How Much Are Breast Implants in 2024?

The most commonly searched questions about breast augmentation surgery are: “How much are breast implants?” and “How much does a breast augmentation cost?” This is not surprising given that breast augmentation is the number one most performed cosmetic surgery procedure. Breast augmentation or breast implant surgery is also one of the top procedures performed by board-certified Scottsdale plastic surgeon Dr. Ashley Howarth. The cost of breast implant surgery is a question we receive frequently. In this blog post, we will discuss the pricing for breast implants in Scottsdale, AZ and nationally.

How Much do Breast Implants Cost in Scottsdale?

You may be curious how much breast implants cost in Scottsdale in 2024. It is rare to find a reputable surgeon who publicly posts fees for this procedure — or any surgical procedure — online and without a consultation. In fact, a published online fee may reflect only part of the picture. It is important to keep in mind that any fee you see online needs context for accuracy. More importantly, decision-making based solely on cost is not advisable.

Although most plastic surgeons will not provide their fees without consultation, there are three widely circulated fee averages that are frequently referenced online. These fee averages come from three organizations: American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and a popular cosmetic surgery website called RealSelf. Read on as we will provide context for each of these fee averages.

Breast Augmentation Average Surgeon’s Fee from American Society of Plastic Surgeons: $4,294

Founded in 1931, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the largest plastic surgery specialty organization in the world. Recognized as a leading authority on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, the ASPS advances quality care through training, practice and research.

According to their 2022 statistics (published September 2023), the average cost of breast augmentation surgery is $4,294. This average is based on voluntary reporting by surgeons and reflects a surgical fee only. Not included in this fee are other important costs such as anesthesia, operating room facility costs and related surgical expenses. Keep in mind, a plastic surgeon’s fee will vary based on many factors including experience, type of procedure offered, and geographic location.

Breast Augmentation Average Surgeon’s Fee from American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery: $4,617

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) is an organization of approximately 2600 plastic surgeons devoted to supporting advancements in cosmetic surgery. The ASAPS strives to advocate, educate and support both plastic surgery patients and providers.

According to their fee study in 2022, the average cost of breast augmentation using implants is $4,617. Like the fee survey by ASPS, the ASAPS fee average does not take into account any fees other than surgeon’s fee. 2022 is the latest year of data available, as of 2023.

Breast Augmentation Surgery Fee Range from RealSelf Patient Survey: $3,300 – $9,750

With an online presence of more than ten years, RealSelf touts itself as a trusted source for those considering cosmetic surgery. In fact, on its website, patients can share information and publish reviews. RealSelf allows patients to connect with providers, post questions, and browse before-and-after photos.

By compiling data from close to 42,000 patient reviews, RealSelf reports the average cost of breast augmentation to be $7,113. Costs ranged from $4,000 to $12,000 depending on the specifics of the woman’s surgery and on geographic location.

However, it is unclear whether some women reported surgeon fees only or their total fees. While the RealSelf report illuminates the wide range of breast augmentation costs, it also confirms that some of the variance is due to reporting inconsistencies.

How Much is a Boob Job?

The average cost of a boob job varies depending on the organization conducting the fee study. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports a boob job costs $4,516. While the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports an average $4,235 for the cost of a boob job. It’s important to note that these fees only reflect the surgeon’s fees only. According to the above mentioned patient survey, a boob job costs between $4,000 and $12,000.

What is Included in the Costs of a Breast Augmentation?

Built into the final cost of a breast augmentation are several fees. To find out how much is a boob job, it is important to understand these associated fees. An initial consultation fee covers the first one-on-one meeting with the surgeon to identify patient needs and discuss treatment options. The surgeon’s fee compensates the doctor for the actual work and is dependent on many factors. Moreover, there are surgical materials necessary to the case that involve cost. In this case, the breast implants themselves have a specific fee. Additionally, there are specific costs for anesthesia and for the surgical facility where the procedure will take place. Finally, there may be a surgical garment fee for the postoperative phase. Let us take a more in depth look at the fees associated with breast augmentation surgery.

Consultation Fee

The decision to charge a consultation fee is at the discretion of the plastic surgeon, therefore the standard will vary depending on the practice. In some cases, surgeons will apply consultation fees towards scheduled treatment. Because a surgeon’s time and expertise are valuable, a modest consultation fee is often enough to make sure a patient is a seriously interested candidate prior to scheduling.

Surgeon’s Fee

This fee compensates the surgeon for doing the work. As stated, the surgeon’s average fee for breast augmentation is $4,294 according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Likewise, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery places the average cost of breast augmentation at $3,918 for silicone implants and $3,535 for saline implants.

Keep in mind, surgeon’s fees vary based on his or her experience and surgical procedure intricacies. Likewise, the size and shape of the implant used affects surgical complexity and cost of the surgery. The need for additional procedures, like fat transfer or breast lift affects surgeon’s fees as well.

