Breast Augmentation + Liposuction
-
Breast Augmentation + Labiaplasty
-
Blepharoplasty + Brow Lift
Most Common Surgical Add-On? Skin Tag & Mole Removal
It’s quick. It’s precise. And it doesn’t usually require more anesthesia. Mole and skin tag removal is often added on to cosmetic procedures, especially because a plastic surgeon will treat the skin with aesthetic outcomes in mind. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in the final result.
About The Author
Dr. Michelle Sieffert is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Columbus, Ohio. She is known for her mastery of anatomy, technical precision and unwavering dedication to patient education. Dr. Sieffert helps every patient understand the full scope of their surgical experience, including the lesser-known costs like anesthesia. This ensures they can make empowered, informed decisions about their health and wellbeing as they move forward with confidence.
About The Data
Methodology & Data
This report was compiled using anonymized anesthesia billing data and internal surgery records from Donaldson Plastic Surgery. No patient names or identifying information were included in this analysis.
For more information about our methodology or to request exact fee ranges for your desired procedure, please contact us directly.
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