There are many reasons why someone might want breast augmentation surgery.
Maybe their breasts were always a point of low self-confidence for them that they want to improve. Maybe it’s time for a mommy makeover to regain some of that lost feeling of youthfulness. Or perhaps they’re one of the 72% of patients that chose a mastectomy as a result of breast cancer.
Whatever your reasons for wanting breast augmentation surgery, it’s important that you know how much you can expect to pay before you go under the knife. So, let’s dig in and discuss average breast augmentation prices, as well as the factors that can influence your final bill.
How Much Is Breast Augmentation?
So, how much is breast augmentation on average? While costs can vary widely depending on your region, surgeon, and other factors, the typical prices range from $3300 to over $15000.
The $3300 figure comes from the low-end surgeries. These are the simplest procedures with the least amount of downtime and required medical help after the fact. The high-end $15000 figure comes from complex procedures. It can also come from famous surgeons or extensive medical recovery.
Your Location Influences Your Costs
One major factor that can influence the price of your breast augmentation surgery is your location. This often gets overlooked, but think about it. An aspiring actress that gets work done to increase her chances of landing a job in New York or Los Angeles will pay much more for her surgery than someone in a smaller town.
Additionally, due to the required downtime after your surgery, you may need hotel accommodations. (You can find more information about the amount of downtime you’ll need from a professional surgeon.) You may also have travel expenses to get to a more distant provider.
The Type of Implant Used Changes the Price
When you get breast augmentation surgery done, the type of implant that you choose can affect the final cost of your procedure. This can happen due to issues in availability or the risk for follow-up surgeries.
For example, some implants like saline or silicone are prone to collapse or rotate in the pocket created by the surgery. This then creates the need for follow-up procedures to correct the issue. Textured implants can reduce this risk, but have been known to increase the risk of breast cancer in certain patients.
So, make sure that you speak with your surgeon at your consultation to determine the best type of implant for your budget and the look you’re going for.
Fat Transfer and Hybrid Breast Augmentation Prices Are Higher
Not in the mood to have your chest made mostly of silicone? There are options that allow for fat transfer from other parts of the body. Or that transfer fat and use a smaller implant to create a more natural look.
While fat transfer can be a great option for former breast cancer patients, the results are temporary. You need to go with a hybrid or full implant procedure to get permanent results.
These types of breast augmentation might look more natural, but because of that, they cost more.
Need More Supportive Surgeries? That’ll Cost More
Do your breasts need a lift after years of sagging to make the implants look better? Are you wanting some liposuction tacked on to your mommy makeover to get back your pre-baby body? Well, every plastic surgery procedure that you bundle with your breast augmentation will cost more.
Some plastic surgeons may provide slight discounts for combining procedures. However, a combination procedure will still cost more than the breast implant alone. To say nothing of any corrective surgeries that might be required after the fact.
Will Your Insurance Cover the Costs?
In many cases, insurance companies will not cover the cost of breast augmentation surgery. This is due in large part to its status as a cosmetic procedure that’s not medically necessary.
However, cancer survivors might be able to get their surgery covered. That is, provided they can prove significant loss of quality of life after having their cancerous breast tissue removed.
Additionally, many healthcare insurance companies are waking up to the needs of their LGBT patients. As such, gender-affirming breast augmentation surgery for MtF or femme nonbinary people may be covered by specific insurers.
If you can, reach out to your insurance company to see if they’ll help you cover the cost of your surgery. It might be a shot in the dark, but if it works, it can save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.
Want the Best Plastic Surgeon in Your Area? You’ll Pay a Premium
In the plastic surgery industry, names are everything. If you want the best plastic surgeon near you, then you need to prepare to pay for their services and expertise.
It’s also recommended that you go with a surgeon that specializes in breast augmentation surgery for the best results. However, for that specialization, you can expect your prices to go up accordingly.
Remember Medications, Missed Wages, and Other Soft Costs
Recovery time is another important factor in breast augmentation prices. How many prescriptions will you need to take before and after the procedure? How long will you be unable to work due to your recent medical procedure?
You may need surgical garments to support your breasts and body after the procedure. Those can increase your final costs as well.
The Price of Breast Augmentation Surgery: Let’s Review
Breast augmentation surgery is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures today.
Costs for it can range anywhere from $3300 to over $15,000 due to a variety of factors. These factors include your location, personal medical needs pre- and post-surgery, and the type of implants you want. Other potential cost increases can happen due to the experience of your surgeon and any supportive surgeries you may need.
However, if breast augmentation surgery is in your budget and something you truly desire, then don’t let the cost deter you. If you’d like more information about this or other common plastic surgeries, check out our blog for more articles like this!