If you’re considering a breast lift post-pregnancy, one of the foremost concerns on your mind will be the cost of the procedure. Before you make a final decision as to which type of breast procedure is right for you, it is important to understand what to expect cost-wise and the various factors that impact that dollar amount.
A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, alters the shape and appearance of your breasts by revamping the breast tissue, getting rid of droopy skin, and generally making the area more taut and firm.
Keep reading for a thorough overview of the average breast lift cost, the health insurance components that could affect what you pay, breast augmentation costs, and more.
How Much Does a Breast Lift Cost?
According to data collected by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average breast lift cost can range from approximately $6,000 to $12,000. With that said, breast lift costs can vary significantly based on a variety of key factors. In addition, this range does not include all the costs associated with a breast lift, such as the cost of the anesthetic or the operating room where the cosmetic surgeon will perform your procedure.
The breast lift cost will also depend on the expertise and experience of your surgeon, as well as the type of technique the physician employs for your breast lift. Furthermore, the geographical location of your surgery is also going to affect the final breast lift cost you can expect to pay.
For instance, surgeries performed in more affordable parts of the country where the cost of living is lower will often cost less than procedures in more expensive areas where the living costs are substantially higher.
Standard breast lift costs could include the following components:
- Medical tests
- Garments you will wear post-surgery
- Prescription medications
- Anesthesia costs
- Fees for the surgery center or facility
- The cosmetic surgeon’s fees
While cost should be an important consideration, the experience and knowledge of the cosmetic surgeon you choose are critical to helping ensure the surgery goes smoothly and to promote optimal recovery. You never want to put your physical well-being and the outcome of your surgery at risk just to save on breast lift cost.
Is a Breast Lift Covered by Insurance?
When considering the average breast lift cost, it is key to consider the fact that not all breast lift procedures are covered by insurance providers. Depending on your insurance company, a breast lift procedure might not be covered at all, period. What typically determines whether or not an insurer will cover breast lift costs is if the procedure qualifies as a medical necessity.
For example, if you need a breast reduction because your larger breasts are leading to health issues, then require a breast lift to ensure the reduction succeeds, your insurer might cover both surgeries. However, just because you and your cosmetic surgeon decide that the breast lift is a medical necessity doesn’t mean the insurance company will be sold on the idea.
There are some steps you can take to find out whether or not your health insurer will cover your breast lift costs.
First, take a look at your insurance benefits documentation to see if it makes any note of breast procedures like lifts or reductions. The verbiage of your insurance benefits paperwork can be complicated at times, so if you are confused or have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out to your insurance company for information.
Another thing you can do is to request that your doctor write a medical necessity letter if you see that there’s a possibility your insurer might cover the breast lift costs. Your doctor’s office will likely know the particular details a letter of medical necessity needs to include, and it’s possible that they’ve worked with your insurer before regarding a similar matter.
You can also speak with a pre-authorization representative or caseworker at your health insurance company to determine what paperwork you require to preauthorize the procedure. Preauthorization documentation typically serves as formal written notice that the insurer has approved the procedures and will cover the costs involved, provided you meet the preauthorization requirements.
Be sure to speak with the doctor’s office and ascertain that the staff knows precisely what paperwork they need for the claim to ensure they bill it properly. You also need to consider whether or not your cosmetic surgeon is within your health provider’s network or not.
An out-of-network physician could mean that you won’t have any coverage for your breast lift cost, or your out-of-pocket expenses could be steep. Remember to check your deductible and copay to see how much of the final breast lift cost you will have to cover.
How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost?
If you’re considering a range of breast enhancement procedures, you might also be wondering what the typical cost is for breast augmentation. The average cost of a breast augmentation is typically lower than what a breast lift costs. Based on data collected by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of breast augmentation is approximately $4,000.
Remember, factors such as the physical location of your doctor’s office, the technique the physician uses during your procedure, and your surgeon’s experience will all affect the final totals.
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Breast Lift and Augmentation at the Same Time?
If you’re interested in getting a breast lift as well as implants, your costs could be significantly higher than if you merely opted for one procedure. However, if you are set on getting both a lift and an augmentation, undergoing both procedures at once will still be more cost-effective than getting them separately. The type of implants you select will also affect the total cost involved.
The average cost of a breast lift and augmentation with silicone implants is around $8,000, while the cost of a lift and augmentation with saline implants is a bit cheaper with an average of $7,500. These figures should give you a general idea of what your breast lift cost and augmentation costs could be, but they are not always the same across the board.
Research board-certified surgeons in your area and interview several providers before choosing your physician. Many doctor’s offices work with financing companies to make breast lift costs and other procedures more viable and affordable, so be sure to inquire regarding these types of plans when you schedule your consultation.