According to the most recent American Society of Plastic Surgeons' Plastic Surgery Statistics Report, $16.7 billion was spent on cosmetic procedures in the U.S. 1 Much of that money was spent on breast-related cosmetic procedures, such as breast augmentation surgery, breast lifts and breast reductions.1
While these three procedures often get grouped under the heading of a “boob job," they are three distinct cosmetic procedures that may be performed separately or in combination depending on the needs and desired outcomes of the patient.
- Breast augmentation uses a breast implant (either saline or silicone) or fat transfer from another part of the body to increase the size and shape of the breast. The position and size of the areola is not changed in a breast augmentation.2
- Breast lifts, also called a mastopexy, are a type of breast reconstruction surgery that changes the position of the breast by removing and/or tightening the breast tissue and skin to lift and reshape the breast. This procedure may include repositioning and reduction in size of the areola. This procedure may be combined with a breast augmentation.
- Breast reduction, also called a reduction mammaplasty, reduces the size of the breast by removing fat, tissue and skin.3 This procedure may include repositioning and reduction in size of the areola.
Continue reading to learn more about the average costs for boob jobs, if insurance benefits usually cover the procedure and potential financing options if you are considering a procedure.
How Much is Breast Augmentation Surgery?
The average cost of breast augmentation surgery is $4,516, based on the American Society of Plastic Surgery's Statistics Report. However, that price includes only the procedure itself and does not account for hospital or surgical center costs, anesthesia, operating room, the surgeon's fee or other related expenses.4
Depending on your geographic location and the experience of the surgeon though, the total price of a breast augmentation may jump from $6,000 up to $12,000.5
The cost of a breast augmentation can also vary based on the specific type of procedure and products used.
Silicone breast implants cost
Breast augmentations with an implant average $6,625, but vary based on whether a saline or silicone implant is used.6
Saline breast implants cost
A cosmetic costs study found that breast augmentation with a silicone implant can cost about $1,000 more than a saline implant.7 So if we take the average cost of silicone implants and factor in the study results, saline implants cost around $7,300.
Breast augmentations with fat transfer cost
Breast augmentations with fat transfer uses liposuction to remove fat from one part of the body and add it to the breasts. Due to the added procedure, fat transfer breast augmentations are often more expensive than implant breast augmentations.8
Is Breast Augmentation Surgery Covered by Insurance?
Breast augmentations are usually not covered by insurance, but many cosmetic surgery centers offer or accept financing such as the CareCredit credit card for the procedure.4*
How Much Does a Breast Lift Cost?
As indicated in the American Society of Plastic Surgery's Statistics Report, the average cost of breast lift surgery is $5,012—about $1,000 more than a breast augmentation. Just like the estimate of a breast augmentation, this cost does not account for hospital or surgical center costs, anesthesia, operating room, the surgeon's fee or other related expenses.9
The cost of a breast lift will also increase if it is performed in conjunction with a breast augmentation or a breast reduction procedure.
Is a Breast Lift Covered by Insurance?
A breast lift is usually not covered by insurance, but many cosmetic surgery centers offer or accept financing such as the CareCredit credit card for the procedure.9 *
How Much is a Breast Reduction?
The most recent American Society of Plastic Surgery's Statistics Report puts the average cost of breast reduction surgery at $5,913. However, this cost does not account for hospital or surgical center costs, anesthesia, operating room, the surgeon's fee or other related expenses.10
Is a Breast Reduction Covered by Insurance?
Good news! Unlike breast augmentation and breast lifts, breast reduction surgery may be covered by your insurance. Check with your insurance provider as you may need to get authorization first.10 If your insurance does not cover breast reduction surgery, some cosmetic surgeon centers offer or accept financing such as the CareCredit credit card for the procedure.*
Additional Breast Surgery Costs to Consider
There are a number of elements that add up to the total cost for any type of boob job, and each of these elements may also vary based on your geographic location, the type of facility where the procedure is performed and the expertise or prestige of the surgeon.
Consultation fee (though some providers may offer free consultations or apply the cost of a consultation to the procedure fee)
- Pre- and post-operative appointments
- Anesthesia fees
- Hospital or surgical facility costs
- Medical tests
- Post-surgery garments
- Prescriptions for medication
- Surgeon's fee
- Overnight fees (if needed)5
How to Pay for a Breast Surgery
Most cosmetic or plastic surgeons expect payment on the day the plastic surgery is to be performed. There also may be other upfront costs such as medication or pre-operative appointments that need to be covered before the procedure itself. 11
There are several payment options to consider for paying for a breast augmentation, breast lift or breast reduction.
Savings account
You can save in advance to pay for some or all of the procedure costs.
Credit cards
Most cosmetic surgery providers accept credit cards including many who accept CareCredit.
Surgical center financing
Although rare, some surgical centers may offer in-house financing and allow patients extended time to pay off the bills monthly directly to the surgery center.12
Financing Breast Surgery With the CareCredit Credit Card
Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for breast surgery and related expenses not covered by health insurance.* Apply today and use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U hub for more great articles, podcasts and videos.
Expert Reviewer
Dr. Justin West, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Dr. Justin West is a board-certified plastic surgeon practicing at CosmetiCare in Newport Beach, California. Dr. West received his Bachelor of Arts from Pomona College in Claremont, CA, and his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. He attended a prestigious six-year integrated residency program in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington D.C. and his Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship at the Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital in New York focusing on aesthetic surgery of the face, breast and body.
His commitment to exemplary results is made possible by his ability to bring an artistic eye to each procedure, creating results that are subtle, naturalistic and that enhance his patients' natural beauty.
He is a member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. West has been recognized throughout his career with awards that include Top Surgeon in Newport Beach, RealSelf Top Contributor and Top Doctor and Patients' Choice.
Author Bio
Kate Bayless is an experienced health and wellness freelance writer with 15 years of experience. Her work has appeared in Parents, Women's Health, Beachbody and OpenFit.