This Is Your Jaw-Dropping Guide To Breast Augmentation Surgery Prices

Ever heard the phrase “boob job?" My guess is you have cause it’s a pretty famous phrase. Even if you don’t want to get one done, I bet the thought of how much it costs must have crossed your mind. Well, that's the procedure we’re going to discuss today. Referred to as a boob job, breast augmentation or mammaplasty remains a common cosmetic surgery.

Its a reconstructive surgery involving fat transfer or breast implants to increase the size of the breasts. Most women carry out this procedure and other cosmetic surgery to boost their confidence.

Cost of breast augmentation surgery

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation costs between $6,000 and $12,000. This covers the surgeon's and the hospital's or facility's expenses along with anesthesia, medical exams, and prescription drugs.

Factors that can influence the cost of breast augmentation

Certain factors could affect the average breast augmentation cost. Some elements that play a role in the final cost of the surgery include:

• The kind of implants used
• The surgeon's expertise
• The operating room facilities

Choice of implants

The cost of making and delivering medical-grade silicone breast implants is higher than saline implants. Silicone implants are also made with sterile salt water, which make it cost more. So, try keep in mind the cost of the breast implant.

Location of surgical facility

The surgery center you decide to have your procedure at can impact the cost

The cost of living is generally higher in major cities and metropolitan areas. Thus, cosmetic plastic surgery costs more in urban areas than in smaller cities and regions. The cost of the tools, and medicines needed for the procedure becomes more due to the rising expense of living and the demand for these surgeries.

Surgical facility fees

For their procedure, patients of some plastic surgeons must travel to a hospital or another surgical facility because these surgeons do not own one. The facility chosen charges fees to cover certain expenses, including staff and utilities.

Surgeon's fees

As of 2020, the average surgeon's fee for breast augmentation is $4,866. The cost of breast augmentation varies from $6,000 to $12,000. Generally, the cost of a surgeon will often be higher for those with more training, experience, and credentials than for those with less. 

But, this trend doesn't imply that higher-priced plastic surgeons are the best. Always look for a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience and good patient reviews. You can learn more about the cost of boob jobs in the Ultiblog article "How Much Is a Boob Job?"

Anesthesia fees

The price of anesthesia will depend on the length of the surgery, the health professional's qualifications, and regional peculiarities. Standard breast augmentation might cost between $450 and $900.

Other Procedures

Many women opt for a stomach tuck, a breast lift, or liposuction on their back, flanks, or abdomen to enhance their looks. It goes without saying that the cost of these treatments will be added to the cost of breast augmentation.

Breast implant procedure

Before the procedure, your doctor would do a comprehensive medical evaluation to ensure you're fit for the surgery. During the surgical procedure, they'll give you anesthesia to stop you from feeling any pain. The options include general anesthesia and intravenous sedation. Yet, the doctor will suggest the ideal option for you.

The plastic surgeon will then make an incision around your breast.

To prevent noticeable scarring, this incision put an in area that isn't noticeable like under the breast, close to the armpit or on the areola. Before the surgery, they'll inform you of the incision.

Next, your surgeon will insert a breast implant into your breast. The implant will put under your chest muscle or above it(between the breast tissue and chest muscle). The surgeon sutures the incision, and voila! The procedure is over. Sounds pretty straightforward, yeah? Well, as simple as it may seem, it's a surgery, and like every other surgery, augmentation mammaplasty has several complications.

Cost of breast implants

The price of breast implants depends on the implant type. But, the average cost of breast implants ranges between $5000 and $10,000.

Types of breast implants

Your cosmetic surgeon may suggest a particular type of breast implant for you based on the shape or size of your breast or body type. But the choice is yours to make.

Saline breast implants

Saline and silicone-gel implants are the two most common types of breast implants. This type of implant is about $1000 cheaper than the silicone counterpart.

It's vital to note the outer shells of both implants are made of silicone material. The difference is the filler used. As the name suggests, the saline implant is filled with saline water (or sterile salt water). Some implants are inserted empty and then filled once the shells are in place, while others are inserted. 

They give the breast a consistent shape, firmness, and feel. A tear in this type of implant will collapse, and the saline water will be absorbed and eliminated by the body. Saline breast implants are FDA-approved for women 18 years of age and older.

Silicone-gel implants

These implants are filled with silicone gel which feels like the natural tissues of the breast. They are about $1000 to $1288, more expensive than saline implants.

