How Much Does Facial Asymmetry Surgery Cost?
Facial asymmetry surgery costs between $5,000 and $45,000 in the United States in 2026, depending on the type of procedure, geographic location, and complexity of the correction needed. According to data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), the most common procedures range from soft-tissue corrections at the lower end to complex orthognathic (jaw) surgery at the higher end.
Facial asymmetry can result from congenital conditions, trauma, aging, or developmental irregularities. The surgical approach — and therefore the cost — depends entirely on the underlying cause. A patient needing fat grafting to balance cheek volume will pay a fraction of what someone requiring bimaxillary osteotomy with custom hardware will spend.
Because facial asymmetry surgery encompasses multiple distinct procedures, getting an accurate cost estimate requires an in-person consultation with a qualified craniofacial surgeon, oral and maxillofacial surgeon, or board-certified plastic surgeon. Below, we break down every cost factor to help you plan.
Cost by Surgery Type
| Procedure Type | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Facial Fat Grafting (Lipofilling) | $6,500 | $4,000 – $10,000 |
| Genioplasty (Chin Repositioning) | $9,000 | $5,500 – $15,000 |
| Custom Facial Implants (Jaw/Cheek) | $14,000 | $8,000 – $22,000 |
| Corrective Rhinoplasty | $10,500 | $7,000 – $16,000 |
| Orthognathic Surgery (Single Jaw) | $22,000 | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Bimaxillary Osteotomy (Double Jaw) | $35,000 | $25,000 – $45,000 |
| Craniofacial Reconstruction (Complex) | $38,000 | $25,000 – $50,000+ |
Note: Many patients require a combination of procedures to achieve optimal symmetry, which increases total costs. Orthodontic treatment before and after jaw surgery adds an additional $3,000–$7,000 to the overall investment.
Cost by State
Geographic location significantly impacts the cost of facial asymmetry surgery. Metropolitan areas with higher costs of living and greater demand for specialized surgeons tend to charge premium prices. The table below reflects average total costs for a mid-complexity procedure such as single-jaw orthognathic surgery.
| State | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| California | $28,000 | $18,000 – $42,000 |
| New York | $30,000 | $20,000 – $45,000 |
| Texas | $20,000 | $14,000 – $32,000 |
| Florida | $22,000 | $15,000 – $35,000 |
| Illinois | $23,000 | $16,000 – $34,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $21,000 | $14,000 – $33,000 |
| Ohio | $18,000 | $12,000 – $28,000 |
| Georgia | $19,500 | $13,000 – $30,000 |
| North Carolina | $19,000 | $13,000 – $29,000 |
| Arizona | $20,500 | $14,000 – $31,000 |
| Colorado | $22,500 | $15,000 – $34,000 |
| Massachusetts | $27,000 | $18,000 – $40,000 |
Insurance vs. No Insurance
Whether insurance covers your facial asymmetry surgery depends almost entirely on whether the procedure is classified as medically necessary or cosmetic. Functional impairments — such as malocclusion, breathing difficulties, TMJ dysfunction, or asymmetry resulting from trauma or congenital conditions — are more likely to receive coverage.
| Coverage Type | Typical Out-of-Pocket Cost | What's Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Private Insurance (Medically Necessary) | $3,000 – $12,000 | Surgeon fees, hospital stay, anesthesia, hardware; subject to deductible and coinsurance (typically 20–30%) |
| Medicare | $3,500 – $9,000 | Medically necessary procedures under Part A (inpatient) and Part B (surgeon fees); 20% coinsurance after deductible |
| Medicaid | $0 – $2,000 | Medically necessary procedures; coverage varies significantly by state; may require referral to academic medical center |
| Without Insurance (Cosmetic) | $8,000 – $45,000 | Nothing covered; patient responsible for all fees including surgeon, anesthesia, facility, imaging, and follow-up |
Important: Even with insurance, pre-authorization is almost always required. Expect to submit CT scans, clinical photographs, functional assessments, and letters of medical necessity from your surgeon and possibly an orthodontist or sleep specialist.
Cost Breakdown: What's Included
The total price of facial asymmetry surgery includes multiple components. Understanding each line item helps you compare quotes accurately and avoid surprise bills.
| Cost Component | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Surgeon's Fee | $4,000 – $20,000 |
| Anesthesia (General) | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| Hospital/Facility Fee | $2,000 – $12,000 |
| Pre-Op Imaging (CT, 3D Scan, Cephalometric X-rays) | $500 – $2,500 |
| Custom Implants/Hardware (if applicable) | $2,000 – $8,000 |
| Surgical Splints/Guides | $500 – $2,000 |
| Post-Op Medications | $100 – $500 |
| Follow-Up Visits (6–12 months) | $300 – $1,500 |
| Orthodontic Treatment (jaw surgery patients) | $3,000 – $7,000 |
Factors That Affect Cost
Complexity and Type of Asymmetry
Mild soft-tissue asymmetry correctable with fat grafting costs a fraction of skeletal asymmetry requiring bone cuts, repositioning, and titanium fixation. Patients with hemifacial microsomia or craniofacial syndromes often require multi-stage surgeries, significantly increasing total cost.
