Breast Augmentation Price Guide - Where Is Your Money Going?

Breast augmentation prices range greatly, and it can be hard to find a true market rate with so many fluctuations. When you are given a price, it will include a number of services that you are receiving including the surgeon's fee, device costs, and the price to use the facility and anesthesiologist. Unfortunately, price doesn't correspond to skill or quality work. The more you pay doesn't necessarily mean you will be guaranteed a perfect breast augmentation, and those who pay less can still choose highly skilled surgeons.

The surgeon's fee is generally the most expensive cost you will incur. This can range anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 depending on the expertise, popularity, and location of the surgeon. While it would seem that their skill level would determine the final price, this is not always the case. The biggest factor is always location. Just like you'd pay more for a house in a desirable city or near the beach, the same will hold true for breast augmentation. Not only is there a greater demand for the service, but income tends to be higher in these areas as well. That being said, some of the best breast augmentation surgeons tend to migrate towards large cities where they can capitalize on the wider client base.

The implants themselves are another price that can fluctuate. There are two types of material available, silicone and saline. Silicone is the more expensive, and generally runs $500 or more than saline (which usually starts between $800 and $1,000). When picking a material, price shouldn't be the deciding factor. Women who choose silicone have a high satisfaction rate with the feel and appearance, but also put themselves at a risk for ruptures that will require revision surgery. Saline are considered the safer alternative, but may ripple below the skin's surface and not have the same natural feel.

On your bill you'll also notice fees for use of the facility as well as anesthesia. On average, each of these will cost in the range of $500 to $1,000, although there is still plenty of variation within that figure. Some surgeons perform procedures in-office if they are equipped to do so, but those are usually much more minor treatments such as facial injections. However, in-office fees won't mean you'll get a discount. This fee may then just be including with the surgeon's cost instead. Otherwise, the surgeon will operate in an outpatient center, which should be nearby their office. These centers will have their own prices, which often depend on the length of your surgery. The anesthesiologist will charge the anesthesia cost.

Adding up all costs mentioned the current total for breast augmentation will run about $4,000 to $5,000 on the low end, but a more realistic average would be in the $7,000 range. This doesn't include additional expenses such as transport, prescriptions, consultation fees, compression garments, and any other necessary supplies. Because the total price often rises, patients should plan for an extra cushion for their financial comfort.