Cost of Breast Implants & Breast Augmentation
The cost of breast augmentation varies according to region, the surgeon’s skills, whether the procedure will be done in a hospital or outpatient facility, what type of breast augmentation procedure is done and the type of anesthesia that will be used.
Individuals interested in breast augmentation surgery (with breast implants) always have to worry about the cost because most insurance companies will not provide coverage for the treatment. Although financial security is always a key issue, fiscal concerns shouldn’t necessarily be the main motivation behind the decision to move forward with the surgery.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Breast Augmentation?
Providing a concrete figure on breast augmentation costs is difficult. The rates vary widely by location. For example, plastic surgery prices tend to be cheaper in Los Angeles, California than in Eugene, Oregon if for no other reason than the greater availability of plastic surgeons in LA. The professional reputation and expertise of the surgeons will also be reflected in the rates, with more experienced doctors who have well-established portfolios charging more.
Breast Implant Cost Estimate
As an estimate, the cost of breast implants will range between $4,000 and $10,000. This figure though represents additional expenses accrued during breast augmentation surgery. Examples of these additional services that are added in breast augmentation prices are: surgery costs, operating room costs, anesthesia, and consultation fees.
The latest updated (ASPS 2011) national average surgeon fee for breast augmentation is $3,388.
Given the wide range of prices that plastic surgeons quote, it’s often tempting to go with the doctor with the lowest prices. While this is not necessarily a mistake, it is extremely important to seriously consider their qualifications and to bear in mind the old saying, “If the price is too good to be true, it probably is."
Do Not Risk Your Health with a "Budget" Breast Surgeon
No one should ever endanger their health in the name of financial concerns. If the surgeon quoting the lowest breast augmentation price is poorly qualified to perform the surgery, the risk to your health is not worth the monetary savings. Many "budget" surgeons who offer breast augmentation procedures are not board certified to perform the treatment.
If price is a major issue, most plastic surgeons offer payment plans for their services. Rather than worrying about paying a large lump sum, the cost of the procedure is spread out over time. This enables people who want breast implants to obtain them realistically without destroying their life savings.
Financing Breast Implant Surgery
Many cosmetic surgical practices are willing to provide financing with a down payment and a monthly payment plan. Discussing this option with the surgeon is suggested for individuals who wish to have this procedure, but are unable to provide the upfront costs. If you have any questions about breast implants and breast augmentation, or if you would like to schedule a free consultation with a breast doctor in your area, please fill out the form on the right.
Is Breast Augmentation Covered By Insurance?
In most cases, breast augmentation is considered by insurance companies to be purely elective and for cosmetic purposes only. Meaning insurance companies will typically not cover these costs. For those having reconstructive augmentation however, it can be covered.
Is it Cheaper to Go Overseas for Breast Implants & Augmentation?
Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry because of the reduced medical costs that are available overseas. Breast augmentation prices, for example, can be found at half the price of what a top surgeon charges in the U.S. and some countries offer price reductions of 60% or more. These include the Philippines, Thailand, India, South Africa, Malaysia, South America and Singapore. For example, the cost of endoscopic breast augmentation in Thailand can be 70% less than other countries such as the United States. That being said though, there are several precautions one should take before considering breast augmentation overseas.
What are the Risks of Having Breast Augmentation Overseas?
If choosing to go overseas for breast implants, finding a top surgeon is important although in South America many plastic surgeons are considered the best in the world. Many countries do have surgeons that offer affordable breast implant prices, but it essential to do a lot of research. Like all surgical procedures, there are risks, no matter where the procedure is done. The most important factors to consider when choosing a plastic surgeon is their experience and reputation. Bear in mind that the cheaper price abroad may very well be very much more expensive in the longer run.
Certain countries may not offer sufficient post-op care. After the procedure you are likely to stay in the hospital only for a few days, and then you either return home or go on vacation (if this was part of your medical tourism package).
Once you return home after your procedure, complications, side-effects, or post-op care are then the responsibility of the patient or your local surgeon or medical facility, and not by the surgeon who actually performed the procedure. So if there are any serious complications this in itself can be quite a dilemma.
Free Consultation with a Board Certified U.S. Breast Augmentation Surgeon
To learn more about breast augmentation surgery and its related cost please fill in the contact form below, or call us today at the number found in the upper right corner of this page. You will then get the option to schedule a free consultation with a board certified surgeon in your local area.
