How Much Does a Breast Lift Cost in 2026?
Breast lift surgery (mastopexy) costs between $5,500 and $12,000 in the United States in 2026, with the national average sitting at approximately $8,200. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the average surgeon's fee alone for a breast lift is around $5,800, but total costs including anesthesia, facility fees, and post-operative care push the final price significantly higher.
Breast lift surgery reshapes and elevates sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening surrounding tissue. It is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the U.S., with over 150,000 mastopexy procedures performed annually. Because it is almost always classified as cosmetic, patients typically pay the full cost out of pocket.
The total price you'll pay depends on several key factors: the specific surgical technique used, your geographic location, surgeon experience, facility type, and whether you combine the lift with other procedures like augmentation. This guide breaks down every cost component so you can plan and budget with confidence.
Cost by Surgery Type
Breast lift techniques vary in complexity, incision pattern, and the degree of correction they provide. More extensive techniques cost more due to longer operating times and greater surgical skill required.
| Surgery Type | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Crescent Lift (minimal sagging) | $5,800 | $4,500 – $7,500 |
| Periareolar / Donut Lift (mild sagging) | $6,800 | $5,500 – $8,500 |
| Vertical / Lollipop Lift (moderate sagging) | $8,200 | $6,500 – $10,500 |
| Anchor / Inverted-T Lift (significant sagging) | $9,500 | $7,500 – $12,000 |
| Breast Lift with Augmentation (implants added) | $12,500 | $9,500 – $18,000 |
The lollipop lift is the most commonly performed technique, offering a good balance between correction and minimal scarring. The anchor lift is reserved for patients with severe ptosis (sagging) and involves the most extensive incisions.
Cost by State
Geographic location is one of the biggest drivers of breast lift pricing. Major coastal cities and high cost-of-living areas charge significantly more than Midwestern and Southern markets.
| State | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| California | $10,200 | $7,500 – $14,000 |
| New York | $10,500 | $8,000 – $14,500 |
| Florida | $8,000 | $6,000 – $11,000 |
| Texas | $7,500 | $5,500 – $10,500 |
| Illinois | $8,500 | $6,500 – $11,500 |
| Pennsylvania | $7,800 | $6,000 – $10,500 |
| Ohio | $6,800 | $5,000 – $9,000 |
| Georgia | $7,200 | $5,500 – $9,500 |
| North Carolina | $7,000 | $5,500 – $9,500 |
| Arizona | $7,800 | $6,000 – $10,500 |
| Colorado | $8,000 | $6,000 – $10,500 |
| Michigan | $6,900 | $5,000 – $9,000 |
Patients willing to travel can save $2,000 to $4,000 by choosing a board-certified surgeon in a lower-cost market. However, factor in travel expenses and the need for local follow-up care when considering this option.
Insurance vs. No Insurance
Breast lift surgery is almost universally classified as cosmetic, which means insurance coverage is extremely rare. Here's how coverage scenarios break down:
| Coverage Type | Typical Patient Cost | What's Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Private Insurance | $8,200 (full cost) | Generally not covered; may partially cover if combined with medically necessary breast reduction |
| Medicare | $8,200 (full cost) | Not covered unless part of post-mastectomy reconstruction under WHCRA |
| Medicaid | $8,200 (full cost) | Not covered for cosmetic purposes; may cover reconstructive cases |
| Without Insurance | $5,500 – $12,000 | Patient pays all costs; cash-pay discounts of 10–20% often available |
If your breast lift is combined with a medically necessary breast reduction — for example, to alleviate chronic back pain, neck pain, or skin rashes — insurance may cover a portion of the procedure. You'll need thorough documentation from your physician, including records of failed conservative treatments like physical therapy and prescription medications.
Cost Breakdown: What's Included
The total cost of a breast lift includes several components beyond just the surgeon's fee. Understanding each line item helps you compare quotes accurately.
| Cost Component | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Surgeon's Fee | $3,500 – $7,000 |
| Anesthesia Fee | $800 – $1,500 |
| Operating Facility / Hospital Fee | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Pre-Operative Lab Work & Mammogram | $100 – $400 |
| Post-Operative Compression Garment | $50 – $150 |
| Prescription Medications | $50 – $200 |
| Follow-Up Visits | $0 – $300 (often included) |
Always request an all-inclusive quote from your surgeon's office. Some practices bundle everything into one price, while others itemize each component separately, which can lead to surprise charges.
