Breast augmentation, medically known as augmentation mammoplasty, is an elective cosmetic procedure sought by many people to enhance breast volume and shape. Because this surgery is primarily aesthetic, it is not covered by health insurance, meaning the entire financial commitment falls to the patient.
Average Price Range for Breast Augmentation in Tennessee
The total price for a primary breast augmentation in Tennessee typically falls within a broad range, generally spanning from approximately $6,000 to $12,000. The statewide average cost for the complete procedure is often cited around the $7,150 mark. The difference between the low and high end of the spectrum is largely due to the specific choices a patient makes and the location of the practice.
Essential Components of the Total Bill
The final price quote is a compilation of several distinct professional and facility fees. The most significant portion is the Surgeon’s Fee, which compensates the plastic surgeon for their expertise, time, and the execution of the surgical plan. This fee reflects the practitioner’s experience level, board certification status, and reputation.
A separate Facility Fee covers the cost of using the accredited operating room, surgical equipment, nursing staff, and the recovery area. These fees often run between $1,200 and $2,200, depending on whether the procedure is performed in a hospital setting or an accredited ambulatory surgery center.
The Anesthesia Fee is the charge for the services of the anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist who administers the medication and monitors the patient throughout the procedure. This specialized fee commonly ranges from $600 to $1,200.
The wholesale cost of the implants themselves represents the final major component of the bill. Additional, smaller costs may include pre-operative lab work, post-operative garments, and prescription medications.
Variables Influencing Final Cost
The type of implant chosen is a primary factor that affects the total cost. Silicone implants, which are filled with a cohesive gel, are typically more expensive than saline implants. Silicone implants can add between $1,600 and $2,400 to the total price, whereas saline implants, filled with a sterile saltwater solution, are generally priced lower, from $1,000 to $1,500 per pair. This difference is primarily due to the higher manufacturing cost of the silicone gel.
The surgeon’s experience and certification also play a large role in determining the final fee. A highly experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon often commands a higher fee than a less experienced practitioner.
Geographical location within Tennessee creates cost variations. Practices located in major metropolitan areas like Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis generally have higher facility and surgeon fees compared to those in smaller or more rural parts of the state.
The complexity of the procedure is another modifier; a standard primary augmentation is less expensive than a revision surgery. If the augmentation is combined with a breast lift, or mastopexy, to address significant sagging, the total surgical time and complexity increase, driving the overall price upward.
Financing and Payment Methods
Since breast augmentation is an out-of-pocket expense, many patients utilize financing options to manage the cost over time. Specialized medical credit cards, such as CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit, are common tools designed for health and wellness expenses not covered by insurance. These options often provide promotional periods with deferred or low-interest rates for qualified applicants.
Patients may also secure a personal loan from a bank or credit union, which offers fixed interest rates and predictable monthly payments. Many surgical centers partner with third-party financing companies like PatientFi or Cherry, which specialize in elective procedure loans with flexible repayment terms.