Although it would nice to have a simple menu for breast augmentation prices like your favorite coffee shop, plastic surgery is much more complicated. “How much do breast implants cost?” is one of the most common questions for any plastic surgeon. Generally, we can say breast augmentation costs around $5950 to $7950. There are many different factors that influence price, for instance, saline is cheaper than silicone, and the new shaped/contoured silicone implants are on the higher end of the fees of $7950; but that is a little too simple.

Breast augmentation continues to be the number one cosmetic surgery procedure performed in the United States. The cost of breast augmentation is an important issue for most patients. This article is designed to help answer questions regarding the cost of a breast augmentation, including what affects that cost and how to choose the right plastic surgeon for your breast augmentation surgery.

Breast Augmentation Surgery Expenses

With the re-introduction of silicone implants and the addition of anatomic (gummy bear) implants, the price of breast implants has increased significantly and this increased price is passed on to the patient. The price of anesthesia medications and other supplies used in the surgical suite have also increased so operating room fees have climbed; once again this is passed on to the patient.

What Else Impacts the Cost of a Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation cost may vary from surgeon to surgeon. Interestingly enough, although the price for a breast augmentation may have gone up some over the last decade, the increase in price has been more due to the expense of performing the procedure rather than a significant increase in surgeon fees.

Other than the differences in types of implants, the breast augmentation surgical procedure is fairly standard and doesn’t change much from patient to patient. Some patients may require a breast lift at the time of their breast implant procedure and this is reflected in increased operating room time and an increase in fees for the surgeon, anesthesia provider and the operating room fee.

You Get What You Pay For

So the question remains as to difference in cost for the procedure from surgeon to surgeon and whether the consumer should be wary of the discount surgeon. There are many reasons why price may vary, the primary one being where the surgery is performed. Many surgeons will perform the surgery in their in-office accredited surgical suite (like at Murphy Plastic Surgery) which helps to control costs, a saving which can be passed on to the patient. A hospital or surgery center is typically a more expensive option for the surgeon. Many hospitals will charge a stocking fee for implants, which may up to double the cost of the implants for the surgeon and in turn, the patient. Anesthesia fees are typically higher at these locations too. These increased fees, which have no impact on the quality of the procedure are passed on to the patient.

There is value in the time a surgeon spends with his or her patients. A discount surgeon may save money by limiting the time they spend with each patient. I can think of one surgeon in particular who has all of his patients sign a form stating that they understand that they will not see him for any follow-up visits for at least six weeks after their operation unless there is a problem. His nurses do basically all the follow-up care, which may seem fine, but remember that these are the most important six weeks of the recovery. Is that really the kind of care you seek? At Murphy Plastic Surgery we maintain a schedule to check in on the recovery of the patient. 

Choosing The Right Plastic Surgeon

The choice of a surgeon needs to be based on more than the lowest cost. We are talking about surgery and every surgery should be taken seriously. A more experienced, and possibly more expensive surgeon is able to help you to make the best decisions about your breast augmentation. Another issue we run in to when it comes to less experienced surgeons is re-operation. We sometimes see patients who went to one surgeon and come to us after a mistake to fix the problem. If this is the case, we are more than happy to help. If you’re a new patient, we suggest Contact Us first.