Undergoing a cosmetic procedure that combines a breast lift with augmentation is a significant decision, both physically and financially. This combined surgery, technically known as a mastopexy with augmentation, addresses both breast volume and the position of the breast tissue on the chest wall. Because this procedure involves two distinct surgical goals—lifting the breast mound and adding volume with implants—it is considered a complex cosmetic operation. Understanding the investment requires recognizing the multiple component fees and variables that determine the final price. This guide provides a transparent breakdown of the costs associated with this comprehensive procedure.
The National Average Cost Range
The typical cost for a combined breast lift and implant procedure spans a wide range across the United States. Patients should plan for a total investment that often falls between $12,000 and $20,000 or more, depending on individual factors and location. This substantial range exists because the complexity of the lift component, the choice of implant material, and the geographic location of the practice all significantly impact pricing. The final price is a compilation of professional services, facility use, and material costs, making it significantly higher than the price of a lift or an augmentation performed separately. Patients must obtain a detailed, all-inclusive quote to understand the full financial commitment.
Detailed Breakdown of Procedure Fees
The initial quoted price for a mastopexy with augmentation is composed of four main categories of expense, each covering a distinct aspect of the surgical event. The largest single portion is typically the surgeon’s fee, which compensates the plastic surgeon for their expertise, skill, and the time spent performing the operation. This professional fee reflects the surgeon’s training and history of successful outcomes in this technically demanding procedure.
A second major component is the facility fee, which covers the use of the operating room, surgical equipment, and the support nursing staff. This cost is incurred whether the procedure takes place in an accredited private surgical center or a hospital setting. Surgical centers often provide a more streamlined experience and may have slightly lower overhead costs.
The anesthesia fee covers the services of the anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist who administers and monitors general anesthesia throughout the surgery. General anesthesia is typically required due to the length and complexity of the combined procedure. This fee is determined by the professional’s rate and the total duration of the operation, and continuous monitoring adds to the overall safety and cost.
Finally, the implant materials cost is a separate line item accounting for the devices themselves. This fee varies based on the type of implant selected, such as saline or silicone, and the specific manufacturer. Silicone implants are generally more expensive than saline due to the complexity of the material and manufacturing process, contributing directly to the final cost.
Variables That Influence the Final Price
A significant factor causing the broad range in pricing is the geographic location where the surgery is performed.
Geographic Location
Practices situated in major metropolitan areas with a high cost of living, such as New York City or Los Angeles, typically have significantly higher facility and overhead costs. These higher operational expenses are passed on to the patient, resulting in prices that can be thousands of dollars more than those found in smaller markets.
Surgeon Experience and Reputation
The surgeon’s experience and reputation command a premium that directly affects the final bill. Highly sought-after surgeons who are board-certified often charge substantially higher professional fees. Patients are paying for a proven track record, reduced risk of complications, and the artistic judgment of a surgeon with extensive experience in combined mastopexy and augmentation.
Surgical Complexity
The inherent complexity of the patient’s anatomy and the required surgical technique is a powerful cost driver. The degree of breast ptosis, or sagging, determines the complexity of the lift necessary to achieve the desired result. Cases requiring a full anchor-shaped incision to remove significant excess skin take longer and are more technically challenging than those needing only a periareolar or lollipop-style incision. This increased surgical time translates directly into higher facility and anesthesia fees.
Implant Technology
Beyond the basic material, the specific implant technology chosen influences the overall expense. Newer, highly cohesive silicone gel implants, often referred to as “gummy bear” implants, use a form-stable gel that holds its shape better than traditional silicone. These advanced implants and other specialty devices, such as shaped or textured options, carry a higher price tag than basic round saline implants, further raising the material cost component.
Practical Financial Planning
Cosmetic procedures like a mastopexy with augmentation are almost universally considered elective and are not covered by health insurance. Coverage is typically only available in rare circumstances, such as breast reconstruction following a mastectomy or correction of severe congenital asymmetry deemed medically necessary. Patients must plan to cover the entire cost of the surgery out-of-pocket.
There are several secondary expenses that occur outside of the core surgical quote and must be factored into the financial plan. These often include the cost of prescription medications, necessary pre-operative laboratory tests, and specialized post-operative compression garments. Travel and accommodation costs for patients traveling a distance to see a specific surgeon can also add to the overall investment.
To manage this expense, many surgical practices offer financing options, including medical credit cards or structured payment plans. Securing a personal loan from a bank or credit union is another common method to finance the surgery. Patients must also consider the long-term financial reality: implants are not lifetime devices and will eventually require replacement or revision surgery due to complications or the natural aging process.