Breast augmentation cost includes the surgeon's fee, operating room cost, anesthesia and the implant costs. The cost of breast augmentation varies widely, depending on factors such as the surgeon's skill, the region where you have the surgery performed, whether the surgery takes place in the office or in a hospital, what type of surgery you choose and what type of anesthesia is used. Those four costs are the surgeon's fee, operating room cost, anesthesia and the implant costs. Potential patients that do not take the time to understand these costs risk confusion or frustration going in to their cosmetic plastic surgery procedure. Get an approximate idea of plastic surgery costs when you arrange your consultation.

Extent of Procedure

The type of surgery also influences breast augmentation cost. There are a number of different methods for the breast implant procedure. Some implant techniques are easier and less time consuming. The type of anesthesia used will affect the cost as well. General anesthesia is more costly than a local anesthetic. Every breast enhancement procedure is unique and there are factors that will influence the breast augmentation surgery cost. The level of complexity presented by the particular case can be a significant cost factor.

Skill and Training

The plastic surgeon's training and skill are important factors in the cost. The most qualified surgeons who have performed extensive surgeries typically command higher fees. It is best to find a board-certified surgeon who has years of surgical training and a background in breast surgery. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the most prestigious organization of plastic surgeons. The mission of The American Board of Plastic Surgery is to promote safe, ethical, efficacious plastic surgery to the public by maintaining high standards for the education and certification of plastic surgeons.

Surgery

Breast enlargement surgery involves using breast implants to achieve fuller breasts. Some women have breast augmentation surgery to improve their self-image. Some feel dissatisfied because the size of their breasts do not meet expectations. Others want to bring balance to a breast that is somewhat smaller than the other is. Often women want the procedure to restore their natural breast volume, which may have decreased because of pregnancy, weight loss, aging or even breast cancer surgery.

A surgeon performs the procedure in a surgical facility under a light where an anesthesiologist administers a general and local anesthetic for the surgery, which lasts from one to two hours. The surgeon enlarges the breasts by placing soft implants through a small incision, either though the armpit, from around the nipple or under the breast. Both saline and silicone implants are now available.