February 27, 2026 | Breast Augmentation
4 minute read
For women with smaller or asymmetrical breasts,breast augmentation can increase their self-confidence in their appearance. This surgery is tailored to each woman’s unique needs and goals, which creates significant variations in the procedure’s cost. How much does breast augmentation cost? This blog will look at all the factors that go into planning a breast surgery to answer that question.
Average Cost of Breast Augmentation Surgery
The national average cost for breast enhancement is $7,810, based on patient reviews on RealSelf. The average price in California is $7,354. Actual totals range from $3,900 to $12,500, with some surgeons in larger cities charging even more. The wide variance depends on the services included in the fee and the surgical plan details. Patients need to understand the variables that go into calculating breast augmentation cost so they know exactly what they are paying for before they undergo surgery.
What’s Included in Breast Augmentation Cost?
Multiple fees go into the total cost of breast surgery, including:
- Consultation fee (usually applied to the cost of surgery)
- Surgeon’s fee
- Anesthesia fee
- Facility fee for the operating room or surgery center
- Pre-operative testing, if necessary
- Post-operative garments and care
- Prescription medications
All the fees should be discussed at your initial consultation so you know exactly what you will pay for your breast enhancement from the start of the process.
Factors Impacting the Cost of Breast Enlargement
These factors can also affect your final breast augmentation cost:
Your Surgeon’s Experience, Credentials, and Location
Experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons tend to charge more for their services, but they also typically provide the highest-quality care and superior results. Always choose your surgeon based on their qualifications and expertise, rather than their price, to ensure the best possible outcome. The location of your surgeon can also affect cost, with those in major metropolitan areas often charging more to reflect the higher cost of living there.
The Type of Anesthesia Used
The anesthesia used for your surgery also affects the price: general anesthesia costs more but provides patients with the most comfortable experience. You will also have an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist present to monitor you throughout your surgery to ensure your safety. That professional will also charge a fee based on their experience and credentials.
The Type of Breast Implant You Choose
Implant choice is a primary factor for breast augmentation cost. Saline implants consist of a silicone shell filled with sterile saline solution once the shell is placed in the breast pocket. These implants tend to cost less than their silicone counterparts. Silicone implants also consist of a silicone shell but are prefilled with silicone gel. These implants cost more, but many patients also say they look and feel more like natural breast tissue.
Your Specific Surgical Plan
Every breast augmentation procedure is different, from the location of the incisions to the placement of the implants above or below the chest muscle. Patients also frequently combine their breast augmentation with additional procedures, such as a breast lift, to achieve comprehensive improvement in a single surgical procedure. All these variables can affect the final cost of your breast surgery and should be covered at your initial consultation.
Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Breast Augmentation?
Since breast augmentation is considered a cosmetic procedure, insurance coverage is not available. At UCI Plastic Surgery, we offer financing options to make procedures more affordable for our patients. We will cover those options with you at your initial consultation.
Ready to Learn More About Breast Augmentation in Orange County?
Breast augmentation offers multiple options and long-lasting results, making it one of the most asked-for procedures at UCI Plastic Surgery. Our experienced plastic surgeons tailor their treatments to deliver the most natural, beautiful results for our patients. To learn more about breast enhancement surgery, call our office today at (714) 456-3077 (Orange), (949) 999-2411 (Costa Mesa), or (714) 456-3077 (Tustin), or complete the online contact form.