Is it cheaper to go to a university (be a "Guinea pig") for cosmetic surgery? What's my cheapest option?

Breast augmentation at universities doesn't necessarily mean it is cheaper.At many universities, plastic surgery is as expensive as in the private practice.Sometimes, at an university the surgery might be more economical if the resident is the one that performs the surgery. However, since ALWAYS a surgeon attending has to supervise procedure, the cost could be the same as in private practice, unless the training program is able to provide the implants for free to the patient (as part of the training program)

Thanks for your question. Cosmetic surgery is not a place to look for a "bargain."  This is an area where cheapest is many times not the best. If you are financially not in a place to have the surgery, best to wait and do it when the time/finances are right.  It is much better to have it done right the first time than to have a less than ideal surgery and then have to deal with trying to fix a bad outcome. University plastic surgery clinics are an option, but be certain that you are aware of who is performing your surgery and their qualifications. Cosmetic surgery is an area where the expression "you get what you pay for" generally applies.  Best Regards. 

and consider a newby who just finished residency as they are clamoring for procedures and getting the word out about their abilities.  But calling around will help you find the best costs.  Make sure quoted fees include the implants, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and facility fee so you're comparing apples to apples.  Training programs can have lessor costs but if the resident isn't supervised carefully, outcomes could be less than desired.  Fees are negotiable... like buying  a car so don't be afraid to ask as long as your willing to accept no as an answer.  Good luck in finding someone who can work with you.  Offering unrestricted use of your photos may also help.

Yes, it may be possible to find the University program to have your breast augmentation performed.  You will need to keep in mind that your procedure will be performed by a much less experienced practitioner (under the supervision of an "attending" plastic surgeon).  The question that is difficult to answer: whether or not you will achieve the same quality of outcome?Generally, the best advice I give to patients who ask about cost of surgery: although I understand your desire to have the procedure performed as soon as possible, it is always in patients' best interest to achieve a certain degree of financial stability prior to undergoing elective surgery of any type. ***Patients should also keep in mind that additional surgery may be necessary in the short or long term, following the primary procedure that is being performed; this additional surgery may be associated out-of-pocket expenses.  Best to achieve a physical, emotional, psychosocial, and financial “stable state” prior to considering elective plastic surgery. Make your decisions carefully; these are decisions you will need to live with long-term.  Best wishes.

The result you will get depends heavily on who does the surgery and how much experience they have. You might get lucky with a decent result at a University but chances are it won't be as good as saving up for a well seasoned plastic surgeon's result. IF you don't get a great result and need a revision it will cost much more than having gone to a better surgeon in the first place where revisions are less commonly needed.