Can I get breast augmentation for $4,000?

When looking at different breast augmentation prices there are many factors as to why you see different prices. Most doctors that charge more would like you to think it is because they are better trained or give you a better result. This is not the case. typically there are many factors that contribute to what a doctors charges1)does the doctor have their own surgery center pr have to use a hospital. If they have to use the hospital this can add several thousand dollars to the cost which is passed on to the patient. The doctors that have to use a hospital will try to tell you its safer but the reality is this has never been shown scientifically and all Board certified plastic surgeons are required to operate in certified surgery centers. So those with their own centers have facilities with the same set of standards as the hospital and at times are certified by the same agency. So most Surgeons with their own surgery center pass the discount on to their patient.2)Time in the Operating room. The less experienced, indecisive a surgeon or the fewer cases a plastic surgeon does per year the longer they will take in the operating room to perform the procedure. Thus the more they are charged by the hospital or anesthesia staff. The more specialized the plastic surgeon is with breast augmentation the more efficient he is with the procedure so the less time it take and the less it will cost. Not to mention the more they do the less they pay for the same implants. Again most surgeons should pass this savings on to the patient.3)Experience.. the more experienced sometimes the more the Doctor feels they can demand for their services. What you should look for, is to make sure they are a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. They should also be a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery as well as a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (which is the most prestigious cosmetic society a plastic surgeon who performs cosmetic breast augmentation can belong to).4) Lastly sometimes geography comes into play when in certain regions of the country the cost for staffing and facility are much higher than in others.I perform over 1000 breast augmentations per year. And I am a member of the above societies as well as a member of the lead surgeons. We have our own surgery center and charge what we feel to be an honest cost of only 3000$ for saline and 4000$ for silicone breast augmentation and this includes all cost..

This is something you'd have to ask around about, or search online as some surgeons post their prices on their site. However, I would advise you not to pick a surgeon based on price alone, as there is a higher risk that you may not be happy with your experience or results. You should choose a surgeon you feel comfortable with and can trust.

Costs of breast augmentation can vary widely.  Most of the costs are beyond the reach of the plastic surgeon.  These include; operating room fees, anesthesiologist fees, cost of implants, etc.  Please do not make your choice base only on cost.  Cheap can get expensive quickly if something goes awry.  Please see a board certified plastic surgeon.

The costs associated with breast augmentation are 1) surgeon's fees, 2) anesthesiologist's fees, 3) facility fees, and 4) implant fees.  Another indirect cost to consider is the cost of revisional surgery if necessary and the long term costs of a job poorly done that you cannot put a dollar value on.  Of these, the implant fees are relatively constant but the other fees vary from practice to practice.

In my Utah practice, we are actually one of the more expensive practices in our area but still just a little over $4,000 ($4,600 saline, $5,600 silicone).  Our surgeons fees are a bit higher than most - we don't charge surgeons fees for any revision surgery within the first year.  However, we have a AAAASF certified, in-office fully equiped operating room which eliminates the otherwise very high facility fee.   I use only board certified anesthesiologists and safety and patient experience is maximized.   We have contracted anesthesia fees that are very competetive.

That said, this is an important decision and QUALITY should be way ahead of PRICE in you consideration of who to choose for this procedure.

York J. Yates MD - Utah.

There is often truth to the saying, "you get what you pay for." That said, there are likely areas of the country where you may be able to have breast implants for that price. It would most likely be saline implants and would be performed under sedation and not general anesthesia. In Manhattan, you will not find implants anywhere close to that price. However, prices are different from city to city and between doctors.

It really is regional and within that region it all depends as well. It is not to far off what the going price is for Southern California and saline implants. You would not even come close to this price 1 year ago, but given the economy, a lot of qualified board certified plastic surgeons have lowered their prices.
I would not say "desperate" as this is an elective surgery, but I understand what you mean.
Good luck.

To some degree, a surgeon's experience is factored into the cost of the surgery. To my knowledge, there are few if any board certified plastic surgeons who will offer a total package fee of $4000. Some may offer financing or a payment plan. As mentioned by others, you could consider going to a resident's clinic at a university training program or perhaps offer to be in one of the "makeover" shows in order to qualify for a reduced payment.

I'm not saying it's not possible, but that's less than I've ever heard a legitimate board-certified plastic surgeon charging to do the procedure in a proper operating room.
Here's your best bet: go to the local medical center and do surgery in the plastic surgery resident's clinic. These doctors are in their final months of training, and they know what to do. I supervise the residents at UCLA doing this, as do several other community plastic surgeons. We are there to watch over everything, and I think the patients can get very good surgery this way.

Breast augmentation is an elective procedure, so I hope you are not truly in "desperate need" of this surgery. The costs for the implants, anesthesia and surgical facility fee vary, depending on your location. Also, silicone implants may cost twice as much as saline implants. This does not take into account the surgeon's fee. There are no fixed prices for this procedure and there is great variability depending on if you go to a board certified plastic surgeon or not.
Please don't let price drive your decision as much as surgeon experience and the quality of the surgical center (accreditation).
Best wishes,
Dr. Bruno

The cost for Breast Augmentation like other cosmetic surgery varies considerably across the country and even in the same area. South Florida tends to have lower fees then more expensive areas such as New York or Los Angeles. We charge $2800 + MD Anesthesia related costs for breast lift with saline implants. Gel Implants start at $3500 + MD Anesthesia related costs. Since you can get quality work at lower costs, patients will travel from throughout the state, the country, and internationally to have surgery in South Florida. To ensure that you are receiving quality work with personalized care at the most cost effective prices, consult with board certified plastic surgeons that own their own nationally accredited facilities. The quality must be maintained at the highest level to maintain accreditation. The surgeons also have incentive to hire and train quality staff (to ensure that surgery is efficient and enjoyable), to ensure comfortable and private facilities (to encourage referral), and to eliminate waste (to ensure that these facilities can compete effectively).