How Much do Breast Implants Cost?

Last Updated on October 2, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Are you considering breast augmentation surgery but wondering how much it will cost? Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures, with over 300,000 breast implant surgeries performed in the U.S. each year. In this article, we’ll break down the factors that influence the cost of breast augmentation and provide an overview of what you can expect to pay.

How Much do Breast Implants Cost?

The average cost of breast augmentation surgery ranges from $3,000 to $10,000. This cost can vary based on the following factors:

• Location and cost of living
• Surgeon’s experience and fees
• Type of implant (saline or silicone)
• Anesthesia and facility fees
• Additional costs like medical tests

According to WebMD, the cost of breast implants typically ranges from $5,000 to $10,000, depending on the location, doctor, and the type of implant used. It’s noted that health insurance usually doesn’t cover breast augmentation.

Salameh Plastic Surgery mentions that saline implants generally cost around $3,800, while silicone implants typically cost around $4,500. Additional fees such as anesthesia, facility, and surgeon’s fees may not be included in these prices.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons writes that according to the latest statistics, the average cost of breast augmentation surgery is $4,294. This average cost is only part of the total price and does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities, or other related expenses.

The total cost may include various factors such as anesthesia fees, hospital or surgical facility costs, and surgeon’s fees.

According to Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery, the all-inclusive cost of breast augmentation in 2022 is reported to start at $4,679 for saline-filled breast implants and $5,767 for silicone implants. The total cost includes various factors such as surgeon’s fees, facility fees, and additional procedures like a breast lift or correction of tuberous breasts.

Kole Plastic Surgery Center provides a breakdown of the costs involved in a “boob job,” including facility and anesthesia fees ranging from $1,200 to $2,300, and the cost of different types of implants such as saline and silicone.

Let’s explore these factors in more detail:

Location and Cost of Living

Geography can significantly impact the cost of breast augmentation. In general, you can expect to pay more for the surgery in metropolitan areas and big cities where the cost of living is higher. Surgeons in these areas tend to charge more.

On the other hand, surgeons in smaller towns or rural areas often have lower overhead costs. This allows them to charge less for procedures like breast augmentation, even though they may have similar skills and experience as higher-charging surgeons.

Surgeon’s Experience and Fees

The surgeon’s fee is one of the biggest factors affecting the total cost of breast augmentation surgery. More experienced surgeons who specialize in cosmetic breast procedures tend to charge higher fees. However, a higher fee does not always mean you’ll get better results.

When choosing a surgeon, make sure to evaluate their training, certification, and the number of successful procedures they’ve performed. Avoid choosing a surgeon based on price alone.

According to statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average surgeon’s fee for breast augmentation was $3,718 in 2020. However, fees can range from $2,000 – $6,000+ depending on the surgeon’s experience and geographic location.

Type of Implant: Saline or Silicone

The type of breast implant selected will impact the overall cost of surgery. On average, silicone breast implants cost approximately $1,000+ more per pair than saline implants.

Here’s a quick overview of the differences:

• Saline implants – Filled with a sterile saltwater solution. Tend to feel firmer and ripple more than silicone. Cost on average around $1,500-$2,500 per pair.
• Silicone implants – Filled with a viscous silicone gel. Feel more natural, with less rippling. Average around $2,500-$3,500+ per pair.

When determining implant type, it’s important to discuss the pros and cons of each option with your surgeon during a consultation. Make sure to consider the difference in cost.

Anesthesia and Facility Fees

Breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia, so anesthesia fees will be included in your total surgical costs. This is typically around $1,000 – $1,500 depending on the length of surgery.

You’ll also need to pay fees for the surgical facility where your procedure is performed (hospital or specialized surgery center). Operating room and equipment costs usually add another $1,000 – $1,500 to the total.

Additional Costs to Consider

Here are some additional costs that may factor into the total price of breast augmentation:

• Medical screening tests: $200 – $500
• Post-surgery garments (surgical bra): $50 – $100
• Prescription pain medications: $50 – $150
• Follow-up appointments with the surgeon: $100 – $200 per visit

Some surgeons bundle these costs into one total package price. Others may charge separately for follow-up appointments or medications. Be sure to ask your surgeon what’s included in their quoted price.

