Is $8500 for sientra teardrop implants too much?

The price range you quote is pretty reasonable, especially for a hospital setting. Hospitals typically charge more for just about everything, since they are mandated by law to accept all patients who require emergency care, regardless of their ability to pay. Somebody must pay, and that somebody is you!And for this you get the privilege of being exposed to sick patients, nurses and doctors who may not wash their hands as carefully or as often as they should, and operating rooms that have seen dead bowel, ruptured appendixes, and manure-spreader injuries from the farm. Sure, the staff cleans the room after every case, but how do you feel about paying more for the opportunity to experience nasty bacteria that might still be lurking somewhere close to your implants?Sientra implants are sold only to board-certified or board-eligible plastic surgeons, who must operate at accredited facilities as a bylaw requirement for membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Consider a plastic surgeon who is ABPS-certified, a member of ASAPS, and who operates in their own surgical facility, which must be accredited. My partner and I do, and our cost is around $6500--this covers everything but your pre-op physical and post-op medications, both usually covered by your health insurance. I would recommend smooth round implants, however, and the teardrop-textured implants DO cost more.For more information about differences in implants and how to choose your implants, you may want to click on the web reference link below for my Comprehensive Guide to Breast Augmentation, which dedicates sections to just those topics.Perhaps your surgeon is "worth it," but then you wouldn't be asking the question, would you? Highest cost does NOT necessarily equate with highest quality. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

More important than price is the experience of the surgeon, results, recovery, does the surgeons practice study and review their data, safety. As the generality goes, you get what you pay for.

There are several things to consider when comparing prices for breast augmentation. First, shaped implants are more expensive; second, hospital based surgery costs are often higher; quoted fees may not include all costs such as anesthesia, facility charges, etc; and third, surgeon's fees vary depending on reputation, training, and so forth. The quote seems reasonable to me for an experienced surgeon.

Breast augmentation price quotes are composed of several market-driven components - Sientra implants are more expensive than smooth round implants - that probably has bumped the price quote up a bit. Surgery in a hospital setting will typically be more expensive than in a private surgery center.

Costs of surgery and implants vary based on type of implant (shaped ones cost more), experience of the surgeon, location of the surgery (office cheaper, hospital most expensive), type of anesthesia, whether a lift is involved, length of surgery and other factors. If in doubt get a second opinion.

Hi,The shaped (tear drop) implants are more expensive than the other silicone and saline implants.  Just seek some more local opinions.  Be sure you are comparing apples to apples....same exact implant, same exact procedure (compared to a dual plane augmentation) etc.  Then break it all down pricewise.  Some experienced surgeons charge more for their experience.  This may be worth it.  Some PS will even price match if you present a written quote from another office.  I already know you
are seeing a board certified plastic surgeon because Sientra only sells to BC
plastic surgeons (by ABPS - The American Board of Plastic Surgery)
who are members of ASAPS (The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic
Surgery) and or a member of ASPS (The American Society of Plastic Surgeons). So that is great!   All the best, Dr. Joe

Sientra shaped implants are more expensive, and a hospital will be more expensive than a surgeon's own facility. The fee you quote is entirely within the range seen for the more expensive implants and a hospital. More important is the quality of your surgeon's work, his/her epxerience, and the before and afters that you may have seen at the office.  Best of luck. 

Your plastic surgeon's fee is within the range charged for this type of surgery. More importantly, is your plastic surgeon good, caring, competent, and will your surgery be done in a certified surgical suite, hospital, or ambulatory care center?It is far better to pay a little more for excellence than to choose your plastic surgeon based on priced. Sometimes the cheaper surgeon can end up being the most expensive if revisions and time off from work are needed.

Each area of the country and each surgeon within a given area have their own pricing system. While the pricing would be excessive in South Florida, it may be appropriate in Chicago. Consult with 2 other board certified surgeons in the area to get an understanding our your options.

Thanks for the question. When it comes to costs of surgery, there may be many “variables” involved. The specific surgeon's credentials/experience level (or lack thereof), the specific geographic area you are looking at, the different operations available, the location of the procedure (quality of surgery facility), type/quality of anesthesia provider,  type of breast implants… are some of the potential variables involved. I would suggest that you do not base your selection of plastic surgeon primarily on costs of surgery; keep in mind that revisionary surgery may be more costly in many ways.  Best wishes.