How Much Does A Breast Augmentation Cost?

Content Reviewed by AEDIT Medical Advisory Board

What is the average cost of a breast augmentation?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the average cost of a breast augmentation (a.k.a. augmentation mammaplasty) in 2020 was between $4,500 - $5,000, but there are other expenses (details below!) that need to be considered when booking a cosmetic procedure.

• Average Cost of Breast Augmentation (Augmentation Mammaplasty): $4,500-$5,000
• Price Range for Breast Augmentation (Augmentation Mammaplasty): $3,300 - $15,000

Candidates considering a breast augmentation surgery will find it useful to understand the various factors that contribute to the total cost of a cosmetic procedure. The following table offers an overview of potential factors that will contribute to the final price.

Factors to Consider in the Total Cost of a Breast Augmentation Procedure

What is a breast augmentation (a.k.a. augmentation mammaplasty)?

A quick refresher on what a breast augmentation actually is. There are three general options for breast enhancement:

• Breast Augmentation with Implants
• Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer
• Hybrid Breast Augmentation

Breast implants involve the placement of synthetic (usually silicone or saline implants) medical grade inserts, fat transfer utilizes a patient’s own fat liposuctioned from one area of the body and implanted into the breast tissue, and a hybrid procedure combines synthetic implants and fat transfer for high customization.

We’ll also mention here that oftentimes breast reduction surgery and breast augmentation may be combined with a breast lift procedure as well. If your breast augmentation is going to be part of a multi-step procedure, costs will be different than the prices listed here. This page, however, will still be useful in understanding what goes into the price of a breast augmentation as a standalone procedure.

What affects the cost of a breast augmentation?

Let’s get into the nitty gritty of the variables we introduced in the first table. The information here is a general estimate. Consultations with plastic surgeons always provides the most accurate assessment of the cost of your breast augmentation.

With that said, the following bullets can help you get a feel for the questions to ask and elements to consider during a cosmetic consultation. Knowledge is power!

• Breast Augmentation Type: Breast augmentations with implants are usually on the lower end of the cost spectrum. Fat transfer and hybrid procedures combine liposuction with breast augmentation, so they usually cost a little more.
• Provider: A more experienced, board certified plastic surgeon or specialized provider usually has higher fees for their skills and so higher consultation fees. Of note, the consultation fee may or may not be applied towards the final cost of the procedure.
• Anesthesiologist: Just like with the cosmetic surgeon, education, training, and experience will affect cost. General anesthesia requires more expertise and therefore is more expensive than local anesthesia. Most local anesthetics can be administered without an anesthesiologist.
• Location: Everyone knows things are more expensive on the coasts and this holds true for plastic surgeries. The 2020 ASPS Report shows procedure occurrences by region. The east and west coasts accounted for a majority of all breast augmentations performed in 2020. More breast augmentations means more experienced providers and higher plastic surgery costs.
• Recovery: Breast augmentation recovery will vary by the procedure type. Recovery may include prescriptions, compression garments, follow ups, and missed work.

There are numerous types of breast augmentations and the most appropriate technique for a candidate will be dependent on the individual. The table below provides additional details specific to each procedure type.

Types of Breast Augmentation and the Impact on Cost

What does the cost of a breast augmentation include?

When it comes to medicine, we all want to know what we are actually paying for. We’ve got some answers for you when it comes to what the price of a breast augmentation truly includes.

The time the surgeon spends performing the breast augmentation procedure is typically what gets stated as the ‘average cost’ or ‘surgeon’s fee.’ It’s not apples to apples, but think of it as your surgeon’s hourly rate. It’s helpful to remember your provider has business expenses like office rent, staff payroll, professional liability insurance, and office and medical supplies on top of their personal salary.

Breast augmentation costs continue to rise as our variables are added in. Additional medical personnel in the room, (like the anesthesiologist, nurses, and surgical assistants), tools and supplies used during your breast augmentation (needles, bandages, surgical gowns, gloves, etc.), medications before, during, and after your breast augmentation (sedatives, painkillers, antibiotics, etc.), and the fee for the hospital or facility’s procedure or operating room.

And finally there are the personal expenses you will encounter during your breast augmentation experience. These can include consultation fees, travel costs, pre-surgical care, time off from work, and recovery supplies you personally purchase.

How much does a breast augmentation cost?

Next question: What are the actual numbers? The table below provides cost range estimates by specific breast augmentation procedure type. These procedure estimates are inclusive of all the variables we mentioned except your personal expenses. The ranges are, yes, wide-ranging, but they can help with understanding which procedure types are usually more costly. It’s worth noting that many providers have financing options to assist with cost.

Cost by Breast Augmentation Procedure Type

How much does a breast augmentation cost across the United States?

Location, location, location! Have we made it sufficiently clear that location plays a major role in the overall cost of a breast augmentation. The ASPS 2020 Statistics Report shows a majority of all breast augmentations occur along the coasts. More procedures usually means higher costs.

The table below breaks down costs by state. The numbers in this table are from zip codes selected from the capital of each listed state.

Average Breast Augmentation Cost by State

*these states are presented as national averages as specific information is not available

How much does a breast augmentation cost around the world?

For those considering pursuing a breast augmentation abroad, the following table compares average cost estimates in a few countries. Quick reminder to also factor in travel expenses, research the reputation of the provider and facility, and add in the extra costs related to recovery when reviewing the listed prices. The table below reflects costs converted to U.S. dollars.

Average Breast Augmentation Cost by Country in USD

Does insurance cover the cost of a breast augmentation?

Does insurance cover my procedure? It’s a common question and it has a complicated answer. Let’s review two definitions from the American Medical Association (AMA):

• Cosmetic Surgery: Procedures for reshaping normal structures for improved appearance and self-esteem.
• Reconstructive Surgery: Procedures performed on abnormal body structures resulting from congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, disease, infection, or tumors.

Cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance, but reconstructive surgeries may be. In the case of breast augmentation procedures, there can be a medical indication for performing the procedure. Women who have undergone a mastectomy for breast cancer and are undergoing breast reconstruction may have their procedure(s) covered by health insurance.

If a breast augmentation procedure could possibly be covered by health insurance, your medical provider will need to document medical necessity and evidence that alternative therapies have been tried. The ASPS has more specific criteria you can review with a provider during consultation. One more caveat: Hybrid procedures (aesthetic and functional) may not be covered despite the functional benefit.