The combined surgical procedure of breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty) and a breast lift (mastopexy) is a comprehensive breast contouring operation. This dual approach addresses both volume deficiency and skin laxity, often resulting from factors like pregnancy, weight fluctuation, or aging. Determining the total financial commitment for this procedure is complex, as the final cost is determined by numerous variables unique to each patient and practice. Understanding the difference between the surgeon’s professional fee and the comprehensive total cost is the first step in planning this investment.
Price Baseline for the Combined Procedure
The total investment for a combined breast augmentation and lift procedure in the United States typically falls within a broad range. While the average surgeon’s professional fee for an augmentation alone is reported to be near $4,875, and a lift alone is around $6,816, these figures represent only a fraction of the final expense. The comprehensive cost, which includes all facility and anesthesia fees, often ranges from approximately $14,500 to over $20,000. This wide baseline reflects the complexity and time required to perform both procedures simultaneously. Combining the surgeries into a single session is generally more cost-effective than undergoing two separate procedures.
Factors Influencing the Final Quote
The final financial quote is sensitive to several variables, beginning with the geographic location of the surgical practice. Cosmetic surgery costs are generally higher in major metropolitan areas, such as New York, Los Angeles, or Miami, reflecting the higher regional cost of living and operating a practice. Conversely, procedures performed in smaller markets or suburban areas often feature a lower price point.
The surgeon’s level of experience and professional reputation also directly influence their fee structure. Board-certified plastic surgeons with extensive experience performing complex combined procedures often command a higher professional fee. This fee reflects the specialized skill required for successful aesthetic and functional outcomes when modifying both breast volume and the soft tissue envelope.
The technical complexity of the mastopexy component is a substantial cost differentiator. A patient requiring minor correction for minimal sagging may be a candidate for a less invasive technique, such as a crescent lift, which is typically less expensive. Conversely, a patient with significant skin excess and a lower nipple position will require a more extensive anchor or inverted-T lift, involving considerably more surgical time and complexity. Increased surgical time translates directly into higher fees for the surgeon, facility, and anesthesia provider.
The choice of breast implant material presents another cost variable. Silicone gel implants, generally favored for their natural feel, are typically priced higher than saline-filled implants. The cost difference between these two types can add hundreds to over a thousand dollars to the material component of the bill. Furthermore, specialized options, such as highly cohesive form-stable anatomical implants (known as “gummy bear” implants), may represent a higher material cost than standard silicone.
Components of the Surgical Fee
The total quoted price is a compilation of separate line items, not a single charge. The professional surgeon’s fee is the remuneration for the surgeon’s expertise, preparation, and execution of the procedure. This fee is the largest component and is the one most influenced by the surgeon’s reputation and the surgical complexity.
The facility fee covers the use of the operating room, surgical equipment, and support staff, including nurses and surgical technicians. This fee is incurred whether the surgery is performed in an accredited outpatient surgical center or a hospital setting. It is largely determined by the total duration of the operation, meaning longer, more complex procedures result in a higher facility charge.
The anesthesia fee compensates the anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist for their professional services. This fee includes the cost of anesthetic medications and the monitoring equipment used throughout the surgery. Since the anesthesia fee is often billed based on the time the patient is under general anesthesia, it increases proportionally with the complexity and length of the procedure.
The material costs account for the physical products used, primarily the breast implants. This line item also covers the cost of surgical supplies, sterile drapes, and specialized instruments required for both the augmentation and the lift. The specific type of implant chosen (saline or silicone) is itemized here, separate from the surgeon’s professional fee for placing it.
Planning for Financial Options
Most health insurance policies classify breast augmentation and lift procedures as purely cosmetic, meaning they are almost universally excluded from coverage. Exceptions are generally made only for medically necessary reconstruction, such as following a mastectomy or for certain congenital deformities. Patients should confirm their policy details but must anticipate paying for the entire procedure out-of-pocket.
To manage this significant investment, many cosmetic surgery practices offer various financial options. These may include in-house payment plans or third-party medical credit cards, such as CareCredit, which allow patients to finance the cost over an agreed-upon period. Exploring these financing arrangements before scheduling the surgery is a recommended step.
Beyond the initial surgical quote, several secondary costs should be factored into the financial plan. These include pre-operative expenses, such as required laboratory work or imaging tests, and post-operative necessities. Patients should budget for prescription medications (typically antibiotics and pain management), often totaling a few hundred dollars. Specialized post-surgical compression garments are also necessary for optimal healing and breast support.
A long-term financial consideration is the potential future need for revision surgery. While modern implants do not have a mandatory expiration date, they are not lifelong devices. Revision procedures are occasionally required due to capsular contracture or a desire for aesthetic change. The average cost of a breast implant revision or replacement can range from $8,663 to over $21,000, representing a future commitment approximately 10 to 20 years later.