How Much Does a Breast Lift Cost?

The average cost of a breast lift (mastopexy) is $9,194, but it can range from just $4,000 to upwards of $17,000, according to 320 recent patient reviews.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says that the average cost of breast lift surgery is $5,817, but they note that’s just the surgeon’s fee: it “does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities or other related expenses,” which can add thousands of dollars to your final bill.

Read on to find out:

• what to look for in a plastic surgeon’s price quote
• why mastopexy costs can vary widely
• whether insurance covers breast lift surgery
• whether patients think their results are worth the money

What does the total cost include?

During your initial consultation with a plastic surgeon, they should affirm whether you’re a good candidate and talk you through a treatment plan that addresses all of your concerns, such as sagging, nipple position, or lost breast volume after weight loss or breastfeeding.

This is the perfect time to ask for a personalized, written estimate of your final cost, including:

• the consultation fee (usually applied to the cost of your procedure)
• their surgeon’s fee
• all anesthesia costs 
• facility fees for the hospital or private surgical center 
• any additional fees for surgical supplies
• pre- and post-op lab and medical tests 
• follow-up appointments and other postoperative charges 

It’s also smart to ask these questions:

• How much will you need to budget for prescription medications and any major recovery supplies, like a support bra to help reduce swelling?
• How do they handle revision surgery costs, in case you have a complication or any concerns about your results?

If you don’t have paid time off, that's another potential cost to consider: you’ll need to take at least a week off work post-surgery for breast lift recovery. If your job is physical (especially if you need to lift more than 10 pounds), you may even need a month off work.

Does insurance cover breast lift surgery?

Breast lifts are considered elective cosmetic procedures, so health insurance doesn’t cover them or related complications.

However, if you have a documented medical condition (like tuberous breasts), you may be able to prove that this plastic surgery procedure is medically necessary and should be covered by insurance.

If you have overly large, sagging breast tissue, you may be able to get coverage for breast reduction. If these surgeries are combined in one operation, that could offset some of the cost of a lift.

Is a breast lift worth the money?

Mastopexy has a 95% Worth It Rating based on over 1,000 patient reviews, so a solid majority think the results were worth the price.

Many who say it was “Worth It” cite perky, proportional, younger-looking breasts. Some note that they have a better breast shape and have easier experiences buying clothes, along with more confidence. 

Among those who found it was “Not Worth It,” many cite uneven results or recovery complications like infections or skin necrosis.

To help make the most of your investment, choose an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon and follow their aftercare instructions closely.

Why the cost of a breast lift varies

These are the biggest variables that impact the total cost of breast lift surgery.

1. The complexity of your surgical procedure

Your breast size, degree of ptosis (sagging), and amount of excess skin can make your procedure more or less time-consuming and expensive. 

• A significant lift on pendulous breasts can require considerable tissue removal and careful reshaping. This is typically performed via an “anchor” incision, which encircles the areola and travels vertically down the front of the breast and horizontally across the breast fold. 
• Lifting smaller breasts with minimal droop usually involves less work and a smaller incision, like the “lollipop” (which spares the horizontal cut) or even a “donut” incision, which traces the outer edge of the areola.
• Nipple placement generally determines the amount of lift needed: If a nipple that was once oriented in the center of the breast now falls below the breast crease and points at the floor, a sizable lift may be in order. 

More complexity translates to more time in the operating room, and more money.

Combining your breast lift procedure with other breast enhancements—like a breast reduction, breast implants, fat transfer augmentation, areola reduction, or nipple surgery—would also increase your overall bill. However, combining them in a single operation also comes with some savings: you’ll only have to pay one facility and anesthesia fee, and some providers discount their surgeon’s fee for each additional procedure.

Many women opt to combine this cosmetic surgery with a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) and a body contouring procedure like liposuction, for a full mommy makeover. Combining procedures can add thousands to your bill, but if you can afford it, the transformation can be dramatic.

2. Your plastic surgeon’s level of experience

When choosing a surgeon, make sure they’re board-certified in plastic surgery and have years or decades of experience performing breast lift surgery, with the patient reviews and photo gallery to prove it.

It can be well worth the time and consult fees to have consultations with at least two qualified plastic surgeons, so you can compare their treatment recommendations and price estimates.

3. Their practice location

Surgeons who practice in areas with high costs of living have to charge more, simply because they have more overhead to cover. See average costs by U.S. state and in major metros.

It can be worth traveling to a more affordable location—as long as you still see an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. Make sure you’ve thoroughly vetted them ahead of time. 

Finding a “cheap breast lift” doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be snagging a deal. If a price seems too good to be true, it may be because the surgeon isn’t qualified. This can become very expensive if you have to pay for revision surgery or medical care to deal with a complication.

Related: 7 Key Things to Do If You’re Traveling Outside the U.S. for Plastic Surgery

4. The type of surgical facility

Plastic surgeons frequently perform this outpatient procedure in the operating room of a private surgery center (if they have one). Hospitals have higher overhead fees, which get passed on to patients. 

If you have your procedure in a private surgical center, just be sure to ask your surgeon if it’s AAAASF accredited and if they have hospital privileges nearby, in case of an emergency.

5. The type of anesthesia you have and who administers it

Most breast lifts are performed under general anesthesia, so you’re completely unconscious. Some surgeons offer twilight anesthesia (also called conscious sedation), but it's not necessarily a cheaper option because an anesthesiologist still needs to be present throughout the procedure. 

The full cost of anesthesia includes the anesthesiologist’s fee and the hospital or facility anesthesia fee, which covers supplies, medications, and any additional staff.

A certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) can administer anesthesia at a lower cost than an anesthesiologist, but some surgeons consider a board-certified anesthesiologist to be a safer option, due to their advanced training. Especially if you have underlying conditions, they may insist on this additional level of safety.

Can you finance a breast lift procedure?

Yes, most practices offer payment plans or accept financing options. For example, the CareCredit credit card is widely accepted by providers across the U.S., for both plastic surgery and nonsurgical procedures.

Breast lift costs in U.S. states

Browse average breast lift costs and ranges by state, according to the 468 most recent RealSelf reviews as of February 2023. (Note: In the map image, blank states don't have enough recent data to display.)

Breast lift costs in major U.S. metros