1. The Complexity of Your Procedure
Every breast augmentation procedure is different, as no two people are the same (except for, perhaps, identical twins, but even identical twins could have different goals!).
Here are the most common reasons women choose to get breast implants:
- Breasts are too small
- Breasts are uneven (asymmetric)
- Breasts are misshapen
- Breasts are deflated after having children
For most patients, breast augmentation is a procedure in which silicone or saline implants are inserted beneath the breasts to add volume or fullness.
In select circumstances, adjunctive procedures or maneuvers are needed. Some patients may require correction of tubular breasts, constricted breasts, asymmetric breasts, or other issues.
In general, the more complex the procedure, the higher the cost.
No matter how straightforward or how complex your procedure is, breast augmentation is a procedure that requires the utmost skill, attention to detail, and artistry in order to achieve consistently beautiful and natural results.
2. The Type of Implant
Breast implants come in a variety of materials, shapes, sizes, and textures. Each type of implant has a different cost:
- Implant material (e.g. saline vs. silicone) - A pair of silicone implants generally costs about $1,000 more than saline implants.
- Implant shape (e.g. round vs. shaped) - A pair of shaped silicone implants generally costs about $1,000 more than round silicone implants.
- Implant texture (e.g. smooth vs. textured) - A pair of textured silicone implants generally costs about $1,000 more than smooth silicone implants.
An alternative option for breast augmentation is using your own fat. Fat transfer breast augmentation costs more than using implants, but you get the double benefit of having a sculpted body from liposuction.
3. Your Surgeon
Individual surgeons charge different fees, depending on their experience, skills, and demand. The old adage "you get what you pay for" is often true, as the best surgeons tend to be the most expensive. The most reputable surgeons with a track record of performing safe, stunning, and beautiful breast augmentations often charge more than their less skilled counterparts.
Be careful of choosing a surgeon with low prices as that may be a sign of a poorly skilled surgeon, a surgeon who lacks proper credentials, and/or a surgeon who takes shortcuts that could put you at higher risk of having a botched procedure.
Be especially sure to steer clear of doctors claiming to be plastic surgeons (e.g. emergency room doctors or general surgeons calling themselves cosmetic surgeons) who perform breast augmentation. As you might guess, many of these doctors are offering breast augmentation at "below market" rates — as low as $3,000.
Besides lacking the right knowledge, training, and experience in plastic surgery, these doctors do not have hospital privileges to perform the procedure. As a result, you are more likely to get subpar results or even worse, suffer from complications.
Carefully check credentials and references, look through before and after photos, and do your homework. Your appearance is a lifelong investment. Make sure to select your breast augmentation surgeon accordingly!
4. Your Geographic Location
The cost of surgery can be influenced by your geographic location. In general, the cost of surgery tends to be less expensive in areas of the country where the cost of living is low.
In cities like San Francisco and New York, where the cost of living is high, the cost of surgery is higher than the national average.
Higher prices might not seem desirable, but keep in mind that elite cities like San Francisco are home to some of the best plastic surgeons. In fact, many patients fly into San Francisco from all around the world to get access to the best of the best.
Other Costs to Consider
Our goal at 77 Plastic Surgery is to help you understand what to expect with everything related to your procedure including costs.
We don't have hidden fees. However, this may not be true for all surgeons. It's important to be aware of all the costs related to surgery so that there are no unpleasant surprises or hardships.
Here is a full list of possible expenses for breast augmentation:
- Surgeon's fees
- Anesthesia fees
- Facility (Operating Room) fees
- Implants
- Medications
- Aftercare
- Time for recovery
- Transportation
- Medical evaluations, diagnostic procedures, or tests (as needed in select circumstances)
- Implants or other special supplies or equipment (as needed in select circumstances)
- Cost of treating any complications (as needed in select circumstances)
The Bottom Line
In San Francisco, breast augmentation typically costs between $16,000-$24,000.
If you’re ready to discuss the financial aspects of your specific procedure, your next step should involve talking to a board-certified plastic surgeon. After a thorough assessment and careful evaluation of your needs, you'll be able to gather a more accurate price range.
If you desire financial assistance, we offer a range of financing plans for breast augmentation. You can even choose to pay monthly if that better suits your budgetary needs.
Take our free online breast enhancement self-evaluation to see if you're a good candidate for breast augmentation. It only takes a few minutes to complete, and we'll send your results to your inbox.
