Understanding Mastopexy and Augmentation Cost: Your Complete Financial Guide
Combining a mastopexy (breast lift) with breast augmentation is a transformative procedure that addresses both sagging tissue and lost volume. However, understanding the total investment required is crucial. These complementary procedures come with distinct costs that converge when performed together, typically creating a price range of $10,000 to $15,000 or higher. This guide demystifies pricing structures, explores variables affecting your final quote, and provides strategic planning insights.
Why Combine Mastopexy and Augmentation?
Mastopexy elevates drooping breasts by removing excess skin and tightening tissue, while augmentation enhances size and shape using implants. Together, they restore a youthful, fuller silhouette—ideal for post-pregnancy bodies, weight loss patients, or those combating age-related changes. Combining procedures minimizes overall recovery time and surgical fees compared to separate operations but involves greater complexity than either surgery alone.
Breaking Down Average Costs
Standalone Procedure Averages
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Mastopexy (Breast Lift):
Typically $4,000–$7,000, with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons citing a national average of $6,816 for surgeon fees. -
Breast Augmentation:
Ranges from $3,600–$9,000, driven by implant type:- Saline implants: ~$5,400+
- Silicone/gel implants: ~$5,900+
Combined Surgery Costs
When performed together, fees are cumulative:
- Surgeon Fees: $7,500–$12,000
- Total Package (with anesthesia/facility): $10,000–$15,000+
Complex revisions or circumferential body lifts can exceed $20,000. More intricate surgeries include combining with scar correction, NAC repositioning and muscle resuspension.
7 Key Factors Influencing Your Price
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Surgeon Expertise:
Board-certified plastic surgeons with specialized breast surgery experience command higher fees (often $2,000+ more than generalists). Their precision reduces revision risks, making this a critical investment, especially for combined procedures. -
Geographic Location:
Urban centers (e.g., NYC, L.A.) incur premiums of 15–25% versus suburban/rural areas. For example:- Midwest average combined cost: $9,500–$12,500
- Coastal metro areas: $13,000–$18,000
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Implant Type & Material:
- Saline: Lower cost ($1,000–$2,000/set)
- Silicone: Premium pricing ($1,200–$2,500/set)
- Gummy bear/cohesive gel: Adds ~$800–$1,500
- Sizing complexity or custom orders may further increase costs.
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Surgical Facility:
Hospital ORs ($1,200–$3,500/day) exceed accredited surgery centers ($800–$2,000). Emergency hospital access impacts pricing but enhances safety. -
Anesthesia:
General anesthesia costs $600–$1,200/hour. Combined procedures require longer sessions (3–5 hours), elevating this fee versus standalone surgeries. -
Procedure Complexity:
Factors adding 10–30% to baseline quotes:- Significant ptosis (Grade 3 sagging) requiring extensive lifts
- Asymmetry corrections beyond standard techniques
- Simultaneous fat grafting using liposuction
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Post-Operative Care:
Essentials like surgical bras ($50–$150), prescription pain management ($75–$200), and follow-up visits (sometimes bundled) are rarely included in initial quotes.
Hidden Fees & Ancillary Expenses
- Medical Testing:
Labs/EKGs required for surgical clearance: $200–$500 - Garments & Supplies:
Compression bras, bandages, scar creams: $100–$350 - Recovery Support:
Physical therapy, lymphatic massages: $50–$150/session - Time Off Work:
2–3 weeks of lost wages for non-remote roles - Revision Surgery:
Though uncommon (5–10% of cases), touch-ups cost 20–40% of the original fee
Financing Your Transformation
Since insurance rarely covers cosmetic enhancements, consider these payment strategies:
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Surgeon Payment Plans:
80% of practices partner with medical lenders like CareCredit® or Alphaeon™, offering 6–24 months at 0% APR if paid in full within the term. -
Personal Loans:
Unsecured loans through banks/credit unions (rates vary from 6–36% APR based on credit). -
Strategic Scheduling:
Off-peak discounts (Jan–March) or bundled procedures (e.g., combining with tummy tuck) may yield 5–15% savings. Avoid "bargain" providers—risking complications often costs more long-term.
Insurance Exceptions & Medical Necessity
While insurers routinely reject cosmetic lift-augmentation combos, partial coverage may apply if:
- Mastopexy addresses documented macromastia (back/joint pain)
- Asymmetry exceeds 30% volume difference after mastectomy
Submit detailed clinical notes and appeal denials with physician support. Even approved cases rarely cover implants or combined surgery fees.
Choosing Your Surgeon: Quality Over Cost
A $8,000 quote might hide critical red flags: non-accredited facilities, inexperienced surgeons, or outdated techniques. Prioritize:
- Board certification (American Board of Plastic Surgery)
- Before/after galleries of combined cases
- Surgery center accreditation (AAAASF, JCAHO)
- Transparent pricing breakdowns inclusive of anesthesia/facility fees
Conclusion: Investing Wisely in Your Results
Mastopexy with augmentation delivers profound confidence boosts, but requires meticulous financial planning. While $10,000–$15,000 reflects typical investments, personalized quotes from 2–3 board-certified surgeons provide clarity. Remember: superior artistry and safety protocols justify higher costs, while financing transforms significant fees into manageable milestones. Schedule consultations to discuss anatomical goals, receive precise estimates, and embark on a transformative journey grounded in both aesthetic and financial confidence.