Surgeon Specialization and Experience
Board-certified craniofacial surgeons and fellowship-trained oral and maxillofacial surgeons with extensive asymmetry correction experience command higher fees — often 30–50% more than general plastic surgeons. However, their expertise typically yields better functional and aesthetic outcomes, reducing the need for revision surgery.
Geographic Location
Surgery in Manhattan or Beverly Hills can cost 40–60% more than the same procedure in Cleveland or Dallas. Facility fees and anesthesia rates scale with regional cost of living.
Facility Type
Outpatient ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) charge $2,000–$5,000 for facility fees, while hospital operating rooms can charge $5,000–$12,000+. Complex orthognathic cases typically require hospital settings, while fat grafting and implant procedures can often be performed in ASCs.
Need for Combined Procedures
Many patients require multiple procedures performed simultaneously — for example, jaw surgery combined with genioplasty and rhinoplasty. While combining procedures reduces total anesthesia and facility costs compared to staging them separately, the overall price increases substantially.
Custom vs. Standard Implants
Patient-specific implants designed using 3D CT data and manufactured from medical-grade PEEK or porous polyethylene cost $3,000–$8,000 for the implant alone. Standard off-the-shelf implants cost $1,000–$3,000 but may not address complex asymmetries as precisely.
How to Save Money on Facial Asymmetry Surgery
- Get Multiple Consultations: Obtain quotes from at least 3 qualified surgeons. Prices can vary by $5,000–$15,000 for the same procedure in the same city. Many surgeons offer free or low-cost initial consultations.
- Pursue Insurance Coverage Aggressively: If your asymmetry causes any functional impairment, work with your surgeon to document medical necessity. Appeal denied claims — studies show that 40–60% of initial denials are overturned on appeal.
- Consider University and Teaching Hospitals: Academic medical centers with craniofacial surgery training programs often charge 20–40% less than private practices while providing access to highly experienced attending surgeons.
- Choose an Outpatient Facility When Appropriate: For procedures that don't require overnight hospitalization, ASCs can save you $3,000–$7,000 in facility fees compared to hospitals.
- Travel to a Lower-Cost Region: Traveling from New York to Ohio or Georgia for surgery could save $8,000–$15,000 even after accounting for travel and accommodation costs.
- Use HSA/FSA Funds: If your procedure qualifies as medically necessary, you can use pre-tax health savings dollars, effectively saving 20–35% depending on your tax bracket.
- Negotiate Cash-Pay Discounts: Many surgeons offer 5–15% discounts for patients who pay the full amount upfront without insurance processing. Always ask.
Financing Options
| Financing Option | Details | Typical Terms |
|---|---|---|
| CareCredit | Medical credit card widely accepted by surgeons | 0% APR for 6–24 months; 26.99% variable APR after promo period |
| Prosper Healthcare Lending | Fixed-rate medical loans | Loans from $2,000–$100,000; terms of 24–84 months; rates from 5.99% APR |
| In-House Payment Plans | Offered directly by many surgical practices | Typically 3–12 monthly payments; often interest-free; may require 25–50% deposit |
| HSA/FSA | Pre-tax health savings accounts | No interest; must be medically necessary; annual contribution limits apply ($4,300 HSA individual in 2026) |
| Personal Loan (Bank/Credit Union) | Unsecured personal loan | Fixed rates from 6–15% APR; terms of 12–60 months; no medical documentation required |
Pro Tips from Surgical Experts
Start with imaging, not assumptions. A proper CT scan and 3D facial analysis is essential before any cost discussion. What appears to be a jaw problem may actually be a soft-tissue issue — or vice versa. The correct diagnosis determines the procedure and the price. Expect to invest $500–$1,500 in diagnostic imaging upfront.
Don't choose your surgeon based on price alone. Revision facial asymmetry surgery is significantly more complex and expensive than getting it right the first time. A surgeon who charges $5,000 more but has extensive craniofacial experience may save you $20,000+ in revision costs down the road.
Ask about "surgery-first" approaches for jaw cases. Some oral and maxillofacial surgeons now offer orthognathic surgery without prolonged pre-surgical orthodontics, which can reduce your total treatment timeline from 2–3 years to 12–18 months and eliminate $3,000–$5,000 in orthodontic costs.
Request a global fee quote. Ask each surgeon for an all-inclusive price that covers the surgeon's fee, anesthesia, facility, hardware, and all follow-up visits for one year. This makes comparing quotes straightforward and protects you from unexpected charges.