How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost in 2026?
Breast augmentation surgery costs between $5,000 and $15,000 in the United States in 2026, with the national average landing around $8,500 when all fees are included. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the average surgeon's fee alone is approximately $4,500, but this figure does not account for anesthesia, facility fees, implants, or post-operative care.
Breast augmentation remains the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure in America, with over 300,000 procedures performed annually. Your total cost depends heavily on the type of implant you choose, your geographic location, your surgeon's experience, and whether you combine augmentation with other procedures like a breast lift.
Because breast augmentation is almost always considered an elective cosmetic procedure, health insurance does not cover it. That means understanding the full cost breakdown—and your financing options—is essential before booking your consultation.
Cost by Implant and Procedure Type
| Procedure Type | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Saline Implants | $7,000 | $5,000 – $9,500 |
| Silicone Gel Implants | $8,500 | $6,500 – $11,000 |
| Gummy Bear (Form-Stable) Implants | $10,000 | $8,000 – $13,000 |
| Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation | $10,500 | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Augmentation with Breast Lift (Augmentation Mastopexy) | $12,000 | $9,000 – $15,000 |
| Breast Implant Revision | $9,000 | $6,000 – $13,000 |
Saline implants are the most affordable option, while fat transfer augmentation costs more due to the liposuction component. Combining augmentation with a breast lift adds $3,000–$5,000 to the total price because it requires more surgical time and expertise.
Breast Augmentation Cost by State
Geographic location is one of the biggest factors influencing breast augmentation pricing. Metropolitan areas with high costs of living—particularly coastal cities—charge significantly more than mid-sized cities in the South and Midwest.
| State | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| California | $10,500 | $7,500 – $15,000 |
| New York | $10,000 | $7,000 – $14,500 |
| Florida | $8,500 | $6,000 – $12,000 |
| Texas | $7,800 | $5,500 – $11,000 |
| Illinois | $8,200 | $6,000 – $11,500 |
| Pennsylvania | $7,500 | $5,500 – $10,500 |
| Ohio | $6,800 | $5,000 – $9,500 |
| Georgia | $7,500 | $5,500 – $10,500 |
| North Carolina | $7,200 | $5,500 – $10,000 |
| Arizona | $7,800 | $5,500 – $11,000 |
| Tennessee | $6,500 | $5,000 – $9,000 |
| Colorado | $8,000 | $6,000 – $11,000 |
Insurance vs. No Insurance
| Coverage Type | Typical Patient Cost | What's Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Private Insurance (Cosmetic) | $6,000 – $15,000 | Not covered; patient pays full cost |
| Private Insurance (Reconstructive) | $500 – $3,000 | Post-mastectomy reconstruction covered under federal law (WHCRA) |
| Medicare | $500 – $2,500 | Covers breast reconstruction after cancer surgery; does not cover cosmetic augmentation |
| Medicaid | $0 – $1,500 | May cover reconstruction in some states; never covers cosmetic augmentation |
| Without Insurance (Self-Pay) | $5,000 – $15,000 | Patient responsible for all costs; may receive cash-pay discounts |
The Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) requires all health insurers that cover mastectomy to also cover breast reconstruction, including implants. This is the primary exception where insurance pays for breast implant surgery. For purely cosmetic augmentation, patients should expect to pay 100% out of pocket.
Complete Cost Breakdown
The "sticker price" of breast augmentation includes several distinct components. Understanding each one helps you compare quotes accurately.
| Cost Component | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Surgeon's Fee | $3,500 – $7,000 |
| Implants (Pair) | $1,000 – $3,500 |
| Anesthesia Fee | $800 – $1,500 |
| Facility/Operating Room Fee | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Pre-Operative Tests (Labs, Mammogram) | $200 – $500 |
| Post-Operative Garments | $50 – $150 |
| Prescription Medications | $100 – $300 |
| Follow-Up Visits | Often included in surgeon's fee |
Always request an all-inclusive quote from your surgeon's office. Some practices advertise low surgeon fees but tack on separate charges for anesthesia, facility use, and implants. A transparent quote should itemize every cost so there are no surprises on surgery day.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Breast Augmentation
Implant Type and Brand
Saline implants cost $1,000–$1,500 per pair, while silicone gel implants run $1,800–$2,500. Premium options like Allergan Natrelle Inspira or Mentor MemoryGel Xtra cost even more. Gummy bear implants are the most expensive at $2,500–$3,500 per pair.
