How Much is a Breast Lift
The cost of any type of cosmetic or reconstructive surgery will vary from one patient to the next. So it is difficult to make any determination on cost until Dr. Wiser has had an opportunity to discuss the patient's concerns and develop a strategy for achieving the desired results.
However, we understand that some patients may be contemplating breast lift surgery and would like further information to help inform their decision and budget for the expenses that are typically incurred for this type of procedure.
Please keep in mind these figures are average estimates and may not reflect the actual cost of your breast lift procedure.
Breakdown of the Average Cost for
a Breast Lift
Procedure
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons estimates the cost of a breast lift at around $5,000. But that figure does not account for additional costs that come with the procedure. These fees include the cost of the surgical facility, lab fees in the event tests need to be run before surgery can proceed, anesthesia costs, and post-operative fees including prescriptions.
All of these must be factored in to determine the cost of a breast lift, along with other considerations starting with the type of procedure Dr. Wiser recommends will best address your concerns. This may require a surgical approach or a non-surgical alternative.
The following are some of the typical factors that play a role in the cost of a breast lift:
Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Options
An initial consultation with Dr. Wiser will help determine which option is best for your case and recommend the most effective procedure for achieving the desired results. Breast lift surgery is typically more successful than non-surgical alternatives and Dr. Wiser will review your options after an initial consultation and examination of the breasts has been performed.
The costs of your breast lift can increase if you choose to have other additional surgeries performed at the same time. Many of our patients will elect to include breast augmentation or breast reduction surgery and these can affect the overall cost.
Pre-Operative Preparations
Prior to the start of a surgical breast lift procedure, Dr. Wiser may require some patients to have blood work or other tests performed to determine if they are healthy enough to undergo surgery. The necessity for these tests are based solely on the individual's medical record and overall health and not every patient will require these additional pre-operative steps.
In most cases, these preparatory steps are common and may come with added expenses and fees based on the tests performed.
Surgery Fees
There are three contributing factors that can affect the cost of a breast lift procedure:
Facility Fee
Most surgical centers and operating facilities charge hourly rates. On average, breast lift surgeries can last anywhere from two to five hours depending on the complexity of the procedure. Since there are many types of breast lifts and every patient is different, some procedures can be more complex than others, requiring more time spent in the facility and personnel attending the procedure.
Anesthesia Fee
Anesthesia, if necessary, is another expense that is charged at an hourly rate.
Surgeon Fee
This is a set fee regardless of the procedure you have chosen to have performed or the complexities of the case.
Prior to the surgery, Dr. Wiser will review the details of the procedure you have chosen and explain every step that is needed for achieving successful results so you are always aware of what to expect.
Post-Operative Recovery
Recovery times may vary from one patient to the next as do the costs related to a successful recovery period. These can range from pain management and prescription medications to compression garments, pillows, and other accessories to help make the recovery time more comfortable.
Some patients may request optional services such as an overnight nurse, post-op lymphatic massage sessions, and special skin care treatments. These are not included in the cost of the breast lift surgery and require additional payment.
Dr. Wiser may schedule follow-up appointments and examinations to monitor your progress as well as remove any sutures and replace any post-operative dressings around the breasts. Depending on the type of surgical procedure performed and expected recovery time, some patients may not be able to return to work for a week or two.
Why is a Breast Lift so Expensive?
Like any other cosmetic procedure, the price of a breast lift covers the costs for all personnel working to ensure the surgery is performed successfully. This includes the surgeon, nurses, all members of the operating room staff, the anesthesiologist, even the patient coordinator.
In addition, all pre-op and post-op processes typically require the patient to go through a range of examinations and assessments, patient education sessions, and post-op appointments to monitor the progress of healing. All of these encounters from the initial consultation to achieving the patient’s desired results can take up to a year or even longer, depending on the complexities of the procedure. .
As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of adverse outcome even while all standard precautions and preventative measures are taken to ensure the best results for the patient. These risks are also calculated into the cost of a breast lift procedure.
Will Your Insurance Cover these
Expenses?
Cosmetic procedures are not typically covered by medical insurance providers.
However, if the breast lift procedure is being performed for specific medical reasons including breast cancer patients or patients who require this surgery for reconstructive purposes due to medical reasons, or patients with chronic skin infections in the folds of the breast your insurance provider may cover some or all of these costs.
We urge that all patients read their medical insurance policy to get a better understanding of what their provider will cover and what is not covered prior to submitting for pre-authorization ahead of the procedure.
If you are uncertain or have questions about certain procedures and the costs that are covered by your insurance provider, our office will be happy to review your plan and explain the details of what it provides for breast lift surgery procedures and any associated expenses.