A breast lift, clinically known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to elevate and reshape the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. Patients typically seek this procedure to restore a more youthful contour after changes caused by pregnancy, significant weight loss, or the natural aging process. Determining the exact cost for this elective surgery is challenging because the total price is highly variable, depending on both the specifics of the operation and the geographic location within Illinois where it is performed.
Average Cost Breakdown in Illinois
The total cost for a cosmetic breast lift in Illinois typically ranges from approximately $8,500 to $13,500, reflecting the state’s diverse metropolitan and regional markets. The Chicago metropolitan area, including the North Shore and surrounding suburbs, anchors the higher end of this price spectrum. In this region, a standard mastopexy often averages around $10,000, with some practices quoting between $9,000 and $11,000. Costs in downstate or more rural Illinois markets may trend toward the lower end of the state’s overall range.
Components of the Total Surgical Fee
The comprehensive price quoted for a breast lift is an aggregation of three distinct financial components necessary to perform the surgery safely and effectively. The largest portion is the surgeon’s fee, which compensates the plastic surgeon for their expertise, time spent in the operating room, and all pre- and post-operative consultations. This fee can vary significantly based on the surgeon’s reputation and certification status. The second major component is the anesthesia fee, which covers the services of the anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) and the cost of the medications used. The third component is the operating facility fee, which pays for the use of the surgical suite, specialized equipment, necessary medical supplies, and the nursing staff present during the operation.
Factors Influencing Price Variation
Geographical location is a major influence on the final price. Procedures performed in high-overhead areas like downtown Chicago predictably cost more than those scheduled in smaller suburban or downstate clinics, due to higher commercial real estate costs and demand.
The complexity of the procedure itself also causes significant price variance. A minimal lift, such as a crescent or periareolar mastopexy, will typically cost less than a more complex procedure like an anchor lift required for significant skin laxity. Combining a breast lift with augmentation (mastopexy-augmentation) substantially increases the total cost due to added fees for implants and operative time. The surgeon’s level of experience and reputation often correlate with a higher fee, as board-certified plastic surgeons often command premium pricing.
Financial Logistics and Non-Covered Expenses
The initial quote for the surgery often does not cover all expenses, as there are mandatory ancillary costs associated with the recovery period. These non-covered expenses typically include prescriptions for post-operative pain medication and antibiotics. Patients should also budget for specialized surgical bras or compression garments, which support healing tissues and manage swelling. Because a breast lift is classified as an elective cosmetic procedure, it is generally not covered by health insurance providers, unless it is part of post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. To manage the financial commitment, many Illinois practices partner with third-party medical financing companies, such as CareCredit, which offer specialized payment plans.