The verdict in three sentences
A patient considering rhinoplasty or a tummy tuck in Chicago first compares the surgeon's credentials, how clearly the site explains risks and recovery and how easy it is to book a consultation. The cost of a website goes beyond the build quote: photography, medical review and maintenance weigh as much as the build itself. Against USD 15,000 to 40,000 at a local agency, the Kolonell fixed grid runs from USD 2,900 (Starter) to USD 4,900 (Growth), and USD 8,900 for the multilingual tier.
What the site must prove, page by page
Patients from the Gold Coast, Lincoln Park or north suburbs such as Oak Brook often arrive after social media or a referral. The site is there to confirm, not to seduce.
| Page | Patient's question | What it must show |
|---|---|---|
| The surgeon | Are they qualified for this procedure? | Board certification actually held, training, hospital affiliations |
| Procedure page | What does it involve? | Steps, anesthesia, duration, alternatives |
| Risks and recovery | What should I expect? | Risks explained, time off, follow-up |
| Before-and-after gallery | Does the style suit me? | Consented photos, context, a note that results vary |
| Pricing and financing | Can I afford it? | Indicative ranges, financing options, what is included |
| Consultation | How does it work? | Steps, length, consultation fee, directions |
| Privacy | Is my data protected? | Minimal form, privacy notice |
In the United States, medical advertising falls under state and medical board rules, and the FTC governs the use of reviews and testimonials. No promised outcomes, no superlatives, and a form that does not ask for medical history: HIPAA applies to covered entities, and keeping health data online to a minimum reduces risk. This is not legal advice.
Real cost: Chicago agencies vs a fixed grid
Local ranges are a 2026 ballpark, based on typical medical marketing agency quotes and public rate pages of Illinois studios.
| Option | Website build | Photo and video | Medical copywriting | Typical timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago freelancer | USD 5,000 to 12,000 | Extra | Rarely included | 6 to 10 weeks |
| Medical marketing agency | USD 15,000 to 40,000 | Often optional | Partly included | 10 to 16 weeks |
| Premium aesthetic agency | USD 45,000 to 90,000 | Often included | Included | 14 to 24 weeks |
| Kolonell Starter | USD 2,900 | Third party, separate | Native copywriting included | 3 to 4 weeks |
| Kolonell Growth | USD 4,900 | Third party, separate | Native copywriting included | 3 to 4 weeks |
| Kolonell Premium | USD 8,900 | Third party, separate | Multilingual tier, languages set in the quote | 4 to 6 weeks |
Kolonell tiers include a project manager reachable on Chicago time, native English copywriting, delivery once content is approved and 3 months of support. A Spanish version, useful for part of the regional clientele, falls under the Premium tier. Booking integrated with the practice software, a patient portal or a CRM connection is priced on quote. Details on the international offer.
Hidden costs, and the 3-year total
Quotes rarely match because they do not include the same items. Here are the lines to ask about explicitly, followed by a 3-year total for a mid-sized practice.
| Item | Assumption | Average local agency | Growth fixed grid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Build | Quote | USD 28,000 | USD 4,900 |
| Practice and team photography | Local supplier | USD 3,000 | USD 3,000 |
| Medical and legal review | In-house or counsel | USD 2,000 | USD 2,000 |
| Spanish translation | Not selected here | USD 0 | USD 0 |
| Maintenance years 1 to 3 | Market assumption: USD 400 a month | USD 14,400 | On quote after 3 months |
| Total excluding maintenance | Calculation | USD 33,000 | USD 9,900 |
Maintenance depends on the contract: at Kolonell it is priced on quote after the 3 included months, so the full total still needs a line-by-line comparison. Accessibility deserves a budget too: ADA Title III complaints regularly target medical practices, and aiming for WCAG 2.1 or 2.2 AA from the design stage costs less than a late fix.
When a Chicago agency is the better choice
If you want a team that films at the practice every month and runs your social media, paid campaigns and reviews, a local medical marketing agency makes sense, provided you accept a monthly budget of several thousand dollars. A fixed grid suits a practice that wants a clear, carefully written site and keeps control of the rest.
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Questions to ask: who writes the procedure pages, and does a surgeon review them? How are before-and-after photos captioned? Where does form data go? Does the practice own the site, domain name included?
Mini case study
Illustrative example: Lakeshore Aesthetic Surgery, two surgeons in Streeterville. Agency quote: USD 32,000 for the site plus USD 2,500 for photos. On the Growth tier at USD 4,900, with the same USD 2,500 of photos and USD 1,500 of review by their counsel, the total reaches 4,900 + 2,500 + 1,500 = USD 8,900. The gap with the agency, photos included on both sides (USD 34,500 against USD 7,400), is USD 27,100, which the practice sets aside for accessibility remediation and a local campaign.
FAQ
How much does a plastic surgery website cost in Chicago in 2026?
Between USD 5,000 and 90,000 depending on the provider, as a ballpark. The Kolonell grid is fixed: USD 2,900, 4,900 or 8,900 depending on the tier.
Can we publish before-and-after photos?
Generally yes, with written patient consent and honest context. State and medical board rules apply, and each photo should state that results vary.
Should we show procedure prices?
Indicative ranges help patients qualify themselves before the consultation. Many practices show, for example, the consultation fee and a range per procedure.
How long until launch?
3 to 4 weeks on Starter or Growth once content is approved, 4 to 6 weeks on Premium. Medical review often adds a week.
Is online booking included?
A link to your existing tool, yes. Full integration with the practice software is priced on quote.
Let's scope your project. A plastic surgery practice website on the Growth tier, with reviewed procedure pages, delivered in 3 to 4 weeks. See the international offer or request a free quote: detailed reply within 48 hours.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
