Breast Augmentation Cost
Breast augmentation is consistently one of the most requested cosmetic surgery procedures in the country, but if you’ve started researching, you’ve likely noticed that the cost can vary considerably. That’s because the total cost of breast augmentation is influenced by far more than just the implants themselves. Your surgeon’s experience and expertise, surgical facility and anesthesia fees, recovery supplies, and even geographic location all play a role in the final cost of your breast augmentation.
In this blog, we’ll help you get a better understanding of what figures into the price of your breast augmentation, so that you can move forward with surgery feeling confident and prepared.
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How Much Is Breast Augmentation?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the national average cost of breast augmentation is $4,875. The average cost of breast augmentation in the San Diego area typically starts at around $7,500. However, keep in mind that those numbers might not include line items such as anesthesia fees, surgical facility fees, and other related expenses. Additionally, your surgeon’s experience and reputation, as well as your geographical location, can raise the cost of your procedure. Below, we explore some of the factors that could influence the final price tag of your breast augmentation surgery.
Costs Associated With Breast Augmentation Surgery
The price of breast augmentation is calculated based on several factors, including:
Consultation Fee
Some surgeons charge a consultation fee, and may apply that fee toward your procedure if you book your surgery with them. Your initial breast augmentation consultation includes a physical evaluation, discussion of implant options, and surgical planning.
Surgeon’s Fee
This is typically the largest portion of the total cost. A board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Larry Pollack, who has extensive experience performing breast augmentation surgery, may charge more, in line with their skill, training, and favorable results. While this may increase your total cost, the benefits of having your surgery performed by an experienced surgeon cannot be overstated. Your safety and achieving optimal results are worth the price.
Typical surgeon fees for breast augmentation can range from $2,500 to $4,000 nationwide. This cost usually covers your surgeon’s expertise and time, your office visits, and all your care.
Breast Implant Fees
The type of implant you choose (saline or silicone) will influence your breast augmentation pricing. Silicone implants typically cost more than saline options, but are generally more popular because of their more natural look and feel.
The cost of breast implants averages about $800 to $900 per pair for saline implants and $1,800 to $1,900 per pair for silicone gel implants. However, as technology advances, the cost of breast implants may increase.
Anesthesia Fees
Breast augmentation is usually performed under general anesthesia. Anesthesia fees vary depending on whether a board-certified anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist administers it and how long the surgery takes. It is best to have your anesthesia administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist.
Facility/Operating Room Fees
Your breast augmentation will take place at either an accredited surgical center or a hospital. Both charge for the use of their operating room, nursing staff, and equipment. The operating room cost depends on the facility where the surgery is performed and the time your surgeon spends performing your breast augmentation procedure.
Geographic Location
Surgery performed in major metropolitan areas or high-demand cosmetic markets (such as the San Diego area) generally comes with higher fees.
Additional Cosmetic Procedures
If you combine breast augmentation with a breast lift or liposuction, your total cost will increase. However, while combining procedures can cost more upfront, it can reduce overall facility and anesthesia fees compared to undergoing them separately.
Costs Associated With Breast Augmentation Recovery
Beyond surgical fees, recovery-related expenses should also be considered when planning your budget.
Time Off Work
Most patients take at least one week off work, though this depends on the physical demands of your job. Factoring in unpaid leave or reduced income during recovery is important when considering breast augmentation costs.
Prescription Medications
Pain medication, antibiotics, and anti-nausea prescriptions are commonly provided after your breast augmentation surgery. While insurance generally covers these, and they are typically not a large expense, they are still something to include in your financial planning.
Scar Care Products
Silicone sheets, scar gels, and other recommended topical treatments can be used once your breast augmentation incisions are completely healed to help optimize healing and minimize visible scarring.
Compression and Support Bras
As you heal from your breast augmentation, you’ll need to wear a specialized surgical bra to help reduce swelling and support your healing breasts. Some plastic surgeons include these as part of your surgical plan, while others require that you purchase them on your own.
The Breast Augmentation Bottom Line
Overall, you should expect to pay about $6,000 to $7,000 for breast augmentation with saline implants and $7,500 to $10,500 for breast augmentation with silicone gel implants (in the San Diego area). If you find them being offered for less, make sure to ask your surgeon what is included in the cost and what’s not, and don’t be afraid to ask for a detailed breakdown. Most importantly, choose a surgeon you are comfortable with and whose staff you like because you are going to be spending a lot of time with them!
Make Your Breast Augmentation Dreams a Reality in San Diego
If you’re ready to move forward with breast augmentation surgery, the best way to understand what influences the cost is by scheduling a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Larry Pollack. During your consultation, Dr. Pollack will create a personalized treatment plan and provide a cost estimate (including financing options) so you know what to expect.
To schedule your breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Pollack in San Diego, call our office today at (858) 450-9100 or complete our online contact form.