Breast augmentation can enhance your natural beauty and help you feel more confident in your own skin. With the help of a trusted provider, it’s a beautiful way to get a look you’ll love – but whether you choose a fat transfer procedure or implants, breast augmentation is a surgical procedure, and it comes with associated costs.
It’s important to understand everything that goes into the cost of a life-changing procedure like breast enlargement before you agree to it. That’s why we’re breaking down the cost for you in this article.
What Is a Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgical procedure that involves increasing the size, shape, or fullness of the breasts. It is commonly done using breast implants or fat transfer techniques. The breast augmentation procedure is commonly done to boost confidence and to enjoy a more voluminous bust and proportionate figure.
The process involves a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss options, risks, and expected outcomes. Breast augmentation surgery can help address concerns such as asymmetry, volume loss due to aging or pregnancy, or to reconstruct the breast after cancer treatment. It can also be a way to simply get a look you love so you can feel good about yourself.
Benefits of Breast Augmentation
The benefits of breast augmentation (or boob job) go beyond just physical appearance. Breast augmentations, like all aesthetic procedures, can help increase self-esteem and confidence and improve body image. Additionally, breast augmentation can help clothes fit better, enhance overall proportions, and may positively impact intimate relationships.
For those who have undergone breast cancer treatment and had a mastectomy, breast reconstruction through augmentation can lead to emotional healing and a sense of wholeness. It is important to consider both the physical and psychological benefits when contemplating breast augmentation surgery.
Factors That Affect the Breast Augmentation Cost
Type of implant
The type of breast implant procedure chosen significantly impacts the cost of the procedure. Silicone breast implants cost more than saline implants due to the materials used and the manufacturing process. Patients must weigh the pros and cons of each type of implant in relation to their budget and desired outcome.
Saline implants tend to rupture more easily, but the newer generation silicone implants are very durable. Also, silicone implants give a more natural look and feel compared to saline.
Fat transfer vs implants
Another factor that affects breast augmentation cost is the technique used. Fat transfer procedures, where fat is harvested from another part of the body and injected into the breasts, may have different costs associated with them compared to traditional implant surgery.
Keep in mind that when a plastic surgeon uses fat transfer for breast augmentation, they essentially are performing two surgeries — the liposuction to harvest fat cells and an augmentation. The cost will reflect this.
Post-operative care
The post-operative care required after breast augmentation can also influence the total cost. This includes follow-up visits, medications, and any additional treatments or procedures that may be necessary for optimal recovery and results.
Provider expertise
The experience and expertise of the plastic surgeon performing the breast augmentation surgery can impact the cost. Board-certified plastic surgeons with a wealth of expertise and a record of happy clients may charge higher fees for their services compared to less experienced practitioners.
Other surgical fees
Other fees people often don’t take into account but will show up on your bill include anesthetic fees and possibly facility fees if your plastic surgeon is operating at a facility that they don’t own.
Managing the Cost of Breast Augmentation
There are ways to manage the final cost for breast augmentation surgery. Patients can inquire about financing options, choose a reputable surgeon offering competitive pricing, and consider the long-term benefits of the procedure when evaluating the cost. It’s essential to prioritize safety and quality over cost when making decisions about breast augmentation.
Additionally, discussing all aspects of the procedure, including any potential additional costs, can help you be better prepared financially. Transparency about pricing from the outset can prevent any surprises and ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
Looking for a Breast Augmentation recovery tips? We have the guide just for that.
Average Breast Augmentation Cost FAQs
What is the average breast augmentation cost?
Currently, the average cost for breast augmentation with implants is $4,875 and the average cost for breast augmentation with fat transfer is $5,719, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. These are just average surgeon’s fee and do not include other costs like facility fee, anesthesia fee and cost of implants. Total price can vary widely.
Does health insurance cover breast augmentation?
You should not expect the breast augmentation to be covered by insurance. If you’re having a reconstructive surgery after a mammectomy, it’s possible your procedure may be eligible for partial coverage. Check with your insurance provider to see what your insurance coverage options are and check with practices to see if they take insurance at all.
How do I ensure my provider is reputable?
The best ways to ensure your provider is reputable are to look at reviews on third-party sites, look at before and after photos, and go in person for a consultation.
Good reviews and an extensive collection of before and after photos are a good indicator of an experienced provider who routinely delivers high-quality results.
When you go in for a consultation, see how you feel with your potential surgeon. Are they able to answer your questions thoroughly and put your mind at ease? If so, you may have found your provider.
What is the difference between breast lift surgery and breast augmentation?
Breast lift surgery and breast augmentation are distinct cosmetic surgery procedures that address different concerns. A breast lift focuses on repositioning existing breast tissue to create a more youthful, elevated breast shape by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue, without significantly changing breast size.
In comparison, breast augmentation increases breast size through the placement of implants, such as saline breast implants, to enhance volume and fullness. While breast lift cost is typically lower than augmentation, some patients experience temporary breast pain during recovery from either procedure.
The choice between these procedures depends on your goals – whether you want to restore position and firmness or increase volume – and both are performed in an accredited surgical facility to ensure safety and optimal results.
What should I expect regarding the total cost breakdown for breast augmentation surgery?
The breast implant procedure involves several cost components beyond just the implants themselves. When choosing silicone implants, you’ll pay more than saline options, but they provide a more natural feel that closely mimics breast tissue. As an elective surgery and cosmetic procedure, breast augmentation includes the surgeon’s fee from an experienced plastic surgeon, facility costs for the surgery center, anesthesia fees, and various related expenses.
The surgical technique used can affect pricing, particularly if implants are placed under the chest muscle, which requires more complex surgery. Additional costs may include pre-operative medical tests, post-operative garments, surgical tape for incision care, and follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and optimal results.
What should I wear immediately after breast augmentation surgery?
Immediately following your breast augmentation, you’ll need to wear a post-surgical compression bra that provides optimal support and helps control swelling. This specialized bra is designed without underwire and typically features front closures for easy wear, as lifting your arms over your head will be uncomfortable during the initial recovery period.
Your surgeon will likely recommend wearing this compression bra 24 hours a day for the first 3-6 weeks, only removing it for bathing. The bra helps prevent implant shifting, reduces swelling, holds wound dressings in place, and promotes proper healing.
What’s the difference between a breast lift or augmentation?
When considering a breast lift or augmentation, the main distinction is in the outcome each procedure offers. A breast lift (mastopexy) elevates and reshapes sagging breasts by removing extra skin and tightening tissue, resulting in a firmer, more youthful breast position without significantly increasing size.
Breast augmentation uses saline or silicone implants to enhance the size and fullness of the breasts, making it ideal for those seeking more volume or a different breast shape. For some, combining a breast lift with augmentation provides both a lifted appearance and added volume.
book your breast augmentation today
At Aesthera Plastic Surgery, we understand how important your body image is to your physical and psychological health and well-being. Contact our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. CV Chegireddy, is here to help you achieve the look you want for a greater sense of overall well-being. Start your breast augmentation journey at Aesthera Plastic Surgery today.
