Cost of Breast Augmentation
Whats the Price of Breast Implants?
Summary: This article covers the breast augmentation cost, including the plastic surgeon fees and other factors that may affect the price of breast implants surgery.
Breast augmentation is a procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breast using synthetic implants. Women choose this procedure for a variety of reasons including enhancing body contour, correcting a reduction in breast volume after pregnancy, balancing a difference in breast size and reconstruction following breast augmentation surgery. The bustline can often be increased by one or more cup sizes.
When it comes to the breast augmentation cost, the average plastic surgeon fee in the United States is $3,816, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). However, the cost can vary widely depending on the procedure specifics, the location where it is performed, and other factors. The cost provided by the ASPS does not include some of the other fees that are required for this procedure which can bring the total breast augmentation cost to between $4,000 to $8,000.
The Fees Involved in the Breast Augmentation Cost
The three basic fees involved in the cost of breast augmentation are the surgeon’s fee, the facility fee, and the anesthesia fee. The surgeon’s fee is the amount charged by the plastic surgeon who will be performing 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 breast augmentation 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 takes one to two weeks. Always get a total cost breakdown from your surgeon before undergoing breast augmentation or any other cosmetic surgery procedure.
Factors That May Affect the Costs
The fees involved in breast augmentation surgery can vary significantly. Every patient is different, and some surgeries take longer than others, which can result in a higher fee. Some cases may require an overnight hospital stay, which will be more expensive than the typical breast enlargement performed as an outpatient procedure requiring no overnight stay. The type and size of implant used may also affect the breast augmentation cost. In addition, the fees in large cities tend to be higher than in other areas of the country. Some facilities charge higher fees than others, even within the same city.
In addition to these variables, the surgeon’s skill and training can have an affect on the cost. Highly qualified, board-certified surgeons who have performed hundreds of breast augmentation surgeries will charge higher fees than plastic surgeons who are just starting out. They are able to command higher fees because they are recognized as an expert, and can ensure that the most appropriate techniques are used for your surgery while reducing the risk of complications. When selecting a plastic surgeon, always remember that plastic surgery is as much an art as a science. Choose a skilled plastic surgeon who will be able to sculpt your breast contours in a way that you will be happy with.
When considering breast implants, 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.
Paying for Breast Augmentation (Financing & Payment Plans)
Most breast augmentation procedures are considered cosmetic surgery, and therefore are not covered by health insurance. However, in some specific cases, the breast augmentation cost 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 breast enhancement affordable, such as monthly payment plans. If the cost of breast augmentation is an issue for you, be sure to inquire about such financing options during the consultation visit.