5 minute read
Breast augmentation is a fantastic procedure for boosting a woman’s confidence, but how much does the procedure cost? This blog discusses why plastic surgery prices are hard to find, what goes into pricing specific procedures, and how patients can determine the final costs of surgery.
Table of Contents
- What Do Plastic Surgery Prices Mean?
- Surgical Fees
- Anesthesia Fees
- Facility Fees
- Miscellaneous Fees
- How to Determine the Cost of a Breast Augmentation
What Do Plastic Surgery Prices Mean?
Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures and has been for some time. This procedure was once thought of as a simple increase in the size of a woman’s breasts, but today, techniques are more refined, and patients have a range of options for customizing their results exactly to their specifications. Choosing to enhance your breasts with breast augmentation also means an improved shape and symmetry.
But how much does breast augmentation cost? It may be challenging to find a straight answer, as each procedure is priced on an individual basis. The average cost of breast augmentation nationally ranges from $6,000 to $10,000.
While pricing depends on the surgeon, looking at other factors can help determine the final cost of breast augmentation: anesthesia, facility, and material fees. We’ll discuss how each is determined below.
Surgical Fees
The surgical fee, or surgeon’s fee, is the cost of the procedure itself and is determined by the surgeon. Most procedures are priced relatively similarly, as complexity plays a role. For instance, rhinoplasties are considered technically difficult and take longer to perform, so they are uniformly priced higher than other procedures; whereas breast augmentation, for example, is a less complex procedure and is usually priced more moderately than others.
Another factor that affects the surgeon’s fee is the surgeon’s expertise, such as whether they are a specialist or renowned for the specific procedure.
Geography affects the surgeon’s fee, as well. Generally, coastal cities, metropolitan areas, and affluent communities have a higher cost of living, and average pricing in these areas is higher than that in rural areas. For example, the average cost of breast augmentation in San Francisco, CA, is $7,000 to $12,000, in the upper portion of the national average.
Anesthesia Fees
Every procedure requires anesthesia for the patient’s comfort and safety. Most cosmetic procedures require general anesthesia, administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist. Other options include local anesthesia and twilight sedation. General anesthesia is more expensive, but it ensures you are safely asleep during a multi-hour procedure. Breast augmentation is performed using general anesthesia.
Facility Fees
Surgery will be performed in an ambulatory surgical center or a hospital operating room. The facility fees cover everything having to do with performing the procedure, including nursing staff wages, supplies, and surgical materials.
Facility fees vary greatly, depending on the length and complexity of the procedure, as well as the type of facility your surgeon is operating out of. Generally, if your surgeon has access to their own surgical center, facility fees are lower than if they utilize a hospital’s facilities.
Miscellaneous Fees
Certain procedures require more recovery supplies, materials, and medications, which the patient is responsible for paying for. Compression garments or recovery garments, like a surgical bra, are additional fees to consider. Tummy tucks and body contouring procedures often require compression garments, while most breast enhancement procedures require a special bra.
Breast augmentation patients must also consider the cost of the specific implants. Usually, saline breast implants are less expensive than silicone, and cohesive silicone, or “gummy bear,” implants are some of the highest priced. However, the type of material used and the size and shape of the implants are crucial to the end result, so it’s important to keep that in mind when deciding on an implant type, rather than cost alone.
How to Determine the Cost of a Breast Augmentation
The best way to find out how much your breast augmentation will cost is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Do your research, and look for someone with plenty of experience, who seems both knowledgeable and approachable, and remember that you can and should shop around!
Now you know that breast augmentation is priced on a variety of factors, so be sure to discuss these during your consultation. Ask where the surgeon performs breast augmentation, if they require an overnight hospital stay, and if they have a board-certified anesthesiologist on staff. You should also discuss the type of implants you’re interested in.
Choosing to undergo breast augmentation is an exciting and confidence-boosting prospect, especially when you have a plan for financing your surgery on your own terms.
Want to Learn More About Breast Augmentation?
Discuss your breast augmentation goals with top female plastic surgeon, Dr. Kimberly Henry. Dr. Henry is an experienced and respected surgeon throughout San Francisco and the Bay Area. She is known for her stunning results and her commitment to being an advocate for her patients.
Call Dr. Henry today at (415) 924-1313 or complete the contact form to schedule your private consultation.
