The average cost of getting breast implants is $6,916, according to 487 patient reviews that include the price they paid.
That’s significantly more than the $4,294 average cost of breast augmentation surgery cited by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), but it’s worth noting that their figure reflects only the surgeon’s fee. Anesthesia, the surgical facility fee, and other miscellaneous expenses can add thousands to your final bill.
Patient reviews say that the total cost can range from just $3,650 to over $10,000, depending on the specifics of your breast augmentation surgery, your surgeon’s credentials, where your procedure is performed, the type of implant you choose, the type of anesthesia you have, who administers it, and a few other factors.
Read on to learn more about why prices vary, as well as:
When a breast augmentation procedure is performed as an elective cosmetic surgery—versus a breast reconstruction following breast cancer and mastectomy—it’s not covered by insurance.
Related: Everything You Need to Know About Breast Implants
During your breast enhancement consultation with a potential plastic surgeon, they should outline their recommended treatment plan, including the best implant type for your goals and the details of your procedure.
Once you’ve aligned on their recommendations, the provider should send you home wth a personalized, all-in cost quote. Get a written breakdown that includes:
Even if some of these fees aren’t included in their quote, you’ll still need to factor them into your budget.
It’s also smart to ask up-front how they handle revision surgery fees, in case you aren’t entirely happy with your results or have a complication like capsular contracture. Some surgeons waive their fee for revisions on procedures they’ve performed. They may also recommend a brand that comes with a robust breast implant warranty, to cover potential revision costs.
Breast implants have a 95% Worth It Rating from patient reviews on RealSelf, so a very solid majority of reviewers say their results from this surgical procedure were worth the money, as well as the hassle of recovery.
Most happy patients report natural-looking results and a boost in confidence, while those who didn’t have a good experience reported problems like asymmetry, sagging, and other complications.
If you’re on the fence, an experienced plastic surgeon can help you determine whether you’re a good candidate and recommend the best option for your goals and budget. You may even want to consider a different type of procedure, like a breast lift or breast augmentation with fat transfer.
he price you pay will depend on these factors.
Whether you’re having a facelift or a boob job, an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon will charge you more for their time and expertise.
That said, the most expensive surgeon doesn’t always deliver the best results.
As with all cosmetic procedures, it can be very worth your time to consult with more than one qualified surgeon, to compare their recommended approach and price quotes. Read their patient reviews carefully (the good and the bad), and critically consider their before and after photos to make sure you like their results.
Our consultation guide will help you know the questions to ask—and what to listen for in their answers.
Medical practices operating in areas with higher costs of living typically charge more for breast implant surgery, to help cover their overhead.
For example:
Many surgeons have a dedicated surgery center at their practice, which usually costs much less than a hospital operating room. Just make sure the facility is accredited and that your doctor has hospital admitting privileges, in case of an emergency.
Silicone implants (filled with cohesive silicone gel) look and feel more natural than saline implants (silicone shells filled with sterile salt water), but they can cost an additional $1,000 or more per implant.
Firm silicone gel implants, commonly called gummy bear implants, are usually the most expensive.
There are multiple brands, sizes, and profiles, at varying price points. During your initial consultations, each prospective surgeon should take the time to explain all of your options, how they’ll impact your total cost, and their recommendation, based on your body type and desired result.
Breast enhancement surgery can vary in complexity. Factors include things like:
Dr. Urmen Desai, a board-certified plastic surgeon practicing in Beverly Hills, California, says breast implant surgery costs at his practice can range from $5,900 to $7,900, depending on how difficult and time-consuming the procedure is.
"The cost of breast augmentation will be higher if it takes longer in the operating room, if the patient has a breast asymmetry (which may require more planning), if the patient had tuberous breast deformity, where more internal scoring of the breast tissue is required, or if there were other breast procedures [like a breast lift or fat transfer] needed in conjunction," Dr. Desai explains.
Dr. Okoro also cites complementary procedures as a major factor in your total price. "If you require breast lift with your breast implant, the cost can go up to $12,000 to $15,000 depending on your situation or any additional procedures such as liposuction, a tummy tuck, or skin tightening." (A combination of breast surgery, a tummy tuck, and lipo is commonly called a mommy makeover.)
While some patients do opt for local anesthesia (which can save you as much as $700 an hour), most augmentation procedures are performed under general anesthesia or local with IV sedation.
The total price of your anesthesia will include the provider’s fee and facility anesthesia fee, which covers the cost of supplies, medications, and additional staff.
Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) charge lower fees than board-certified anesthesiologists (medical doctors who administer anesthesia), but some plastic surgeons prefer the experience of an MD. That’s especially true with patients who have underlying health conditions or are undergoing multiple procedures in one operation.
Related: 7 Surprising Factors That Can Make Your Breast Augmentation Cost More
Most plastic surgery practices offer monthly payment plans or accept third-party financing options. For example, the CareCredit credit card is widely accepted by providers across the U.S.
Browse average breast implant costs and ranges by state, according to the 1,412 most recent RealSelf reviews as of February 2023. (Note: In the map image, blank states don't have enough recent data to display.)
State | Average Cost |
---|---|
Alabama | $4,062 |
Arizona | $6,014 |
Arkansas | $5,450 |
California | $7,088 |
Colorado | $7,920 |
Connecticut | $8,136 |
Florida | $5,078 |
Georgia | $4,997 |
Hawaii | $8,328 |
Illinois | $6,968 |
Indiana | $5,907 |
Iowa | $7,300 |
Kansas | $5,512 |
Kentucky | $5,697 |
Louisiana | $6,063 |
Maryland | $6,187 |
Massachusetts | $7,990 |
Michigan | $6,602 |
Minnesota | $6,755 |
Missouri | $6,825 |
Montana | $6,238 |
Nebraska | $6,267 |
Nevada | $5,909 |
New Jersey | $7,454 |
New Mexico | $6,822 |
New York | $7,992 |
North Carolina | $6,435 |
North Dakota | $5,633 |
Ohio | $6,302 |
Oklahoma | $4,978 |
Oregon | $7,143 |
Pennsylvania | $6,690 |
South Carolina | $5,527 |
Tennessee | $6,063 |
Texas | $6,051 |
Utah | $5,707 |
Virginia | $6,505 |
Washington State | $7,561 |
Wisconsin | $6,909 |
Metro Area | Average Cost |
---|---|
Atlanta, GA | $5,586 |
Austin, TX | $7,625 |
Boston, MA | $9,500 |
Charlotte, NC | $6,767 |
Chicago, IL | $6,903 |
Columbus, OH | $7,601 |
Dallas-Fort Worth, TX | $7,671 |
Detroit, MI | $6,263 |
Houston, TX | $7,530 |
Jacksonville, FL | $5,995 |
Las Vegas, NV | $5,860 |
Los Angeles, CA | $7,792 |
Miami, FL | $5,014 |
Minneapolis-St Paul, MN | $7,027 |
New York City | $9,580 |
Oklahoma City, OK | $6,067 |
Orange County, CA | $7,538 |
Orlando, FL | $5,500 |
Philadelphia & South New Jersey | $6,405 |
Phoenix, AZ | $6,533 |
Sacramento, CA | $7,067 |
Salt Lake City, UT | $6,133 |
San Diego, CA | $6,745 |
San Francisco, CA | $8,140 |
St Louis, MO | $8,000 |
Washington, DC | $6,540 |