Breast Augmentation Cost By Implant Type

Based on the factors outlined above, here is a breakdown of the average expected costs associated with each implant type:

Saline Implants

• Surgeon’s fee: $2,000 – $4,000
• Anesthesia fee: $1,000 – $1,500
• Facility fee: $1,000 – $1,500
• Saline breast implants: $1,500 – $2,500
• Additional costs: $500 – $1,000

Total cost range: $6,000 – $10,500

Silicone Implants

• Surgeon’s fee: $3,000 – $6,000
• Anesthesia fee: $1,000 – $1,500
• Facility fee: $1,000 – $1,500
• Silicone breast implants: $2,500 – $3,500+
• Additional costs: $500 – $1,000

Total cost range: $8,000 – $13,500+

As you can see, the type of implant selected can have a significant impact on the total breast augmentation cost. Be sure to discuss implant options thoroughly with your plastic surgeon to determine the best choice for your needs and budget.

Insurance Coverage

Unfortunately, insurance rarely covers cosmetic breast augmentation. This is considered an elective, cosmetic plastic surgery.

You might also like our articles on the cost of breast lifts, breast reduction surgery, or gynecomastia surgery.

In rare cases, insurance may cover surgery if it is medically necessary – for example, to correct severe breast asymmetry after mastectomy. But in general, you should expect to pay all breast augmentation surgery costs out-of-pocket.

Financing Options

Since insurance doesn’t cover breast augmentation, you may need to explore financing options to afford the procedure. Here are some tips:

• Ask your surgeon if they offer a payment plan. Many allow you to pay the total cost in installments over 6-12 months.
• Apply for a personal loan from your bank, credit union or an online lender. Unsecured loans can often fund cosmetic surgery.
• Put the procedure on a credit card with an intro 0% APR period so you have over a year to pay it off interest-free.
• Consider medical tourism. Have your surgery done affordably at an accredited clinic abroad. Costs can be as low as $3,000 total.
• Save up if you can. Open a dedicated savings account and set aside a little each month.

How Can I Lower My Costs?

Here are some tips to save money on your breast augmentation surgery:

• Choose saline over silicone implants.
• Go for a less experienced surgeon who charges lower fees if their skills and results are still good.
• Consider having surgery at a surgery center rather than a hospital.
• Ask for discounts for paying your total bill upfront in cash.
• Get the procedure done in a nearby suburb or smaller city rather than a major metropolitan area.
• Look for special promotions some surgeons offer periodically throughout the year.

Answers to Common Questions

What is included in the cost of breast augmentation?

The total cost includes the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fee, operating facility charges, breast implants, and any additional costs like medical screening or medications.

Does the type of implant impact the cost?

Yes. Silicone implants usually cost about $1,000+ more per pair than saline implants. But silicone implants can provide a more natural look and feel.

Can I get financing for breast augmentation?

Most surgeons offer financing plans to pay for breast augmentation over 6-12 months. You may also qualify for a personal loan or 0% APR credit card.

When is breast augmentation covered by insurance?

Almost never – only in very rare cases of breast reconstruction after cancer or serious asymmetry. Breast augmentation is considered an elective cosmetic procedure.

How can I reduce the overall cost of my breast augmentation?

Some ways to reduce the overall cost of breast augmentation include:

• Choosing saline over silicone implants
• Finding a reputable surgeon who charges reasonable fees
• Having surgery at an ambulatory surgery center rather than a hospital
• Negotiating a discount for paying the full surgical fee upfront in cash
• Considering having surgery in a nearby suburb rather than a major city
• Asking your surgeon if they ever offer specials, promotions or package deals to lower costs

While you don’t want to shop purely based on price, finding ways to reduce your costs can make breast augmentation more affordable. The most important thing is choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon who you’re confident will provide excellent results.

Should I Get Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a very personal choice that greatly impacts your appearance and self-image. Before deciding to have surgery, consider:

• Your reasons and motivations – are you doing this for yourself?
• Realistic goals and expectations for implants and results
• Risks like capsular contracture and implant rupture
• Potential need for replacement surgery down the road
• Effects on breastfeeding
• Impacts of weight gain or loss on results

Discuss all your concerns thoroughly with a board-certified plastic surgeon during consultation appointments before committing to surgery.

Finding the Right Surgeon

Choosing the right surgeon is the most important decision when planning breast augmentation. Here’s how to find a skilled, experienced provider:

• Verify board certification in plastic surgery.
• Review before and after photos to evaluate results.
• Read online reviews of their past patients.
• Schedule in-person consultations with potential surgeons.
• Ask about their training, experience, complication rates, and more.
• Make sure you feel comfortable talking with the surgeon.

Finding a surgeon who makes you feel at ease while also having the skills to provide your desired outcome is key to breast augmentation success.

Final Words

While the costs may seem high at first glance, keep in mind that breast augmentation is an investment in yourself that can provide benefits for many years to come. Improving your appearance and self-confidence can be invaluable.

Carefully weigh the costs against your goals, do your research, find the right surgeon, and consider financing if needed. For many women, breast augmentation is an extremely worthwhile investment in their happiness and self-image.