Breast Augmentation Costs

There are so many possible options and methods for breast augmentation that it can be very difficult to answer the question of how much a breast augmentation will cost. Breast augmentation costs vary widely. It takes into account of the breast implant cost, breast augmentation procedure, breast implant location, and implant types to determine overall cost. Some additional factors that will influence the cost include the skill of the surgeon, the surgeon’s location, whether the surgery is done in the surgeon’s office or in a hospital, what type of surgery you choose, and what type of anesthesia is used.

Breast Implant Cost

The implants themselves are not inexpensive, and typically their cost is rolled into the overall cost of the surgery. The average total cost for breast augmentation surgery ranges from approximately $4,000 to $10,000. The average cost for the implants themselves is $1,000 to $1,300; the anesthesia fee is typically $600 to $800 and the facility fee typically ranges from $800 to $1,200. The remaining cost is the surgeon's fee itself

Breast Augmentation Procedure

The breast augmentation can be approached in one of several ways. One approach involves the insertion of a silicone bag under the breast. This placement is called “submammary.” Another approach involves inserting the silicone bag under the chest muscle. This is called “subpectoral.” Next, the bag is filled with salt water, thereby expanding the breast area, and giving the patient a fuller bosom, increased cup size, better contour, and more cleavage.

Breast Implant Location

Where to place the incision to insert the silicone bag can affect cost. It can be made a number of ways. An incision can be made under the breast at the breast fold, at the edge of the areola (the brown area around the nipple), within the areola, in the armpit, or even in the umbilical area. The thinnest, least visible scar is usually a result of an incision in the areola. The umbilical incision involves using an endoscope (a tube with a light, a fiberoptic lens and tools for placing the implant).

Implant Types

There are two types of implant, smooth and textured. The smooth implants normally require a large pocket and ten percent of the time can cause capsule contracture—a tightening of the scar around the implant, which causes excessive firmness or hardness. The smooth implant can also ripple or wrinkle occasionally, giving the skin above it a wavy appearance.

Textured implants are far less likely to cause capsule contracture at only three percent of the time, but far more likely to cause rippling (up to nine percent of the time).

You can get more information on your case by getting a free consultation with a plastic surgeon near you today.