Breast Reconstruction Cost
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average surgeon’s fee for breast reconstruction surgery in the United States is about $3,000 to $4,000. However, this amount does not include anesthesia, the surgical facility, or miscellaneous expenses, which can push the total cost up to $5,000 to $8,000. The full cost for breast reconstruction may be even higher depending on the extent of the surgery.
The Fees Involved in Breast Reconstruction Surgery
The three basic fees involved in breast reconstruction surgery are the surgeon’s fee, the anesthesia fee, and the facility fee. The facility fee covers the hospital or surgical center where your procedure is performed. The anesthesia fee is paid for the general anesthesia that is required for patients undergoing breast reconstruction. Finally, the surgeon’s fee is the amount paid to the surgeon who is performing your procedure.
Other costs that may be required for your surgery include x-rays and medical tests, medications, supportive surgical garments for the breast reconstruction recovery period, and follow up care, among other miscellaneous expenses.
Factors That May Affect the Breast Reconstruction Cost
These fees can vary significantly from case to case, making it difficult to generalize the costs of breast reconstruction. In general, more complicated procedures also tend to be more expensive. For example, reconstructing both breasts tends to be more expensive than surgery performed only on one side. A procedure involving both mastectomy and breast reconstruction is lengthier and more expensive than either procedure performed alone. The fee also varies depending on the procedure method, such as whether donor tissue or breast implants are used.
In addition to factors related to the procedure itself, the cost of breast reconstruction is also impacted by the surgical facility and the geographic location. In general, surgery tends to be more expensive in large cities. The facility fee can also vary from place to place even within the same metropolitan area.
Finally, the surgeon’s fee is dependent upon the surgeon you choose, including their skills, qualifications, and experience level. Choosing a highly qualified and board-certified plastic surgeon for your breast reconstruction ensures that your surgeon will use appropriate techniques and will perform the procedure with an eye towards reducing your risk of complications. In addition, experienced surgeons understand that plastic surgery is both an art and a science, and will sculpt your breast tissue to give you the most natural contours possible.
When comparing plastic surgeons, never choose based solely on price. The most experienced surgeons are able to command a higher fee because they are recognized as being among the best at what they do.
Paying for Breast Reconstruction
Although cosmetic surgery is not usually covered by health insurance, in many cases insurance will cover all or part of your breast reconstruction procedure, depending on the circumstances surrounding it. The 1998 Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act requires all health insurance providers who cover mastectomy procedure to also cover the costs of breast reconstruction for mastectomy patients. If you are considering breast reconstruction, inquire with your insurance carrier before scheduling the surgery so that you know which, if any, expenses will be your responsibility. As you are probably well aware, insurance carriers often have complicated rules regarding which expenses are covered. They may cover only some types of expenses, or limit you to certain types of reconstructive surgeries. Check your policy to understand your coverage before undergoing breast surgery.
In some cases, your insurance coverage may only pay a small part of this procedure, as reconstructing the appearance of the breasts is not usually medically necessary. If this is the case, you should know that most surgeons offer affordable payment options. Cost should never be the sole reason for avoiding breast reconstruction following the loss of a breast to cancer or trauma.