The prices for breast augmentation can vary, sometimes significantly. Start by looking at before and after images to determine whether or not a plastic surgeon shares your aesthetic sensibilities. Then, consider the following: The most expensive surgeon may or may not be the ideal surgeon for you. "Lowball" or discount pricing may often be an attempt to fill an empty O.R. schedule, which should be a concern. Or a very low price may not be the inclusive cost of surgery. Most any surgeon can surgically implant a breast implant. But, not every plastic surgeon can consistently perform breast augmentation surgery in a manner that leaves a woman with a very natural and beautiful result.I have seen very low prices advertised for breast augmentation. When I think of the hard costs involved in having a state-of-the-art fully equipped surgical suite, a capable and complete staff, a board-certified anesthesiologist, and all of the additional safety measures we employ, I think that some of these low prices must mean a physician is cutting costs in a way that might compromise safety and outcomes. In my practice, the price for breast augmentation is all inclusive but it depends on the type of implant used. This price includes all pre and post-operative visits, pain management, pain pumps, a body garment, board certified anesthesiologist, operating room charges., etc. When considering breast augmentation surgery, I believe that the most important question for a prospective patient to ask themselves is this: Am I seeking a natural-appearing result? If the answer is yes, then seek out a surgeon who has the same aesthetic sensibility that you have (and appropriate training and experience). And insist on seeing `before and after' photos. A lot of them. The following are a few things that can distinguish some surgeons from others1) Graduating from a top tier medical school at the top of their class. 2) Membership in Alpha Omega Alpha. This is the medical honors society. Alpha Omega Alpha is to medicine what Phi Beta Kappa is to undergraduate universities3) Formal surgical training from prestigious medical universities. The minimum number of years of surgical training for plastic surgeons to be bord certified in five years. Some physicians have as many as ten years of formal surgical training. There simply is no substitute for stelar academic and practical surgical training. 4) Very experienced surgeons with meticulous surgical technique and natural looking outcomes will have photgraphic evidence of their work. Patients should be able to view many photos of the surgery of interest, photgraphed from three different perspectives all with similar lighting, distance from the camera and croppingThe elite experience extends beyond the surgeon to the facility, and the surgical team. You should be able to see the surgical theater and know who else will be in the OR with you during surgery. The Joint Commission (JCAHO) is an organization that provides certification to hospital OR's. The Joint Commission and AAAASF are two of the organizations that can provide certification to surgical suites. Some plastic surgeons elect to have their surgery centers dually certified.The anesthesia experience is critical to a safe and comfortable surgical experience. A board certified anesthesiologist can administer general or MAC anesthesia. My preference is to have a board-certified anesthesiologist at the bedside of my patients for the duration of surgery.Be sure your plastic surgeon has admitting privileges at many hospitals for the surgery you are having performed.Plastic surgeons who cater to high profile individuals who place a high value on privacy will have a private first floor entrance and exit so patients never need to be in a public lobby or elevator for pre-operative or post operative visits. I want for my patient's appearance to make others think "Wow - what a great figure", not "I wonder who her plastic surgeon is". It is important to discuss the following with your plastic surgeon, and research yourself this information before selecting a plastic surgeon 1. Cohesive silicone gel vs. saline breast implants, or shaped, form stable breast implants 2. How many cc's? 3. Incision locations 4. Subpectoral vs prepectoral implant position 5. Attention to detail in breast augmentation 6. Breast augmentation after pregnancy 7. Special considerations: asymmetry, tuberous/constricted breasts, etc 8. Recovery and downtime 9. What measures does your plastic surgeon use to prevent capsular contracture 10.Revisional breast augmentation surgery11) Will fat grafting be used to add volume or provide correction12) Pain Control Devices - Inlcuded in the price? - This can make a tremendous difference in post operative comfort and recovery Please do not make your decision on the plastic surgeon based on who has the lowest price without looking at the whole picture and taking your time researching to find the right plastic surgeon for you. Always, ask to see many, many photographs, speak to patients and ask your own physician about any plastic surgeon you are considering. Some physicians promote low priced breast augmentation, only for a patient to discover that the price is for only one type of implant, with one type of incision. This may not be appropriate for all patients. Then, the "bait and switch" ensues. A different implant will cost more, pain control will cost more. An anesthesiologist will cost more, if an MD anesthesiologist is even an option. Then, just like buying a used car, the price will shift from the total price to monthly payments with a financing plan that could be very regrettable. This is a huge red flag. If these kinds of tactics are used, you, as a consumer should be very concerned. Of course, be sure your plastic surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a member of The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and has dozens of before and after images to share of breast augmentation procedures he has performed. I perform many breast augmentation revision surgeries. The overwhelming majority of patients I see for revisions feel regret for not taking more time checking the background, training, results and safety record of the physician who performed their original surgery. I have created a checklist of what to look for in a surgeon. Look on my website, or cut and paste this: michaellawmd.com/how-to-choose-a-surgeon.htmlRemember, you are making a permanent change to your body and trusting someone with your health and well being. Take your time selecting the idea plastic surgeon for you.