How Much Do Breast Augmentation Cost?
Table of Content
- What is the price of a breast enhancement procedure?
- What factors can affect the typical price of breast augmentation?
- What other factors might impact the cost of breast augmentation?
- Size of a breast augmentation
- Methods for breast augmentation
- Postoperative expenses
- Can I afford to have my breasts augmented?
- Does breast augmentation go under my health insurance?
- Conclusion
What is Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation, also known as a “boob job” or “augmentation mammaplasty,” is still among the most common procedures performed in the name of cosmetic enhancement. In 2020, it was performed on more than 250,000 Americans. By transferring bodily fat to one or both breasts or by inserting artificial implants, augmentation modifies the size and appearance of one or both breasts. Health insurance policies won’t pay for the cost of this treatment, just like with other forms of cosmetic surgery. Breast augmentation differs from breast reconstruction in several ways. Federal law mandates that most private insurance companies pay for reconstructive surgery if a breast cancer patient who underwent a mastectomy later desires it.
What is the average cost of a breast augmentation procedure?
According to a 2019 report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation often costs between $6,000 and $12,000. The plastic surgeon’s charge is one factor in the wide price range. The Aesthetic Plastic Surgery National Databank estimates that in 2020, typical breast augmentation cost $4,866 on average. The surgeon’s charge may change according to:
- The extent of their expertise
- The cost of goods in the local market
- Particulars of the process
What factors can affect the typical price of breast augmentation?
The following costs are included in the price of breast augmentation overall, in addition to the plastic surgeon’s fee:
- Operating room cost in a hospital or surgical facility
- Charges for anesthesia and medical examinations
- Post-operative clothing, such as a compression bra to reduce swelling after surgery
- Prescription medications, including analgesics
The hospital where your procedure is performed significantly impacts your overall cost. Surgery conducted at a hospital rather than an ambulatory care facility might cost more than twice as much for those with insurance. However, this might not be the case for those paying out of pocket.
Also Read: JODIE SWEETIN BOOB JOB BEFORE AND AFTER
What other factors might impact the cost of breast augmentation?
The method and supplies that your plastic surgeon employs will contribute to calculating your overall expenditures. The best method to achieve your goals is to discuss these issues with your doctor. Your preferred breast size, shape, surface texture, incision site, and kind and location of the implant or fat transfer should all be discussed with your doctor. The price may increase with additional treatments. Moving the nipples is one instance. In 2020, a surgeon charged $1,739 on average for nipple cosmetic surgery.
Additionally, it’s crucial to disclose to your surgeon any prior breast surgery, including the extent to which your breasts may have been increased, decreased, or otherwise changed. Tell the doctor how your body responded at the moment and be careful to do so. Their surgical choices will be influenced by these details.
Size of a breast augmentation
Implant size is unimportant in terms of cost. Implants of all sizes have the same price. This holds regardless of whether you choose silicone or saline implants. Again, you should talk in-depth about this with your surgeon. Talk about the size difference between your current and desired breasts. This will assist the surgeon in selecting the optimal surgical technique.
Best Types of Breast Augmentation
The surgeon puts either synthetic breast implants or fat that has been moved from another portion of the body to enlarge the breasts. The more popular option is breast implants. There are numerous solutions available from manufacturers. Implants can be made of materials other than the fundamental ones, such as silicone or saline, and they can also have various shapes, architectures, and textures.
1. Breast implants: silicone versus saline
The price of silicone versus saline breast implants, if you’ve opted to get them, can vary significantly. Implants made of silicone are typically more expensive. Saline implants cost roughly $1,300 less than silicone implants and lasted nearly 5 years longer, according to a 2019 study.
2. Fat-transfer enhancement
This method of breast augmentation, also known as fat grafting, lipofilling, or living-fat transfer, is gaining popularity, in part because there is no need for anesthetic or the insertion of silicone or saline.
As an alternative, the physician transfers fat tissue from one area of your body to another. They remove fat from one area of the body, such as the thighs, back, sides of the abdomen, or tummy, using liposuction. The surgical team cleans the fat using various techniques, such as washing and filtering. To achieve the proper form, the surgeon then injects it into the breast. A rather slight increase in breast size results from fat transfer. People see an increase in cleavage definition or breast volume at the top.
3. Nipple enhancement
The nipple and areolas are altered by this secondary operation. It could entail moving or elevating the nipple, enhancing symmetry, enlarging or contracting the nipple, or altering how far it projects.
Postoperative expenses
You should budget for certain follow-up care costs. As previously indicated, some of them might be:
- Clothing for after surgery, such as a compression bra
- Follow-up consultations
- Medical examinations
- Drug prescriptions for pain
A fresh set of fees will apply if you require additional surgery due to implant issues or if you choose to further alter the appearance of your breasts. However, some of those expenses can be covered if the implant warranty from the first surgery is still in force.
Can I afford to have my breasts augmented?
Many plastic surgeons provide payment plans or financing options. Additionally, a medical credit card like CareCredit can be used to pay for your procedure. But be sure to pay special attention to the payment conditions and interest rate. This is crucial if you choose to take advantage of a no-interest offer. If you still owe money after the predetermined introductory period (often 6 to 24 months), you’ll have to pay interest with an APR of up to 26.99%.
Also Read: JODIE SWEETIN BOOB JOB BEFORE AND AFTER
You can also check for internet lenders like Prosper Healthcare Lending that provide loans for medical expenses. It provides loans with 60-month terms and an APR ranging from 7.95% to 36.00%. Your regular credit card or a personal loan may provide you with a higher rate depending on your credit history.
Does breast augmentation go under my health insurance?
Most likely not. The majority of health insurance companies do not cover cosmetic procedures like breast augmentation or other procedures done just to alter how your breasts look. They don’t cover any potential side effects of this kind of operation either.
Additionally, keep in mind that certain insurance policies won’t pay for treatment of breast problems that may develop after you’ve had breast implants.
Conclusion
In conclusion, having breast augmentation surgery can put your health and finances at risk. Review your health plan’s unique coverage policies for breast augmentation and other relevant conditions before scheduling the operation. Health insurance programs do not provide coverage for cosmetic surgery to augment or otherwise improve the appearance of your breasts. Be sure to comprehend all charges, including the surgeon’s fee, the cost of any implants, and the costs associated with the medical facility and anesthesia because you will be responsible for paying them out of pocket. But because it is required by law, insurers will pay for post-mastectomy breast reconstruction.
