How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost?
Posted June 05, 2025 in Breast Augmentation
Choosing to get breast augmentation can be an exciting step towards boosting your confidence, but it’s also more complicated than simply deciding to undergo surgery. Chances are, you’ve already done some online research and maybe even had at least one consultation with a surgeon. One of the most commonly researched topics when it comes to breast augmentation is cost, as potential patients want to know how much to budget for their surgery. However, you may not realize that the price you see online or on a surgeon’s website isn’t always the whole financial picture. In this blog, we’ll walk you through some of the “hidden” breast augmentation expenses that you may not be aware of so you can go into your surgery feeling as confident and informed as possible.
Breast Augmentation Consultation Costs
No matter what type of cosmetic surgery you’re undergoing, the first step is always an initial meeting with a board-certified plastic surgeon. In some cases, you may schedule consultations with several surgeons before choosing the one that’s best for you. While some providers offer complimentary appointments, others charge a consultation fee for their time, which can vary. In some cases, the cost of your breast augmentation consultation may be applied toward your surgery if you decide to book with them. However, that’s not always the case, so be aware of the surgeon’s policies when making your appointment.
It’s also a good idea to consult with more than one surgeon to compare their training, experience, and aesthetic style, and to determine whether you feel comfortable with them. However, that means consultation costs can quickly add up if you’re meeting with multiple providers. Be sure to find out about consultation fees and policies before your appointment so you know what to expect.
Costs Associated With Breast Augmentation Surgery
When you look at the cost of breast augmentation, you may assume that everything is included in that price. But in reality, many quotes only reflect the surgeon’s fee and don’t include other vital (and often expensive) aspects of undergoing surgery.
Breast augmentation is performed using general anesthesia, and the cost of anesthesia depends on several factors, including how long your surgery takes and whether a board-certified anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist administers the anesthesia. Facility fees are another “hidden” fee that can vary depending on whether your breast enhancement procedure is performed in a hospital, a private surgical center, or an accredited in-office operating suite. Always check to see if these costs are included in your quote, and if not, ask your surgeon for an estimate of the amount you can expect to be added to your final price.
Costs Associated With Breast Augmentation Recovery
Once your breast augmentation surgery is done, the healing process begins, bringing with it a few potentially surprising expenses. You’ll probably have prescriptions to fill, which could include pain medication, antibiotics, and anti-nausea medication, all of which may or may not be covered by your insurance. Without insurance, these costs can range from around $50 to several hundred dollars.
Your surgeon will also require that you wear compression garments or a surgical bra (or both) to help minimize swelling and support your new breasts as they heal. While these supplies are essential for your breast augmentation recovery, they’re often not included in the cost breakdown. Your surgeon may provide them, or you may need to purchase them from a recommended vendor—either way, it’s something to add to your total expenditures.
Costs of Taking Time Off For Breast Augmentation
Taking time off to recover from your breast augmentation might not cost you in terms of medical bills, but it can affect your bottom line in other ways—especially if you don’t have paid time off. Most people need to take at least one to two weeks off work after breast enhancement, and sometimes more. If your job involves a lot of physical activity or requires heavy lifting, your surgeon might advise that you take more than two weeks off to avoid complications. An extended time away from work can result in lost wages, so it’s important to factor that into your overall budget for surgery.
Costs of Caring for Your Breast Implants
Breast implants are long-lasting, but what you may not know is that they’re not meant to last a lifetime. In fact, most implants are designed to last around 10 to 15 years. While they can last longer than that, the potential for implant ruptures and leaks increases as the age of your implants increases.
If you have silicone implants, it is recommended that you undergo periodic MRIs to check for “silent” leaks or ruptures, which is what happens when a silicone implant fails. This type of imaging isn’t always covered by insurance, which means it can become a significant out-of-pocket expense over time. It’s also worth noting that replacing or removing your implants down the road will require another complete surgery, so that’s something to include in your long-range budget plan.
Costs of Breast Augmentation Revision
While breast augmentation has a high satisfaction rate, some patients eventually need or choose breast revision surgery. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including:
- Capsular contracture (tightening of the scar tissue around the implant)
- Implant failure (leak or rupture)
- Implant asymmetry, shifting, or displacement
- Desire to change implant volume, type, or position
- Desire to remove your breast implants altogether
Maintaining your breast augmentation results as you age or after changes to your body due to pregnancy or significant weight fluctuations may also require revision surgery, or even a complementary procedure like a breast lift. Thinking ahead and keeping your long-term goals in mind is essential when planning your breast augmentation.
Learn About Breast Augmentation Costs in Fresno
When you’re ready to explore your breast augmentation options in Fresno, it’s time to schedule an appointment with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Chin at Valley Institute of Plastic Surgery. During your visit, Dr. Chin will go over all of the surgical information you need to know to prepare for your breast augmentation, as well as ensure that you have a clear understanding of the full financial picture.
Planning ahead for your breast augmentation with the help of Dr. Chin and his staff will allow you to go into your surgery and recovery being informed and prepared so you can focus on what matters most: enjoying your new look with confidence. To schedule a consultation, call our office today at (559) 435-9646 or complete the online contact form.