Procedure index · United States
Cosmetic procedures, compared by cost and provider.
Injectables, body contouring and surgery are priced in different units. This index puts the typical US ranges side by side, then explains what each quote should include.
Kybella
Deoxycholic acid injections used to reduce submental fat under the chin. Usually two to four sessions, four to six weeks apart.
bodyEmsculpt
High-intensity electromagnetic muscle stimulation for the abdomen, glutes, arms or thighs. Usually sold in a four-session package.
surgicalOtoplasty
Surgical ear reshaping or pinning. Performed by plastic surgeons and some ENT surgeons, usually under local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia.
surgicalBuccal fat removal
Surgical removal of the buccal fat pad to slim the lower face. A niche procedure with a small provider pool.
energyFaceTite
Radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis for facial and neck skin tightening. Usually a single treatment with local anaesthesia.
Cost at a glance
| Procedure | Typical range | Unit | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kybella | $1,200 – $3,000 | per treatment | Two to four vials per session; two to four sessions are common. Per-vial pricing is often $300–$700. |
| Emsculpt NEO | $3,500 – $5,000 | four-session package | Single sessions run $750–$1,500. The abdomen and glutes are the most commonly quoted areas. |
| Otoplasty | $3,500 – $8,000 | per procedure | Surgeon fee, anaesthesia and facility fee. Both ears are usually done in one operation. |
| Buccal fat removal | $3,000 – $8,000 | per procedure | Surgeon fee and facility fee; usually one session under local anaesthesia with sedation. |
| FaceTite | $2,500 – $6,000 | per treatment | Single treatment; the neck is often priced separately from the face. |
Cash-pay planning ranges for the US, updated November 2026. They exclude consultations, imaging, prescriptions and any correction sessions billed separately.
Four questions that make quotes comparable
1. What is the unit?
Ask whether the quote is per vial, per session, per package, per ear or per procedure. A $600 quote for one Emsculpt session is not comparable to a $3,600 four-session package.
2. Who performs it?
Ask who holds the needle or the scalpel, what their licence is, and whether a physician is on site. For surgery, ask for board certification and hospital privileges.
3. What is included?
Anaesthesia, facility fee, follow-up visits, compression garments, imaging and correction policy are commonly separate. Get the all-in number in writing.
4. What is the correction policy?
If the result is asymmetric or insufficient, who pays for the revision? The answer should be in the consent form, not just in the sales conversation.
Common questions
Which cosmetic procedure is cheapest?
Among the procedures on this site, Emsculpt has the lowest entry price at $750–$1,500 per session, but most providers sell a four-session package. Kybella is $1,200–$3,000 per treatment and usually needs two to four sessions. Otoplasty and buccal fat removal are surgical and cost $3,000–$8,000.
Are nonsurgical procedures cheaper than surgery?
The headline price is usually lower, but the course matters. Two to four Kybella sessions or a four-session Emsculpt package can approach the low end of a surgical quote. Compare the all-in cost, including follow-up and correction, not the first session.
Who performs these procedures?
Kybella and Emsculpt are commonly performed in medical spas under physician supervision. Otoplasty and buccal fat removal are surgery and should be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon or an ENT/facial plastic surgeon. State rules on who may inject or operate vary.
Does insurance cover cosmetic procedures?
Usually not when the procedure is purely cosmetic. Otoplasty may be partly covered when it corrects a functional or congenital issue, and some plans cover reconstruction after trauma or disease. Ask the provider for the CPT codes and a pre-treatment estimate.
Edited by Elena March, Health Editor. Not medical advice. See the methodology.