Breast Augmentation; Implants, Reconstruction and Reduction: What Does It Cost?

Many women desire breast augmentation, reconstruction or reduction but are unsure how much these procedures will cost, and whether their insurance will cover these procedures. While the prices for these procedures are often similar, they do vary tremendously in insurance coverage. Read on to find out more about the costs for these three major breast surgeries, which are covered by insurance and what to do if they are not.

Breast Augmentation Costs

The total cost of breast augmentation varies for a number of reasons but generally falls between $5,000 and $15,000 with an average of around $7,500. These amounts include implant cost, surgeon’s fee, hospital fees, anesthesia, bandages and immediate post-care. Cost can change based on location, and breast augmentations performed in large cities such as Los Angeles or New York tend to be a bit pricier.

Many patients prefer to combine breast augmentation with additional procedures, such as a breast lift, and this increases the overall cost. Patients should discuss their desired outcome with their surgeon, and be prepared to pay extra if they decide to have any additional procedures. Patients also need to be aware that surgery to correct problems with breast implants can be complicated and is often more expensive than the original surgery.

Saline implants are slightly less expensive than silicone-gel implants. The implant cost for saline implants is around $1,000, while silicone implants average around $1,300. The surgeon’s fee for saline implants is also less than for silicone; the average surgeon’s fee for saline implants is $3,500, and silicone implants have an average surgeon’s fee of nearly $3,800.

Health insurance does not usually cover cosmetic breast augmentation, but many cosmetic surgeons offer financing plans. Patients concerned about how to finance breast augmentation surgery should discuss their financial situation with their doctor.

Breast Reconstruction Costs

The cost for breast reconstruction is affected by many factors and can vary widely. Breast reconstruction generally occurs after a lumpectomy or double or singe mastectomy, and the cost of reconstruction depends on the method used, the time that the surgery is performed (during the lumpectomy or mastectomy or after) and the surgeon’s location. The good news is that the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 requires any insurance providers that cover breast cancer surgery to also cover breast reconstruction. Thus, breast reconstructions are almost always fully covered by insurance.

If a patient’s insurance does not cover breast reconstruction, the costs are often similar to those seen in breast augmentation. Surgeon’s fees generally fall between $3,000 and $4,000, and implant costs, facility fees, anaesthesia and post-care costs bring the total average cost for breast reconstruction to around $8,000. This amount can increase with additional procedures such as nipple reconstruction and tattooing. Most doctors and hospitals offer financing for breast reconstructions that are not covered by insurance.

Breast Reduction Costs

Much like breast augmentation and reconstruction, the total cost of breast reduction surgery varies based on surgeon’s fees, facility fees, anaesthesia and post care. Average costs fall between $5,000 and $7,000, and much of the difference in cost depends on the extent of the breast reduction.

Women who want to have a large amount of breast tissue removed will likely have higher surgery costs due to the more complicated nature of the surgery. When large-scale breast reductions are performed, the nipples generally have to be reshaped and repositioned, resulting in a higher cost. Those curious about breast reduction surgery can schedule a consultation with their doctor to discuss a surgical plan and inquire about cost.

Since breast reductions are often health related and not cosmetic, they are generally at least partially covered by insurance. Patients should check with their insurance companies about their plans’ degree of coverage for breast-reduction surgery. Financing is widely available to assist with any portion of breast-reduction surgery that is not covered by insurance.

Conclusions AboutThe Cost Of Breast Augmentation

Whichever type of breast surgery a patient in interested in, it is important to not make cost the highest priority.

Skilled doctors working in reputable facilities may cost more than the lowest price on the market, but the results are generally much better. Make sure to find a doctor that is trustworthy, certified and has a good track record to ensure the best possible results from breast augmentation, reconstruction or reduction surgery.

Once you have found a potential surgeon, you may want to ask him or her this list of questions.