What are the 5 most common plastic surgeries?
In 2025 the five most performed cosmetic surgeries in the US were liposuction (317,196 procedures), breast augmentation (304,234, including implant revisions), tummy tuck (173,251), breast lift (156,131) and eyelid surgery (118,978), according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. So the top three are liposuction, breast augmentation and tummy tucks. Liposuction has been number one for five years running, though its numbers held flat in 2025 while breast augmentation grew 11%. Counting reconstructive surgery as well, tissue repair after injuries and surgery (367,880, a category including wound closure and scar revision) was performed more often than any single cosmetic operation.
What are the riskiest plastic surgeries?
Published research points to the Brazilian butt lift and the tummy tuck, especially when combined with other procedures. A 2017 survey of surgeons, cited in a 2023 Aesthetic Surgery Journal study of South Florida deaths, estimated BBL deaths at between 1 in 2,351 and 1 in 6,241 procedures, mostly from fat injected into the buttock muscle reaching the lungs; after surgeons were advised to inject only under the skin, a 2019 survey estimated about 1 in 14,921, though deaths have continued: in South Florida, 14 of 25 BBL deaths between 2010 and 2022 came after that guidance. For tummy tucks, a 2015 study of 25,478 cases in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found a 4.0% major-complication rate, against 1.4% for other cosmetic procedures, rising to 10.4% when combined with liposuction plus other body contouring.
What's the difference between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery?
Plastic surgery is the whole specialty, covering both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Cosmetic surgery is the elective part that changes how healthy features look. Certification differs too: the American Board of Plastic Surgery is the plastic surgery board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery isn't one of ABMS's 24 member boards, so check which board a surgeon is certified by.
Does insurance cover plastic surgery?
Cosmetic surgery is usually paid out of pocket. Reconstructive surgery is often covered when it's medically necessary. For example, the US Department of Labor explains that federal law requires most health plans that cover mastectomies to cover all stages of breast reconstruction, including surgery on the other breast so the two match. Ask your plan what counts as medically necessary before booking.
Which plastic surgery has the longest recovery?
Of the common procedures, The Aesthetic Society's recovery guides give some of the longest timelines for tummy tucks and facelifts. It suggests about two weeks off work after a tummy tuck, no strenuous exercise for four to six weeks and six months or more for full recovery, and at least six months for a facelift to heal completely. For rhinoplasty, ASPS says initial swelling goes down within a few weeks, but the nose can take up to a year to fully refine. After liposuction, The Aesthetic Society says you'll likely be back at work within a few days, depending on your job.
How much does plastic surgery cost?
Among common procedures, ASPS's most recently published average surgeon fees (from an earlier fee survey; its 2025 report has no fee data) range from $3,359 for upper eyelid surgery to $11,395 for a facelift, with liposuction at $4,711, breast augmentation at $4,875 and a tummy tuck at $8,174. Those averages leave out anesthesia, the operating room and other costs, so an all-in quote is usually much higher. Ask every clinic for the total.
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