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

I am looking at getting a BA (silicone, under muscle) and some form of either SLIM lipo SMART lipo or VASER lipo done at the same time I have recieved quotes in both Northern CA (where im from) and in AZ and have found that in AZ the prices are all around 1/2 the price quoted in CA. I know "price shouldnt determine the DR" however in my case it is. Is there a way to ask a DR in CA if they could somehow match the prices in AZ or is that considered rude? I just dont understand the $ difference.

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9 Doctor Answers | Asked by Jenna from California in Bay Area CA

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

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... more

State to State and City to City differences in breast augmentation costs.

Greetings Jenna, Patients, as they become more informed health care consumers, are comparing the costs of their breast implant surgery not just in their own communities but across their state and the states they live nearby. In your town, the fees vary based upon the selection of saline vs. gel implants and the experience and reputations of your local surgeons. The cost of your plastic surgeon's office and staff (overhead) also figure into the fees charged by your local plastic... more

Price shopping

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... more

Cost of surgery in CA?

The typical cost for any procedure or product on the coast or big city is usually higher. This is true with gas and groceries. There are many qualified surgeons in the country at a cheaper cost, but it does involve travel expenses and the need for follow up. I know this well as I am in Ft. Wayne, IN in the middle of the US and we typically have lower prices than the coasts and big cities. It does require travel and possible other issues, but cost of surgery is regionally... more

Cost differences in breast augmentation

I was interested in reading the responses on this question as I run into it all the time. Most of the reasons have been mentioned. To some extent it's the same reason that gas probably costs more in CA than in AZ. But it is indeed important to break down the costs and make sure that equal parts of the procedure are being compared. The main costs are the surgical fee, the cost of the implants, the facility fee to carry it out, and ancillary costs such as for an anesthesiologist. Surgical fees... more

Prices for cosmetic surgery are affected by many factors. Price does not always equate with quality.

First of all, you can negotiate with your surgeon. It is not considered rude. In fact, if your surgeon reacts negatively, that is a red flag. When we do procedures in combination we can be more flexible in the pricing. By the way, you mentioned some branded liposuction machines, none of which is proven to be more effective that traditional liposuction or ultrasonic liposuction (remember the surgeon's experience is more important than the brand of liposuction... more

Cost of surgery in California more than Arizona

Yes, there is a cost difference between states. This is because the cost of doing in business in California is probably more expensive than in Arizona. Remember running somewhere else to have lower costing surgery maybe a problem when and if you need further care back in California. Who are you going to follow-up with? Everything is perfect until it is not.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Cosmetic Surgery is an experience, not a product

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... more

Varying prices of surgery

The cost for this procedure probably varies in these two states because of overhead expenses. Rent and the cost of livingand insurances may be higher in California.