Implants & Materials Fee

There are tangible medical parts used in breast augmentation surgery. Because of this, fees vary based on the specifics of the materials. On average, saline implants cost $1000 per pair, while silicone implants cost $2000 per pair. Newest to the market are gummy bear implants, also known as cohesive gel implants. These tend to be the most expensive implant averaging at least $2000 per pair.

Depending on a patient’s specific needs and customized treatment, a surgeon may recommend additional material line items that bring additional fees. One popular example of this would be the Keller Funnel ® which allows a touch free technique in the placement of a breast implant.

Anesthesia Fee

Anesthesia fees vary from practice to practice based on different factors. Some plastic surgeons employ a single anesthesiologist for all cases. In other practices, anesthesia groups affiliated with the surgical center provide services and set fees.

Dr. Howarth operates at the state-of-the-art Paradise Valley Cosmetic Surgery Center. Fully equipped for expert care, patient safety and comfort is always of top priority. Our patients are under the skilled care of some of the best, board-certified anesthesiologists in Arizona. Accordingly, anesthesia fees are set under the direction of our highly trained anesthesia team.

Surgery Facility Fee

The surgery facility fee encompasses costs for the operating room facility as well as the prep and observation time involved in surgical patient care. In general, the plastic surgeon collects these facility fees from the patient as part of the procedure cost. Subsequently, these facility fees are payable to the surgery center.

Dr. Howarth performs surgery at the Paradise Valley Cosmetic Surgery Center where some of the most elite surgeons in Scottsdale also operate. The surgery center is renowned for its comfortable overnight recovery suite where patients can be monitored overnight when needed after long surgeries. Patients receive world class care in our facility.

Surgical Garments Fee

Applied to the operative site, a surgical garment provides medical grade compression in certain cases. In these cases, the cost of breast augmentation will include a surgical garment fee. Designed to shorten recovery time and limit swelling, the surgical garment, or medical grade compression wrap, helps ensure implants settle naturally.

Surgical garments, more so than off the shelf brands, provide safe, effective compression in an ideal manner for the acute healing phase. Therefore, if your surgeon recommends a surgical garment, it is important to follow the post-operative care plan.

So How Much Does Breast Augmentation Surgery or Breast Implants Actually Cost?

There is no set answer to this question. As explained above, many variables contribute to the cost of breast augmentation. For reference, general averages often vary from $3000-$9600, but these fees need context because each plastic surgeon may quote costs differently.

The actual cost of breast augmentation will depend on surgery type, implant type, and many other factors. The first step is to set up an initial consultation. Your surgeon will review your personalized treatment plan with your goals in mind. Dr. Howarth, one of the best plastic surgeons in Scottsdale, is adept at guiding the process to ensure attractive, aesthetic results that will last for years.

Breast Augmentation Cost by State

The cost of breast augmentation can vary significantly from state to state in the United States due to supply and demand, and the number plastic surgeons per capita in each state. The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery has provided public survey data from ABCS diplomates which gives some information that can be helpful for reference. However, this data is from 2018, and prices have only increased in the last five years due to inflation, increased demand, and COVID related cost increases. It is best to use this data as a reference point to compare the breast augmentation cost from state to state. However, this data is not as useful for determining the true cost of breast augmentation surgery in your state. To really know the cost of breast augmentation in your state, it is best to have a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon of your choice.

Are Implants More Expensive in Scottsdale or Other Locations?

You may wonder if implants are more expensive in Scottsdale than in other cities or towns. It is worth noting that even in Scottsdale, home to a large cosmetic surgery market, you will see a range of costs for breast augmentation. Generally, costs reflect the surgeon’s experience, training and overall quality patient experience.

Where you decide to have your surgery will also impact your costs. Typically, cosmetic surgeries in bigger, metropolitan areas may cost more than those performed in smaller cities or towns. A higher cost of living, coupled with increased demand for services, leads to higher cost of breast enhancement procedures. Patients may notice these differences if comparing prices.

In some cases, it may make sense to travel for your breast augmentation surgery if you have found a surgeon with whom you are extremely comfortable. Indeed, nothing is more important than full confidence in your surgeon.

What is the cheapest state to get breast augmentation?

Are Implants Covered by Health Insurance?

In general, health insurance does not cover breast augmentation or related costs. Some health insurers also waive coverage for any complications or revisions related to breast augmentation. In addition, some carriers may exclude breast diseases from coverage if patients have had implants. For these reasons, it is important that you carefully review your specific health insurance policies prior to your breast augmentation procedure.

Breast Augmentation and Financing

Many plastic surgeons offer some sort of financing program to assist patients who desire breast augmentation. CareCredit is a well-known third-party financing service available. Additionally, credit cards are commonly accepted forms of payment. The initial consultation will allow for thorough discussion of all financing options.