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Breast Augmentation Cost
Breast Enhancement

Breast Augmentation Cost

Written by
Juli Albright
Updated
Juli is our patient advocate and community connection. She balances work, life and family with grace.
Juli is our patient advocate and community connection. She balances work, life and family with grace.

Breast Augmentation Cost

If you're considering undergoing a breast augmentation procedure, then you have come to the right place. Doing your research on the surgery, and knowing the costs, is incredibly important. You want to make sure you visit a safe, legitimate and qualified surgeon. Choosing breast augmentation surgery is a huge decision and there's absolutely no need to rush into the procedure. These are implants that you will have for possibly the rest of your life, so you will need to make sure you chose right! Read this article to help you along this journey. 

Here are the five most important factors which affect breast augmentation cost.

1. Geographical location

Location is the number one cost impact.  Similar to how cost of living is affected by location, plastic surgery costs are as well.  In larger cities like San Francisco, LA, Austin, or New York City the cost of the surgery will be higher as the plastic surgeon overhead cost (office location, staff, surgery center, etc.) is more expensive.  It is best to look for a low cost of living city like San Antonio where cost are lower but there is still a fair number of plastic surgeons competing for your business.  Do not be enticed by plastic surgery fees abroad.  The complication rate is much higher and often the surgeons have no training of incentive to care for the complications.

2. Implant Type

Implants can vary from $400 - $1500

After choosing which implant pocket for a breast augmentation, choosing the right implant is critical both for long term happiness with your procedure and from a cost perspective. There are several types of implants. The most significant cost difference is between a saline and a silicone implant. In each of these categories, there are many different types of implants which only vary slightly in cost.

Silicone

Silicone implants are pre-filled with silicone gel. Their shape and volume are predetermined. Silicone gel is more viscous than water and is designed to more closely mimic breast tissue. For cosmetic breast augmentation, the FDA has limited the use of silicone gel implants to patients older than 22 years of age. They may be used on patients under 22 only for breast reconstruction purposes.

Saline

Saline implants are inserted empty (just the silicone shell; like an empty balloon). After being placed in the breast, they are filled with sterile salt water. Saline implants are available to women 18 and older. Saline tends to cost less than silicone as saline is easier and less costly to produce.

Size

Your plastic surgeon will work with you to determine the right implant size to meet your cosmetic goals and your ideal breast size. Size of implants are measured in cubic centimeters (cc) so there is not an exact comparison between cup size and cc implant. Typically the surgeon will have you try on different bra sizes with implants to gauge the right volume.

3. Plastic Surgeon Expertise

This is one of the most important factors to consider when looking for breast augmentation surgery. As this is a major surgery, we recommend the following:

  • Choose two to three plastic surgeons in your area and request personal consultations. This list should be based on a variety of sources like websites, online reviews, referrals (from friends or your ob-gyn), and before and after photos. Ensure the physician is experienced specifically in breast augmentation.  Ensure a Board certified plastic surgeon by American Board of Plastic Surgery at a minimum.
  • Consultation Fees - Make sure to ask if the consultation is complimentary or not. Alamo Plastic Surgery offers free consultation, but many plastic surgeons require fees (~$50-$200).

The cost of breast cosmetic surgery will differ depending on the plastic surgeon you choose.  It is best to choose a plastic surgeon whose cosmetic style suits your desired results.

4. Anesthesia / Surgery Center Fees

Anesthesia and surgery center fees are a couple more factors that will affect your financing options.

Anesthesia

Most breast augmentation surgery is done with general anesthesia and there are fees associated to pay the anesthesiologist. Be very cautious of any plastic surgeons offering local anesthesia.

Surgery Center Fees

Typically breast augmentations are performed at a plastic surgery center. Like any hospital or clinic, there are fees usually charged by the hour. Breast augmentation is typically a quick surgery (~1.5 hours). Be careful with surgeons with in house surgery suites. It can be easy for them to hide complications and typically these surgery suites are not accredited.

5. After Surgery Care

After the procedure, you will need to take some precautions to look after yourself and your body. Your breast tissue will be sore and will restrict a lot of upper-body movement. You should be able to return to work after a week (no lifting over 20 lbs for two weeks). Post-operation bras are important, and you will need to purchase one without any underwire and minimal padding.

At Alamo Plastic Surgery we provide exceptional value through patient eduction, empowerment, and incredible results. Alamo Plastic Surgery breast augmentation cost ranges from $3800 - $5450 with affordable monthly financing starting at $137/month. Our patients love our pricing as it compares very favorably to the national average of $6300!

Written by
Juli Albright
Updated

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