Breast augmentation is a highly customizable procedure that lets patients design a result they’ll love—but it can be hard to determine the cost without a consultation. This blog outlines the factors that affect breast augmentation cost and discusses the average cost of breast augmentation in Scottsdale, AZ.
How Much Will My Breast Augmentation Cost?
The average cost of a breast augmentation ranges from $5,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the technique used, the type of implants, the surgeon’s expertise, and any combination procedures.
Board-certified Scottsdale plastic surgeon Dr. Patti Flint believes that the best breast augmentation results are highly customized to fit the patient’s needs. As such, each procedure will require a different approach to best accommodate the patient’s goals and anatomy. Thus, breast augmentation costs vary depending on these factors.
During your consultation with Dr. Flint, she will discuss your goals for the procedure, ask you questions about your medical history, and show you breast augmentation before and after images to give you an idea of possible results. Once you decide on key factors that affect the cost of your breast augmentation, she will create a customized surgical plan that details your surgical steps and will provide you with an accurate cost estimate.
However, we understand that you want to plan your procedure as well as possible. Below, we’ll discuss the different surgical options and factors you might consider for your breast augmentation, so you can learn how they affect the final cost.
Factors That Affect Breast Augmentation Cost
Breast Implant Types
The type of breast implant you choose will affect cost, and each offers different benefits and aesthetic results.
- Silicone implants consist of a silicone shell with a cohesive, soft silicone filling. They come pre-filled by the manufacturer and are available in a variety of shapes and sizes to accommodate your preferences. Offering a realistic result, silicone implants most closely mimic the feel and movement of natural breast tissue, making them a popular choice. Dr. Flint prefers to use silicone implants for this reason and because they reduce certain aesthetic issues, such as rippling and implant malposition.
- Saline implants are made of a silicone shell filled with a body-soluble saline solution. While more prone to visible rippling under the skin, saline implants are typically less expensive than silicone implants and can be filled after insertion, allowing for more incision options.
Implant Placement and Incision Type
Implant placement is a lesser-known option that significantly affects the procedure’s outcome. Dr. Flint opts for a submuscular placement because it provides superior implant coverage, resulting in a more natural look and feel. Additionally, submuscular placement reduces the risk of breast skin sagging, which can happen with the added weight of breast implants, more commonly with over-the-muscle implants.
Additionally, the incision is an important decision that can affect cost and is directly related to the type of implant you choose.
- Inframammary incisions run horizontally underneath the breast line, where the breast meets the ribcage. Not only are they easily hidden by the breasts, as well as under clothing, bras, and bathing suits, but inframammary incisions can accommodate larger implant sizes and silicone implants, as they are pre-filled. Dr. Flint prefers the inframammary method because it allows the greatest degree of customization.
- Periareolar incisions are placed at the edge of the areolae. The scarring is generally fairly well hidden by the darker skin of the areola. However, this approach does leave a scar on the front of the breast.
- Trans-axillary incisions are placed in the armpit. While these scars are well hidden, revision rates have been historically higher compared to other approaches. This is generally felt to be because of poorer visualization of the pocket that is made for the implant.
Additional Procedures
Many patients choose to combine their breast augmentation with another breast enhancement procedure, most commonly a breast lift.
Many women experience both a loss of volume and breast ptosis (sagging) with age, opting to combine breast augmentation with a breast lift. Because breast augmentation increases volume and enhances breast shape, but does not address redundant breast skin, a breast lift is necessary. During this procedure, Dr. Flint lifts the breast tissue higher on the chest and removes excess skin. The nipple-areolar complex is elevated to a better position.
The combined procedure results in breasts that are lifted, perky, and better contoured.
If you choose to combine your procedures, you will save money on certain fees, such as anesthesia and facility costs, when compared to two separate procedures. You will be provided a fee for the combination procedure if indicated.
What Is Included in Plastic Surgery Costs?
When you get your final cost estimate, you’ll see a detailed outline of everything it covers, including:
- The surgical fee, which is the cost of the procedure itself. This fee will be increased if you combine your breast augmentation with a breast lift.
- The anesthesia fee, which covers the cost of administering general anesthesia throughout the procedure. The longer the procedure, the higher the fee; however, it is less expensive to combine procedures in one setting than to have two surgeries.
- The facility fee depends on where your breast augmentation is performed. Dr. Flint owns her own accredited surgical facility, so these fees will commonly be lower than those of other plastic surgeons who utilize hospital facilities.
- Postoperative visits are also included, as Dr. Flint will need to check on your progress during recovery. Be sure to call if you have any questions during this process; Dr. Flint is always happy to help ease any concerns and address your needs as they arise.
Learn More About Breast Augmentation Costs in Scottsdale, AZ
You can’t put a price on safe, stunning results delivered by an experienced breast enhancement expert like Dr. Flint. To learn how much your breast augmentation will cost, call Dr. Flint today at (480) 945-3300 or complete the contact form to schedule your consultation and design your ideal breast enhancement result to boost your confidence.