Breast enhancement surgery is one of the most popular types of plastic surgery in the world today, and because of that the average breast augmentation cost is falling all the time. Women choose this cosmetic surgery procedure for a wide variety of reasons but the most common are to enhance their natural figure, correct the loss of breast tissue following weight loss or pregnancy, and to improve self-esteem. Larger breasts make clothing fit better and women feel more attractive once they notice the attention they receive following the surgery. The average cost of breast augmentation can put it outside the reach of many women, but those who choose to undergo the surgery usually find that the benefits and the results of the surgery far outweigh the cost.
The breast enlargement surgery is typically performed in a doctor’s office, a surgical center or a hospital. It is important when choosing a physician to choose one who is certified to perform the procedure and has done it successfully many times. It’s a good idea for any prospective patient to build up a dossier of breast augmentation information so that they can make an informed decision as to whether the surgery is for them. Prior to any surgery, patients visit the office for a medical examination and discussion about what size breasts they would like. Often, they are given implants to place into their bra so that they can see what they will look like after surgery. In some cases, a mammogram will be taken before and after the surgery in order to detect any changes that may occur in the future. A list of medications will be gathered and smokers will be told that they must quit before the surgery can be performed. It’s at this stage that the patient can discuss the cost of breast implants, and many clinics will often have some sort of breast augmentation financing package that can be taken out, so the total cost can be spread over several months.
What happens during the surgery?
During the surgery, the patient is sedated to prevent feeling discomfort. The patient and surgeon will have discussed the type of incision to be used prior to the procedure. There are three common choices and choosing one over another is dictated by the size of the implant, the patient’s anatomy, and the patient and doctor’s preference. Incisions can be made either on the outer bottom edge of the breast, under the arm, or around the areola. Surgeons typically seek to choose the incision that will leave the least amount of scarring.
There are two common choices when it comes to implants. Silicone gel implants look and feel much like natural breast tissue. Other implants are filled with saline solution. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted approval of saline solution implants for women above the age of 18 and silicone gel implants for women above the age of 22. Silicone implants may require periodic ultrasounds to be sure there is no leakage.
The breast implant is placed either under the pectoral muscle or over the pectoral muscle and directly behind existing breast tissue.
The decision on placement is dictated by the size of the implant, the patient’s anatomy and the doctor’s preference. Once the implant is placed, the incisions are closed using surgical tape, surgical glue or sutures.
After the surgery & possible complications
Some tenderness and swelling is to be expected following the breast implantations procedure but these are usually resolved within the first several days while the patient goes through the recovery process. Unlike other surgeries, the results of breast augmentation can be immediately seen.
There are several complications that can occur. As with any incision, there will be scarring. A large amount of unsightly scarring can develop in some cases. Some women experience bleeding, infection and slow healing incisions. Others may experience a loss of sensation in the breasts or nipples. A burst implant is another risk of this type of surgery and as with any surgery, there is a risk of blood clots. Because of these problems, it is important for the patient to choose a doctor that she trusts.
How much does breast augmentation surgery cost?
Costs of breast augmentation and breast lift surgery vary greatly, depending not only on the size of the implant desired, but also the geographical area of the country where the surgery is taking place and costs associated with the facility where the procedure is to be performed. The average breast augmentation cost, for the surgery itself, is around $3,500 but the overall cost is much greater when costs of the medical center fee, the anesthesia fee, pain medication, and new clothing are considered. Total average cost of breast augmentation is usually between $5,000 and $10,000 – the actual breast implants cost only a small proportion of this, with the majority going towards the surgery itself and the after-care you will receive.
Most medical insurance plans will not cover breast augmentation cost and some specifically refuse to cover women who have had the surgery if they develop a breast related illness in the future. Patients need to learn the policies of their insurance company before undergoing the surgery. Since so many Hollywood actresses have recently undergone the surgery, many young girls are opting for it. Young girls are asking their parents to buy them larger breasts as gifts for their sweet 16 birthday or high school graduation. A small number of women undergo breast augmentation following a mastectomy but most of the procedures are done as elective surgery to supplement what nature provided.
The best way to approach breast augmentation surgery is to gather as much information about the procedure and the doctor performing it as possible and go into it happy and excited about your choice. If you’re unsure of the best way of how to get bigger boobs or worried about how much does a boob job cost, then it’s wise to also research the wide range of natural breast enhancement products available, as some of these may be more suitable. These products are often considerably cheaper than breast implants, but the breast enhancement cost should also take into account the increased confidence and inner happiness that an instant boost will give.