Dear PortRicheyCutie, This is a great question, as it is important to maximize the time you spend with your surgeon during your consultation. Here are some general questions to consider asking your surgeon: 1. Are you board certified? What is your experience with this procedure? 2. At what facility do you perform this procedure? 3. Will you use local or general anesthesia? 4. What are the risks? 5. How long will I need for recovery? 6. What medications will you prescribe for pain, and how long will I take them? 7. When can I return to work, school, the gym, etc.? 8. Are my follow-up visits free? How many times will I see you post-op? 9. Who is my anesthesiologist? 10. How does payment work? Do you offer financing? Here are some questions about you specifically that you should consider asking: 1. What type of incision option do you think is best for me? 2. What implant shape and composition is right for me? 3. What size is right for me? 4. Do you foresee any complications with my case? 5. Can you see me off hours if I experience complications? 6. How much will this procedure cost me? At my clinic, you can expect that I will spend most of the consultation getting to know you and your needs, as well as keeping you informed about your procedure. However, every surgeon is different and you may experience a different approach from your surgeon. Hope this helps, Michael Davis, MD, FACS
Dear Eva S, Breast augmentation costs vary based on multiple factors. A breast augmentation includes a few different costs: 1) Surgeon's Charge 2) Facility & Anesthesia Charges 3) Implant Costs 4) Follow-up Visits and Consultation Costs 1) Depending on the state in which you live, as well as which surgeon you are seeing, the surgeon's charge will vary. This cost is often based on how much time your surgeon will spend on your procedure-this will be based on your individual consultation. If you are including a breast lift, or have had a previous augmentation, that can affect your time in the operating room and thus affect the amount the surgeon will charge you. 2) Based on which facility your surgeon is operating at, you may receive a different estimate. This can vary based on the type of facility-whether or not they will be performing your procedure at a hospital or other outpatient facility. This cost, as well as the anesthesia cost, will be based again on the time required for your procedure. 3) There are multiple implant choices available for women seeking breast augmentations. Some are more expensive than others based on their content, as well as the vendor your surgeon uses. Saline are less expensive than silicone, followed by the newer generation gummy bear implants. The shape of implant you find is best for you can also affect this cost. 4) Lastly, verify your consultation and follow-up charges. For my clinic specifically, all follow-up visits are free. However, this may not be the case with your surgeon. It is best to inquire about these costs prior to signing up for surgery. The average cost for breast augmentations we see in our clinic range from $5,500 to $8,000 dependent upon the factors listed above. Hope this helps, Michael Davis MD, FACS