What is the average price for a BA Transaxillary with Keller Funnel technique?

   A reasonable fee may be $7000 to $8000, but the cost varies greatly.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Thank you for the question. In my practice, I use the funnel for all breast augmentation procedures involving silicone gel breast implants of all sizes. I believe that the use of the funnel allows for the use of a smaller incision and for easier breast implant insertion ( allowing for a “no touch technique” and no contact of the breast implant with the patient's skin). Hopefully, in the longer term, it will be shown to decrease the incidence of encapsulation as well.  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.  You will find some average costs of surgery on this website and on individual plastic surgeons' websites as well.
In regards to outcome of the planned procedure, more important than costs of the procedures will be careful selection of your plastic surgeon. I would suggest starting with the American Society of Plastic Surgery and/or the Aesthetic 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.
Be very careful with your decision-making. 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.
 I would also 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.

The price for breast augmentation can vary, sometimes significantly. Remember that nothing is more expensive than results that don't meet your hopes and expectations, and re-operation fees. take your time selecting your plastic surgeon. If possible, visit many plastic surgery websites and select a few physicians based on their training, experience, results (including mamny nefore and after photos), reputation. and philosophy. The most expensive surgeon may or may not be the ideal surgeon for you. "Lowball" pricing may often be an attempt to fill an empty O.R. schedule, or may not be the inclusive cost of surgery.In my practice, the price for breast augmentation  includes all pre and post-operative visits, pain control pump, a body garment, board certified anesthesiologist, operating room charges in a dual certified (Joint Commission and AAAASF) surgical theater, and no aditional change for an overnight  visit if the patient elects to do so. We insist that out of town patients stay overnight with medical observation.In order not have any surprises, ask if there are additional potential chages for pre or post-operative visits, pain control devices,or garments. Be sure that there are no additional charges for office visits. There should never be a charge for an office visit if a patient has a concern. In fact, most plastic surgeons want to see you if you have a concern.The Keller Funnel can help prevent capsular contractor and there should be no additional fee for using the Keller Funnel. Ask if the fee you have been given includes the O.R. staff , equipment and supplies including pain pumps, garments, and of course a board certified anesthesiologist.Please do not make your decision on the plastic surgeon based on who has the lowest price without looking at the whole picture and taking your time researching to find the right plastic surgeon for you. Always, ask to see many photographs, speak to patients and ask your own physician about any plastic surgeon you are considering. A surgeon with expertise at transaxillary (through an underarm incision) breast augmentation should be capable of producing natural-appearing results with that approach.  Insist on seeing a large number of 'before and after' photos of your surgeon's transaxillary breast augmentation results (including the surgical scars) before you agree to have that surgeon place your breast implants via that approach.  Another mistake that is often made through the axillary approach is non-release or inadequate release of the inferior origin of the pectorals major muscle.  If the inferior origin is not released, then the pec major muscle holds the implants high and prevents them from settling into a natural position.  It also creates unnatural breast 'animation' when the pectorals muscles contract.  The trans-axilarry approach can be wonderful, but be certain your plastic surgeon is very experienced with this procedure. 

will vary considerably but a straightforward gel augmentation will run around $6400 all inclusive (no extra costs) in my neighborhood.  I do not use the axillary approach as it has been found to have the greatest risks for contracture but perhaps with the advent of the funnel, this number will diminish.