How Much Is A Boob Job? Why Are They So Expensive?

Augmentation mammaplasty, or boob jobs, as it's commonly called, became one of the world's most popular reconstructive surgeries between the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Currently, it's quite uncommon to see women in certain spheres, such as the entertainment society, that still flaunt their natural breasts. One likely explanation for this contemporary vogue is that "boob jobs seem delightful to those who get them."

Besides the current rage of boob jobs, breast augmentation cost is another exciting feature worth noting. Many women who've undergone breast augmentation surgery or any form of breast enhancement usually associate the surgical procedure with lots of dollars. This penchant helped to sculpt the idea that "it's expensive to get a boob job."

Similarly, the trend of breast implants among high-profile individuals, including media personalities, politicians, entertainers, and other celebrities, also support the common impression that "breast augmentations are costly."

In this light, we'll thoroughly apprise you of the most recent cost of breast augmentation in the US. This piece will also cite reasons people get boob jobs and the procedure's potential benefits.

After the read, you'll appreciate breast augmentation costs and understand why you may consider going through a breast augmentation procedure.

What is boob job?

It'll help if we clarify the definition of "boob job" before proceeding with the main topic. The reason is that "boob job" is a somewhat vague term requiring definition to make it clear.

"Boob job" is an informal expression for breast augmentation—a cosmetic procedure to increase breast size. Although less common, it may also refer to any procedure involving working on one's breasts regardless of the desired effect. Hence, breast reduction surgery may also count as a boob job.

Pamela Anderson's display of breast implants while jogging down Baywatch Beach is one of the popular culture's earliest appearances of a boob job.

Types of boob job

There are various forms of breast augmentation. Some people may also choose to reduce the size of their breasts due to several factors.

Regardless, breast augmentation surgery may be subdivided into two broad classes:

1. Fat transfer augmentation
2. Implant surgery

Let's have an in-depth look at these classes of breast augmentation.

Fat transfer augmentation

Fat transfer is a form of breast augmentation involving removing fat from unwanted areas of the body by liposuction and injecting the fat into the patient's breasts. The procedure makes the breasts larger and fuller. It's also known as fat grafting.

Implant surgery

A breast implant surgery entails using a prosthesis to enhance the breast's size, contour, and shape. Plastic surgeons employ several types of breast implants.

The basic types of breast implants are:

• Saline breast implants
• Silicone implants

Here's what distinguishes these varieties of breast implants:

Saline breasts implants

Saline implants comprise an outer silicone shell but are filled with sterile salt water once the implants are inserted in place. The procedure is available to women up to 18 years old for breast augmentation. Meanwhile, women of any age can get saline implants for breast reconstructive surgery.

Silicone implants

Silicone implants have an outer silicone shell, similar to their saline counterparts. However, they're pre-filled with silicone gel. Silicone gel is a thick, jelly-like, sticky fluid mimicking the feel of natural human fat. Most women desiring an implant prefer silicone breast implants because they believe it appears and feels more natural than other forms of breast augmentation surgery.

Women up to 22 years old can get silicone breast implants for breast augmentation. Still, women of any age can go for the procedure if they need a breast implant for breast reconstruction.

Breast lift

Another breast augmentation procedure worth mentioning is a breast lift.

A breast lift differs from a breast implant as it doesn't require filling or packing the breasts with an implant. During this procedure, the plastic surgeon "peels off" excess skin and reshapes the breast tissue to push up the breast. It's usually performed to remedy sagging breasts and down-pointing nipples.

How much does breast augmentation cost?

Like most forms of plastic surgery, breast augmentations can't be gotten for the price of a pack of French fries. People who haven't had a boob job often assume the cosmetic procedure is costly, while those sporting enhanced breasts portray the surgery as expensive.

Regardless, breast augmentation cost depends on the type of plastic surgery performed.

Let's see the average cost of breast augmentation procedures.

Cost of fat transfer augmentation

An average surgeon will charge about $4,000 for fat transfer and $3,000 for liposuction. Yet, breast augmentation involving fat injections could cost up to $20,000.

Cost of implant surgery

Breast implants usually cost between $5,000 and $12,000. But, saline implants and silicone breast implants don't cost the same as you may have thought. It's vital to note that your health insurance doesn't cover your breast implant procedure expenses, as it doesn't deal with plastic surgery.

Cost of saline breast implants

Saline implants are about $1000 less expensive than their silicone equivalents. The surgery ranges from $5,000 to $10,000.

Cost of silicone breast implants

Silicone breast implants are $1,000 to $1,288 more costly than their saline counterparts. You also need to consider the price of follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is recommended regularly to ensure the silicone isn't seeping into the body.

Cost of breast lift

A breast lift's average cost is $5,012. The average cost doesn't account for other related expenses, such as operating room facilities and anesthesia. Hence, the total cost may exceed $5,012.

Factors affecting the price of breast augmentation

The cost of a breast enhancement procedure doesn't only depend on the surgical process. Other elements also contribute to the final price.

Here are some factors determining the total cost of boob jobs:

• The medication surgeon's fee
• Surgical facility and operating room
• Surgical materials
• Anesthesia and Medication Fees
• Medical tests

The medication surgeon's fee

All plastic surgeons don't charge the same fee for plastic surgery. Some plastic surgeons may demand more money for the procedure than others. According to 2019 Plastic Surgery Statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average surgeon's fee for a breast implant is $3,947.

Breast reduction surgery costs even more—approximately $5,475— because it usually takes three to four times longer than augmentation mammaplasty.

You may spend more money if you contact an expensive surgeon for the procedure. Thus, the cosmetic surgeon plays a huge role in determining the operation cost.

Surgical facility and operating room

The surgical facility where the surgeon will operate also affects the final cost. A surgery center or hospital typically requires a stocking fee for the procedure, which may increase the cost. Meanwhile, a private accredited surgical suite, such as Murphy Plastic Surgery, is a less expensive option. The operating room fee also contributes to the price.

Surgical materials

The price of materials used before, during, and after the surgery also determines the augmentation cost. Some surgical materials you may need for the procedure include bandages, drapes, stitches, and post-surgery garments. Again, the surgeon may insert drainage tubes into your breast after the surgery. You may also have to purchase and use a surgical bra.

Anesthesia and medication Fees

The price of the anesthesia and drugs required for the procedure may inflate the overall expense. Regional and general anesthesia costs between $500 and $3,500.

Medical tests

Breast augmentation patients require medical evaluation before and after the surgery. These tests can also increase the final cost.

Final thoughts

Boob jobs may be costly, but the outcome often satisfies the needs and desires of those opting for surgery. Meanwhile, it's crucial to note that breast augmentation may not be a lifelong solution. You may need to replace your implants in the future.

It's best to employ a board-certified plastic surgeon for the procedure to reduce complications and weigh your financing options to prevent overspending.

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