Breast Enhancement: How Much Will It Cost?

By: Patricia Woloch

Each year, hundreds of thousands of men and women undergo surgical cosmetic procedures. Now more than ever, procedures such as breast enhancements are relatively affordable options for more than just the richest Americans. With that in mind, most potential clients will need to carefully research costs and financing.

Costs

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average surgeon fee for breast augmentation is $3,816, and the average fee for a breast lift is $4,236. These costs are only reflective of what surgeons charge for their services, however, and do not include such things as cost of implants, anesthesia, or facility fees.

Overall costs vary depending on the procedure, region you live in, and experience of the surgeon. In general, you should plan for the following for breast augmentation:

• Surgeon Fee: approximately $4,000
• Implant Cost: $1,000 (although keep in mind that silicone implants can cost as much as $1,000 more than saline implants)
• Anesthesiologist Fee: $600 to $900
• Facility Fee: $800 to $1,200
• Breast Lift (optional): $4,000

The end cost of breast augmentation can range from $4,000 to $10,000 (more if you plan on having a breast lift in addition to augmentation surgery).

Financing

Although breast augmentation is currently the most popular cosmetic surgery, it is still expensive enough that clients should carefully consider financing options before committing to the procedure.

The following are some financing options available to candidates for breast enhancement:

• Insurance: Although most health insurance plans do not cover purely cosmetic procedures, it is still worth it to check to see what might be covered in what situations to mitigate health risks. (For example, breast enhancement might be covered if used for reconstructive purposes after a mastectomy.)
• Payment Plans: Many surgeons offer in-house financing programs that allow clients to pay in installments.
• Independent Finance Organizations: Some third-party companies partner with surgeons to offer financing programs for potential clients. A wide array of payment options is available through such programs; some clients receive a line of credit, whereas others take out more traditional loans to cover the cost of breast enhancement.

Building a Financing Plan

Despite the relatively high cost, clients today have financing choices that can make breast enhancement realistic and affordable. The first step in building a financing plan, however, is to schedule a consultation with a certified plastic surgeon. He or she can help you estimate procedure costs and describe possible payment plans you might consider.

If you live in the Denver area and would like to speak with a certified plastic surgeon about financing for breast enhancement, please contact Dr. David Broadway today.