How Much Does a Breast Lift Cost?

Yara Zakharia

Oscar winner and Platinum singer Bette Midler once remarked that "after thirty, a body has a mind of its own". For many middle-aged women, this thought rings true, as sagging breasts become one of the realities of life. Whether from stretch marks on the breast tissue, gravity, genetics, breast-feeding, pregnancy, aging, weight loss, or weight gain, female breasts become distended and weaker. Women with a "grade II ptosis" experience a moderate droop of their nipples, whereas those with a "grade III ptosis" have substantially-drooping nipples.

Each year in the U.S., an increasing number of smaller and large-breasted women undergo breast lift surgery, alternatively known as mastopexy, to reclaim younger-looking breasts. The breast lift procedure, which is a type of breast enhancement surgery, consists of raising and reshaping the breasts by eliminating excess tissue (including stretch marks) and reinforcing the surrounding skin. Breast lifts enable women to have a more proportioned body, an improved appearance, and in many cases, an enhanced self-confidence.

Numerous fees are factored into the cost of breast lift procedures; these include the following:

1. Surgeon's fee
2. Anesthesia fees
3. Fee charged by the accredited cosmetic surgery suite, accredited surgery center surgical facility, or accredited hospital (i.e. Costs of operating room and nursing care)
4. Medical fees such as x-rays, physical exams, and lab charges
5. The cost of garments worn after the surgery
6. The cost of prescriptions
7. The cost of surgical instruments

Average Cost of a Breast Lift and Its Components

Consumers should be cautious of ads offering breast lifts at low costs. They should verify and confirm that the aforementioned components are included in the final price. Total fees for breast lift surgery usually range anywhere from $5,000 to $9,000. A study of board-certified plastic surgeons shows that the average price of a breast lift procedure in the U.S. is between $5,000 and $6,000.

Anesthesia costs average between $1000 and $1,300, whereas hospital or facility fees run anywhere from $500 to $1,500. Depending on the type of breast lift procedure in question, surgeon's fees typically range from $4,700 to $9,000. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the national average for a surgeon's fee is $4,711.

Factors Influencing Surgeon's Fees

Surgeon's fees will differ based on 1) geographic location, 2) the surgical technique that is utilized, 3) the complexity of the case, and 4) the physician's reputation and experience. Consumers should not compromise quality for a lower price. It is imperative that they choose a surgeon who is well-trained, skilled, and highly-experienced to perform such an important elective surgery. The extent of the breast lift procedure is another consideration that is used to calculate the surgeon's fee. Patients with less voluminous breasts pay lower fees due to the fact that fewer incisions are necessary. Similarly, patients requesting both a breast lift and breast implants can expect to pay a higher cost.

Other Factors Influencing Cost

Consumers can reap savings by undergoing two or more procedures on the same day since they will pay less in facility and anesthesia costs. By combining a breast lift procedure with breast reduction or breast augmentation surgery, patients will also benefit from a lower price. Centers that offer post-operative care as part of the breast lift procedure usually charge higher prices. Pain medication that is prescribed by the plastic surgeon adds another several hundred dollars to the patient's bill.

Additionally, patients must pay for post-operative garments such as a surgical bra intended to be worn for a short period of time following the procedure and support bras that they must wear for a few months following the surgery. At a number of clinics, consumers may avail themselves of discounts extended to patients who grant the surgeon permission to utilize their before and after photographs and who are willing to offer a testimonial.

Methods of Payment

Most insurance providers do not provide coverage for breast lift procedures because they are sought primarily for esthetic, as opposed to medical, reasons. Consumers will find that the vast majority of plastic surgeons offer payment or financing plans, many with no or low interest, thus making breast lifts affordable and accommodating to their budget.