What Does Breast Augmentation Cost?

Learn about the factors that affect the cost of surgery

Breast augmentation procedures enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breast using synthetic implants. Women choose this procedure for a variety of reasons including enhancing their overall body contour, balancing a difference in breast size, and for reconstruction following a mastectomy. The bustline can often be increased by one or more cup sizes. The average plastic surgeon fee in the United States is $3,816, however this does not include some of the other fees that are required for this procedure which can bring the total expense to between $4,000 to $8,000.

The Different Fees Involved with Surgery

There are essentially three basic fees involved with most surgical procedures. They include the surgeon’s fee, the facility fee, and the anesthesia fee. The surgeon fee is the amount charged by the plastic surgeon who performs your surgery. The facility fee is required by the facility where your procedure will take place, whether you are being treated at a hospital or at an outpatient surgical clinic. Finally, the anesthesia fee is for the administration of general anesthesia which is required for patients undergoing surgery.

There are other costs which are not included in the above fees. These may include medications for the breast augmentation recovery period, surgical bras or compression garments, and other necessities during the healing process, which can take one to two weeks. Always get a total cost breakdown from your surgeon before undergoing breast implant surgery or any other cosmetic surgery procedure.

Other Factors That May Affect the Costs

The fees involved can vary significantly. Every patient is different, and some surgeries take longer than others, which can result in a higher fee. For some procedures, it may be necessary to stay overnight at the hospital. In this case, it will be more expensive than the typical breast augmentation performed as an outpatient procedure requiring no overnight stay. The type of breast implants and size used may also affect the cost. In addition, the fees in large cities tend to be higher than in other areas of the country. Also, some facilities charge higher fees than others, even within the same city.

Another factor that may affect the cost is the surgeon’s skill and training. Highly qualified, board-certified surgeons who have performed hundreds of surgeries will typically charge higher fees than plastic surgeons who are just starting out. They are able to command higher rates, because they are recognized as an expert in the field and to some extent ensure the most appropriate techniques are used, while at the same time reduce the risk of complications.

When deciding on breast augmentation, you may also want to also consider the possibility of revision surgeries. The breast implants available today are not considered permanent, and will need to be replaced in ten to twenty years. You may also choose to undergo revision surgeries to further enhance the appearance of the breasts, particularly as the aging process continues.

Payment Options

Most breast augmentation procedures are considered cosmetic surgery, and therefore will not be covered by your health insurance. However, in some specific cases, it may be covered by insurance, such as when it is being performed to reconstruct breast tissue lost during a mastectomy for breast cancer or due to trauma. Patients considering breast implants should know that many surgeons offer options to make surgery affordable. If the cost is an issue, be sure to inquire about  financing options during the consultation.