If you’re considering breast augmentation, cost is likely a factor in your decision. Since cosmetic procedures aren’t covered by insurance, it’s important to understand the costs associated with a breast augmentation and how those costs break down, depending on the technique you choose.

Breaking Down the Costs of Breast Augmentation

When you decide to have breast augmentation surgery, part of the preparation will involve discussing the cost with your surgeon. You’ll receive an itemized list of the costs associated with your surgery, and you’ll have a chance to ask questions if you have them. Your breast augmentation cost can be broken down to include the following fees and items:

• The type of procedure you have
• Surgeon’s fee
• Anesthetist’s fee
• Operating facility fee
• Post-operative prescriptions
• Post-operative garments, such as compression garments or a surgical bra

The cost of a breast augmentation procedure sometimes varies depending on how complex your case is. Your surgeon will discuss this with you at your consultation.

Breast Implant Cost

One of the main factors that influences how much breast implants cost is whether you choose silicone or saline breast implants. Saline implants cost between $800 and $1,000. Silicone cost between $1,800 and $2,000. On average, silicone implants cost up to $1,000 more than saline implants. While the prices of implants are set by the implant manufacturer, you can always expect that your procedure will cost more if you choose silicone over saline. Newer implant designs, such as IDEAL® implants, also tend to cost more. IDEAL implants, in particular, cost more because they are designed with a special shell that prevents silent rupture. Implant surgery costs by type

• Breast augmentation with saline implants: Ranges from about $4,500 to about $7,000
• Breast augmentation with silicone implants: Ranges from about $5,000 to about $7,500
• Breast augmentation with IDEAL silicone implants: Ranges from about $6,000 to about $7,000

Cost of Breast Implant Exchange

Revision surgery to replace existing implants may have an additional cost if breast tissue and skin has been altered or damaged. A range of costs for an implant exchange is $7,000 to $8,000, which is more than first-time implant surgery.

Cost of Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer

Augmentation via fat transfer involves liposuction and so can cost more, up to approximately $8,000.

Surgeon’s Fee

The surgeon’s fee is what you pay for a surgeon’s time and expertise in performing your surgery. This fee depends on several things, including:

• The surgeon’s level of experience
• Their reputation
• (Sometimes) The geographical location of their office

The amount of time the procedure takes is also an important factor. The longer and more complicated the procedure, the more you can expect to pay for it. This is why a breast augmentation with fat transfer and a breast lift with implants cost more than a standard breast augmentation with implants. Some surgeons include their fee in the price they give you for your entire procedure. Be sure to ask during your consultation!

Anesthetist’s Fee

Similar to the surgeon’s fee, the anesthetist’s fee is a payment made to the anesthetist for their time and expertise. This fee varies depending on:

• The anesthetist’s level of experience
• How long the procedure takes
• The type of anesthetic you have during your procedure

This fee may be higher if your case is a complicated one or if you opt for a fat transfer rather than breast implants. The anesthetist’s fee may be included in the price your surgeon gives you for your procedure. You can find out more at your consultation.

Facility Fee

The facility fee covers all of the expenses of the procedure itself, including the equipment used and the running costs of the operating room. As with surgeon and anesthetist fees, the facility fee you pay depends on how long your procedure takes. Ask your surgeon about their facility fee at your consultation.

Miscellaneous Costs – Prescriptions and Garments

This category includes costs such as prescriptions for antibiotics and pain relievers and support garments that are worn after your procedure. Overall, miscellaneous costs are low. Your prescription costs will depend on how many your surgeon prescribes and how much of the cost your insurance covers. At minimum, you’ll have prescriptions for pain medication and antibiotics. Some surgeons may also prescribe medications for:

• Nausea
• To aid with sleep
• To help with healing

The cost of compression garments varies. Women who choose smaller implants may find that a sports bra provides plenty of support. The most important thing is to follow your surgeon’s recommendations to ensure your breasts get enough support while they heal. Some surgeons will put you in a garment after surgery at no cost and only charge for additional garments. You can learn about what your surgeon does at your consultation.

How Location Affects Breast Augmentation Cost

The city or state in which you have your procedure also influences how much you pay. There are a few reasons for this:

1. The cost of living – In locations with a low cost of living, procedure costs also tend to be lower. You can expect to pay more in larger cities for this reason.
2. The location of highly qualified and experienced surgeons (who command larger fees) –These surgeons tend to reside in main centers. If you choose a “surgeon to the stars” in Beverly Hills or Hollywood, for instance, you’ll pay a lot more than you would for a surgeon anywhere else!

While cost may be an important factor in your decision about a breast augmentation, there’s a lot that goes into it! The best way to approach the numbers is to find out exactly what they are from the surgeons you’re considering for your procedure.