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

Question

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.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

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 consults and bring the quotes with you from the other doctors. The surgeons may be able to point out where the differences are that justify the cost difference.

Eric Swanson, MD · Answer

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 equipment). 

	A host of things goes into the price (including real estate, the amount of competition, and how experienced and reputable your surgeon is) and it is not true that if you spend more you will necessarily get a better result.  First, priorize safety (plastic surgeon who operates in a licensed or accredited facility) and quality, look at plenty of before and after photos provided by your surgeon, and then look at price.  You may want to finance part of it using Care Credit for example.  Also, you can save about $1000 by choosing saline implants instead of silicone gel (when they are below the muscle, the feel difference is really quite minimal).  Also, surgeons who have access an on-site licensed surgery center can usually contain costs better than those who use a hospital or large, multidisciplinary surgery center.

Stewart Wang, MD, FACS · Answer

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 haircut are the same. It is a process and personal experience, not a product you can get off the shelf. If you are still uncertain about the surgeon and the fees, keep looking and comparing. Don't stop until you find the right plastic surgeon that you trust and feel comfortable to put your body on line.

	Best Wishes,

	Stewart Wang, MD FACS, Wang Plastic Surgery

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

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. 

	There is no reason not to ask about fee reduction. I can tell you that if you asked me to cut my cost in half, the remaining half would barely cover implants, OR fee at cost, anesthesia fee. That doesn't even consider my office overhead. Unless fees in northern California are way higher than here, I can't imagine someone in Arizona charging half of your local fees.
	Thanks for the question, best wishes.

Brian J. Lee, MD · Answer

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 dependent and does not necessarily mean a better outcome.

Your best option is to find a surgeon in a relatively close proximity with whom you feel comfortable and proceed with a consultation. Do not let money be your sole determining factor for surgery!

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

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

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

Answer: Cost of surgery in CA?

Answer: Cost of surgery in CA?

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

Answers (9)

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

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

Answer: Cost of surgery in CA?

Answer: Cost of surgery in CA?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.