If there is a tear on the implant, the woman may not know because the breast will not collapse as the silicone seeps into the fibrous tissue around the implant. Accordingly, if you choose a silicone-gel implant, you should visit your cosmetic surgeon regularly to ensure it is in order. These implants are approved for women aged 22 or older.

Gummy bear breast implants

These implants have 'teardrop' shapes and woman prefer these who want a beast shape different from the extreme shapes of other implants. Like silicone-gel implants, these implants also contain a silicone outer shell, and the filler used is silicone gel. The critical difference is that the gel used in gummy bear implants is thicker, giving the breasts a more natural feel.

Due to the thicker consistency of the gel, gummy bear implants keep the shape of the breast better than silicone and saline implants. Gummy bear implants are more expensive than other breast augmentation procedures. On average, they cost between $6000 and $12,000.

Fat transfer

Not all boob jobs use implants. Your cosmetic surgeon could transfer fat from areas with excess fat in your body to your breast. Common areas include the abdomen, arms, thighs, flank, calves, and love handles.

If you prefer this option, you’ll have two procedures: liposuction and breast augmentation. The average cost of doing both procedures is cheaper than the total cost of doing the two procedures . Generally, the fat transfer costs less than implants, with an average cost between $2500 and $7000.

Benefits of augmentation mammaplasty with fat transfer

The benefits include the following;

• Fat transfer reduces the chances of rejection as the fat is gotten from your body.
• While implants may need replacement over the years, fat transfer is guaranteed for a lifetime.
• You have an overall enhanced body appearance.

Post-operative care

After surgery, there are specific rules you should abide by to aid the healing process. 

• Refrain from strenuous activities or exercises, especially those that raise your blood pressure.
• Avoid heavy lifting objects, usually more than five pounds.
• Shower with your back towards the shower and make use of lukewarm water. But you must not avoid getting your breasts wet in the first weeks of surgery.
• Always put on your surgical bra as it helps to support and properly position the breast implants. If you did other procedures such as liposuction or “tummy tuck,” you’ll also need compression garments.
• No smoking
• Endeavor to rest well. Do not lie on your stomach or your side. Instead, lie on your back, in a fetal position, or in a recliner.
• Avoid self-prescribing drugs. If you’re in pain or have a fever, call your doctor.
• Regular consultation with your doctor.

Complications

These complications may result in the removal or replacement of the breast implant, as cited by the FDA's article on the Risks of Breast Implants. They include:

• Obvious scarring
• Pain
• Infection
• Rupture of breast implant
• Silicone granulomas as a result of a tear in silicone implants
• Reduced/heightened nipple sensation
• Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) associated with the breast implant
• Excess or too little fat in the breasts

Keep in mind

Before you start your breast augmentation journey, you need to keep the following facts in mind:

• Your breasts will continue to age after breast augmentation.
• Weight gain/ loss could affect the appearance of your breast
• Breast implants have a lifespan of about ten years.
• Have realistic expectations. Many patients believe breast augmentations are perfect procedures. Unfortunately, they are not. They may not give you the look you expect.
• For some women, breastfeeding is challenging after the procedure. For others, it’s not.
• Health Insurance doesn't cover breast augmentation, except for medical reasons. For example, after a mastectomy.
• If you don’t like the shape/ appearance of your breast, you’ll require another surgery to make changes. 
• Pre-operative, surgical, and post-operative care are essential for a successful procedure.
• You may require to follow-up visits to the hospital.

Alternative procedures

In case the above breast augmentation procedures are too expensive for you, there are cheaper alternatives you may consider. One such cost-effective option is the use of water bras.

Use of water bras

A water bra is an underwear filled with oil and water-worn by women who want to enhance the shape and size of their breasts. Although it's a temporary solution, it is more affordable and does not require surgery. A water bra costs about $29 to $40, so it is an excellent option if you can't afford the aforementioned procedures.

In addition to the use of water bras, other cheaper ways of enhancing the size of your breast include the use of silicon pads and push-up bras.

Conclusion

The cost of undergoing augmentation mammaplasty using implants is relatively high. The overall price depends on the facility's location, the expertise of the cosmetic surgeon and team, the number of procedures done, and other factors.

FAQ

1. Plastic Surgery Of Boston: BOSTON BREAST AUGMENTATION COST: HOW CAN I AFFORD IT?
2. Healthline: Everything You Need to Know About Gummy Bear Breast Implants
3. Washington University School of Medicine: Surgeon weighs in on textured breast implants