Surgeon Experience and Credentials
Board-certified plastic surgeons with extensive breast augmentation portfolios typically charge 20–50% more than less experienced surgeons. This premium often translates to better aesthetic outcomes and lower complication rates. Always verify certification through the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).
Geographic Location
Procedures in major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, New York City, and Miami cost $2,000–$5,000 more than the same surgery in smaller cities. Overhead costs, real estate, and local demand all drive these differences.
Surgical Technique and Placement
Submuscular (under the muscle) placement generally costs slightly more than subglandular (over the muscle) placement due to longer operative time. The incision approach—inframammary, periareolar, transaxillary, or transumbilical—can also influence the fee.
Facility Type
Hospital-based procedures cost $1,500–$3,000 more in facility fees compared to accredited ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). Most breast augmentations are safely performed in outpatient settings.
Combined Procedures
Adding a breast lift, liposuction, or tummy tuck to your augmentation increases total cost but may save money compared to staging each procedure separately, since you share one anesthesia and facility fee.
How to Save Money on Breast Augmentation
- Get at least three quotes. Consult with multiple board-certified plastic surgeons. Prices for the same procedure can vary by $3,000–$5,000 within the same city. Many surgeons offer free or low-cost consultations.
- Choose an outpatient surgery center. ASCs charge significantly less than hospitals for facility fees. Ensure the center is accredited by AAAHC or AAAASF.
- Consider saline implants. If you have adequate breast tissue for natural-looking results, saline implants can save you $1,000–$2,000 compared to silicone.
- Look beyond your immediate city. Traveling 1–2 hours to a smaller metro area can reduce your total cost by 20–30%. Many patients in the Northeast travel to cities in Pennsylvania or the Carolinas for significant savings.
- Ask about all-inclusive pricing. Some practices offer flat-rate packages that bundle surgeon fees, implants, anesthesia, facility costs, and follow-up visits. These packages eliminate surprise bills.
- Take advantage of promotional financing. CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit frequently offer 0% APR for 24 months. If you can pay off the balance within the promotional period, you avoid all interest charges.
- Use HSA or FSA funds strategically. While cosmetic augmentation isn't HSA/FSA-eligible, reconstructive breast surgery is. If your procedure qualifies as medically necessary, these pre-tax dollars can save you 20–35%.
Financing Options for Breast Augmentation
| Financing Option | Details | Typical Terms |
|---|---|---|
| CareCredit | Medical credit card accepted by most plastic surgeons | 0% APR for 12–24 months; 17–27% APR after |
| Alphaeon Credit | Healthcare financing designed for elective procedures | 0% APR for 12–24 months; credit lines up to $25,000 |
| In-Office Payment Plans | Many practices offer direct monthly payment plans | Varies; some interest-free, others charge 5–10% |
| Personal Loan (SoFi, LightStream) | Unsecured personal loans with fixed rates | 6–15% APR; 2–7 year terms; no prepayment penalties |
| HSA/FSA | Pre-tax health savings; only for medically necessary procedures | Tax savings of 20–35% on eligible expenses |
| Credit Card with 0% Intro APR | Standard credit cards with promotional rates | 0% APR for 12–21 months; 18–25% APR after |
Avoid financing plans that extend beyond 24 months at high interest rates. A $9,000 breast augmentation financed at 22% APR over 5 years would cost you over $14,500 in total payments.
Pro Tips from Industry Experts
Always verify board certification. The single most important factor in your breast augmentation outcome isn't price—it's your surgeon's credentials. Only choose a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). You can verify certification at abplasticsurgery.org.
Request an itemized quote in writing. Before committing, get a detailed written estimate that separates surgeon fees, implant costs, anesthesia, facility fees, and post-op care. Compare apples to apples when evaluating multiple surgeons.
Factor in long-term costs. Breast implants are not lifetime devices. The FDA recommends considering replacement every 10–20 years. Budget for potential future revision surgery, which averages $6,000–$13,000, when making your initial decision.
Don't skip the consultation—even if it costs money. Some top surgeons charge $100–$250 for consultations, but this fee often applies toward your surgery. A thorough consultation with 3D imaging and detailed sizing is worth far more than a free 15-minute appointment.