Why is a Breast Augmentation in CA So Much More Expensive Than in States Like AZ?

When shopping and comparing prices, it is important to make sure you are comparing apples to apples. For example, are both surgeons board certified plastic surgeons?  Are both performing lipo on the same areas. Are they both quoting you for saline or is one silicone.  I often review quotes from another surgeon where it was obvious that both surgeons were not doing the exact same thing.  I am sure Younwould like to have the surgery closer to home.  Go on a few more consults and bring the quotes with you from the other doctors. The surgeons may be able to point out where the differences are that justify the cost difference.

There are numerous factors in setting the cost of cosmetic surgery. It's definitely influenced by the location and the setting where surgery takes place. Make sure you are comparing apple to apple. You can ask the surgeon to break down the fee schedule for you to see the different components of the fee. The quality and experience of the surgeon and practice can vary greatly which in turn will affect the charges. Certainly not all breast augmentation are the same very much like not all haircut are the same. It is a process and personal experience, not a product you can get off the shelf. If you are still uncertain about the surgeon and the fees, keep looking and comparing. Don't stop until you find the right plastic surgeon that you trust and feel comfortable to put your body on line.

Best Wishes,

Stewart Wang, MD FACS, Wang Plastic Surgery

The costs of doing business vary considerably by geography. When you are having a breast augmentation, you are buying implants, anesthesia services, hospital or surgicenter services and the professional services of your surgeon. 

Implant costs are about the same all over the country, but everything else varies. Where the cost of living is higher, average salaries are higher. Anesthesia costs more, operating rooms cost more, running a plastic surgery practice costs more. 

There is no reason not to ask about fee reduction. I can tell you that if you asked me to cut my cost in half, the remaining half would barely cover implants, OR fee at cost, anesthesia fee. That doesn't even consider my office overhead. Unless fees in northern California are way higher than here, I can't imagine someone in Arizona charging half of your local fees.
Thanks for the question, best wishes.