Why Does the Cost of Breast Implants / Augmentation Vary so Much?

As anyone who has done a little research on the cost of breast augmentation knows, prices for the same procedure can vary dramatically from surgeon to surgeon and from city to city. What are the reasons for this? What factors go into breast implant pricing? More importantly, what is the best approach for choosing the best surgeon for you when deciding on this procedure? Is the most expensive doctor always the best one? Is the cheapest breast augmentation also the cheapest quality? As with everything, there are two sides to every story! Let’s look at what variables go into pricing.

WHAT FACTORS AFFECT THE COST OF BREAST AUGMENTATION

In considering breast implants, several factors play into the cost of breast augmentation. These include:

PLASTIC SURGEON EXPERIENCE/BOARD CERTIFICATION

Two factors are crucial in choosing a plastic surgeon. First, they should have significant experience in your procedure. And, perhaps even more importantly, they must be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

These two traits ensure that they have the proper training to do the procedure. Additionally, it means they can expertly manage any potential complications for your plastic surgery in Beverly Hills.

The board itself holds your surgeon to an ethical standard that will keep you safe and help ensure the best possible results. Surgeons who are members of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery have an established specialization in cosmetic plastic surgery.

While choosing a more experienced surgeon who is board-certified may occasionally cost more money, you get what you pay for! Think of it as an insurance policy to help ensure the best and safest results.

GEOGRAPHY

The cost of breast augmentation and all plastic surgical procedures can vary from place to place. The costs of augmentation are different in California, versus Idaho. California, obviously, will be more expensive. But, prices can even vary within a city. For example, Beverly Hills prices are typically higher than those elsewhere in Los Angeles.

TYPE OF BREAST IMPLANT

In general, saline implants are less expensive than silicone. Even within silicone implants, different types of implants have different costs. Gummy bear implants and the new, more highly cohesive smooth round implants are on the pricier end. And, the standard smooth round silicone implants will be less expensive.

ADJUNCT PROCEDURES

Often, breast augmentation requires another procedure at the same time. This may include a breast lift, fat grafting, or some scaffolding/supportive material. Any extra procedures will certainly add to the augmentation cost.

As you can see, many variables go into the cost of breast augmentation. The most important thing is to see a plastic surgeon who:

• Is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
• Has extensive experience with the procedure

Do not hesitate to ask for before-and-after pictures of patients. Especially look for photos of patients who have your body type and type of augmentation desired. You can even go in with pictures of looks that you like. These will immensely help your plastic surgeon match your results to your goals. Never be afraid to ask questions!