Free breast implants? Student doctors

Question

A friend told me that sometimes student Drs. do breast implants for free as part of the learning process. I would be willing to be a participant for this if it is true. Thank you for your time. Debbie Guindon

George Volpe, MD · Answer

It is extremely unlikely that free implants are offered anywhere in the United States or Canada. Implants are expensive as is the cost to the hospital for running an operating room and operating room personnel. With some research, one may be able to find out if there is a local university medical center with a plastic surgery teaching program that has what is called a resident clinic where a discount may be offered.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

When I was at University, there was a Resident Cosmetic Clinic that had full time Professor Staff to educate the student surgeons.  The quality of the work was excellent.   Most of the student surgeons had already done 7 to 10 years of apprenticeship.  You need to check the local University Department of Plastic Surgery.  It may not be free but is almost always less than half the cost.

Douglas L. Gervais, MD · Answer

Most plastic surgery training programs will offer cosmetic surgery at a discounted price but I doubt you would get it for free. The hospital would have overhead costs: OR, anesthesia, implants...etc. Call the nearest plastic surgery program in your area to get more information. Good luck. Dr. Gervais.

William J. Hedden, MD · Answer

It is unlikely you will find them for free but sometimes you can find them at reduced prices in resident clinics.  Different areas charge different amounts. Also if the doctor does not perform many his cost for the products will be higher and likely he will take longer in the operating room leading to increased OR and anesthesia cost.  In our area the cost for saline is 3000$ and silicone is 4000$ for everything. I place over a thousand a year and try to pass those savings on to our patients.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Unfortunately no surgery is ever "free," but you can find reduced surgeon fees if you look into resident clinics at major academic plastic surgery teaching facilities.  These are doctors in training that perform aesthetic procedures under the purview and guidance of one of their attending physicians.  If cost is a large consideration, this is a good option, but be aware that the cost for anesthesia and the facility will still be your responsibility. Hope that this helps.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

It is doubtful that anyone would do free surgery due to the cost of implants and operating room supplies and anesthesia. However, at plastic surgery training centers, some procedures may be offered at a reduced price. Prices do vary widely across the US.

Michael J. Brown, MD · Answer

I would suggest starting with the American
Society of Plastic Surgery(ASPS) and/or the Aesthetic Society of Plastic
Surgery (ASAPS) to obtain a list of well experienced board-certified plastic
surgeons.

Then, I would suggest you visit a few surgeons whose practices concentrate on
aesthetic surgery. Ask to see before and after photos. If you would like a resident to do it, that is an option, but it would not be free and I doubt you will be getting the best result possible.

Best wishes,

Dr. Michael J. Brown 
Northern Virginia Plastic Surgeon

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I do not know of any clinics that will do them free, but resident clinics at teaching hospitals do perform breast augmentation but there is a fee.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Although I understand that plastic surgeons, including myself, needed to train somewhere, I would suggest that you do not make yourself a “subject” for breast augmentation surgery. Ultimately, you should keep the final goal in mind;  achieving the results you wish with breast surgery as safely and complication free as possible. I would suggest, instead that you slowly save up for this elective procedure. When the time is right from the physical, emotional, psychosocial, and financial standpoints, find the best plastic surgeon you can  to perform the procedure for you.When it comes to choosing a plastic surgeon I generally advise that patients start with the American Society of Plastic Surgery  to obtain a list of well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons.Then, I would suggest you visit a few surgeons whose practices  concentrate on aesthetic surgery. Ask  to see lots of examples of their work and preferably speak/see patients who have had similar procedures done.You will find,  while doing your due diligence,  that there are many different “specialties” who will offer their services to you;  again, I strongly recommend you concentrate on surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  Make your decisions carefully when it comes to selection of your plastic surgeon;  although no surgeon is perfect and every plastic surgeon has complications that require revisionary surgery,    revisionary surgery rates may vary from one surgeon to another. Also, remember that if revisionary surgery does become necessary,  it may be more expensive in many ways. Therefore, do not to make your decisions based on financial considerations primarily.I hope this helps.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, Debbielg. Some teaching hospitals offer breast augmentation (and other cosmetic procedures) at a discounted price.  You will still need to pay for facility and anesthesia fee.  Please make sure the student doctors are supervised by attending surgeons. You can look into teaching hospitals where there is a plastic surgery residency programs.  Best regards.

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