Breast augmentation is a highly popular cosmetic procedure that enhances the size, shape, and volume of the breasts. The procedure involves placing implants under the chest muscle or breast tissue to achieve the desired contour. The financial investment is not fixed and varies significantly based on geographic location, the surgeon’s practice, and the specifics of the operation. This discussion focuses on the typical cost structure and associated fees for a comprehensive breast augmentation within the Chicago metropolitan area.
Average Cost Range for Breast Augmentation in Chicago
The total estimated cost for a primary cosmetic breast augmentation in the Chicago area typically falls within a range of $6,500 to $10,000. This figure represents a realistic, comprehensive investment for patients choosing a reputable, board-certified plastic surgeon and an accredited facility. This pricing reflects the total expense, which includes the surgeon’s operating fee, the cost of the implants themselves, and all facility and anesthesia charges. The final price a patient receives will be customized based on their unique surgical plan and the specific choices made during the consultation process.
Key Components That Determine the Final Price
The choice of implant material is one of the most significant factors driving the final price. Saline-filled implants are generally the least expensive option, as they are filled with sterile salt water after insertion. Silicone gel implants, pre-filled with a cohesive gel designed to mimic the feel of natural breast tissue, are typically priced higher due to their complex material. Highly cohesive silicone implants, sometimes called “gummy bear” implants, represent the most premium choice and can increase the total cost by $1,000 to $1,500 compared to standard saline.
The location where the surgery occurs also adds a distinct facility fee component to the overall expense. Procedures performed in a fully accredited, private surgical center are often less expensive than those conducted in a hospital operating room. These facility fees cover the expenses of the operating room, necessary surgical equipment, and the support staff like surgical nurses and technicians.
Anesthesia is a separate, non-negotiable expense paid to a licensed anesthesiologist who remains present throughout the procedure. The anesthesiologist’s fee is calculated based on the duration of the surgery and the specific type of anesthesia administered. Finally, the surgeon’s experience heavily influences their personal fee. Board-certified plastic surgeons who have extensive experience often command higher professional fees, which is a reflection of their training and safety record.
What the Surgeon’s Fee Typically Includes
The surgeon’s fee covers the professional expertise of the plastic surgeon and several associated services. This fee includes the detailed pre-operative planning, the surgical procedure itself, and the careful management of the patient’s immediate post-operative phase. The comprehensive fee also bundles in several necessary components:
- Initial pre-operative consultations, if the patient elects to proceed with surgery.
- Standard follow-up visits for a defined period, typically up to one year, for monitoring healing and assessing results.
- Essential post-operative supplies, such as specialized compression garments or surgical bras, necessary for proper healing and swelling reduction.
- Standard prescription medications needed immediately after surgery for pain management.
Financial Planning and Payment Methods
Cosmetic breast augmentation is an elective procedure, meaning it is almost never covered by standard medical insurance plans. Coverage is generally restricted to cases where the surgery is deemed medically necessary, such as breast reconstruction following a mastectomy. Therefore, the entire financial obligation is the patient’s responsibility and must be paid out-of-pocket.
To manage this expense, patients often explore several financing pathways beyond personal savings. Specialized medical credit cards, such as CareCredit, are a popular option, offering promotional periods of deferred interest if the balance is paid in full within a set timeframe. Patients may also secure a personal loan from a bank or credit union, which provides a fixed sum to cover the cost, repaid over time with a set interest rate. Most surgical practices require a substantial deposit upon scheduling the surgery, and the full balance is due before the date of the procedure, regardless of the financing method chosen.