Factors That Affect Cost
Geographic Location
Surgeons in major metropolitan areas like New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco charge 30–50% more than those in smaller cities. This reflects higher overhead costs including rent, staff salaries, and malpractice insurance.
Surgeon Experience and Reputation
Board-certified plastic surgeons with specialized training in breast surgery and extensive before-and-after portfolios command premium fees. A surgeon with 15+ years of mastopexy experience may charge $2,000–$4,000 more than a less experienced colleague, but the investment often translates to superior results and fewer complications.
Surgical Technique and Complexity
A simple crescent lift takes about one hour and costs significantly less than a full anchor lift, which may require two to three hours of operating time. The degree of ptosis (sagging), breast size, and skin elasticity all influence which technique is appropriate.
Facility Type
Procedures performed in accredited outpatient surgical centers are typically $500 to $1,500 less than those performed in hospitals. Most breast lifts are safely performed in an outpatient setting, which also reduces costs associated with overnight stays.
Combined Procedures
Adding breast implants (augmentation-mastopexy) increases the total cost by $3,000 to $6,000. Similarly, combining a breast lift with a tummy tuck or liposuction as part of a mommy makeover can increase the total but often saves money compared to staging procedures separately.
Revision Surgery
Approximately 5–10% of breast lift patients may require a revision procedure to address asymmetry, scarring, or recurrent sagging. Revision surgeries typically cost $3,000 to $6,000, so choosing an experienced surgeon the first time is a worthwhile investment.
How to Save Money on Breast Lift Surgery
- Get Multiple Consultations: Obtain quotes from at least three board-certified plastic surgeons. Prices can vary by $2,000–$5,000 for the same procedure in the same city. Many surgeons offer free or low-cost initial consultations.
- Choose an Outpatient Surgical Center: Accredited ambulatory surgery centers charge lower facility fees than hospitals. Most breast lifts don't require an overnight stay, making this a safe and cost-effective choice.
- Consider Lower-Cost Markets: Traveling to a city with lower surgical costs can save $2,000–$4,000. States like Ohio, Georgia, and North Carolina offer excellent surgeons at significantly lower prices than coastal cities.
- Ask About Cash-Pay Discounts: Many practices offer 10–20% discounts for patients who pay the full amount upfront in cash or by check, since this eliminates credit card processing fees and billing overhead.
- Time Your Surgery Strategically: Some surgeons offer promotional pricing during slower months (January–March). Ask about seasonal specials or package deals.
- Use HSA or FSA Funds: If any portion of your procedure has a medical component, you may be able to use pre-tax health savings to cover part of the cost, effectively saving 20–30% on those dollars.
- Negotiate the Total Package: If combining procedures (lift + augmentation, or a mommy makeover), ask for a bundled discount. Surgeons often reduce their fees by $1,000–$2,000 for combined cases since operating room and anesthesia time is shared.
Financing Options
Since most breast lifts are paid out of pocket, understanding your financing options is critical for budgeting.
| Financing Option | Details | Typical Terms |
|---|---|---|
| CareCredit | Medical credit card accepted by most plastic surgery practices | 0% APR for 6–24 months; 14.9–26.99% APR after promo period |
| Prosper Healthcare Lending | Fixed-rate medical loans with predictable monthly payments | Loans from $2,000–$100,000; terms of 24–84 months; rates from 5.99% APR |
| In-House Payment Plans | Many surgeons offer direct payment plans with no third-party lender | Typically 3–12 month terms; often interest-free; may require 25–50% deposit |
| HSA / FSA | Pre-tax health savings accounts (if procedure has medical component) | Tax savings of 20–30% on eligible expenses; annual contribution limits apply |
| Personal Loan | Unsecured loans from banks, credit unions, or online lenders | Rates from 6–36% APR depending on credit; terms of 12–60 months |
Before committing to financing, compare the total cost with interest across all options. A 0% APR promotional period through CareCredit can save hundreds or thousands of dollars compared to a personal loan with higher interest.
Pro Tips from Experts
Always verify board certification. Confirm your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) — not just any board. This ensures they've completed an accredited plastic surgery residency and passed rigorous examinations specific to cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.
Ask to see before-and-after photos of patients with similar anatomy. A surgeon's portfolio should include patients with breast size, shape, and degree of sagging similar to yours. This gives you the most realistic preview of your potential results.
Don't choose a surgeon based on price alone. The cheapest quote isn't always the best value. Revision surgery costs $3,000–$6,000 and requires additional downtime. Investing in an experienced surgeon upfront dramatically reduces your risk of needing a second procedure.
Plan for adequate recovery time. Taking at least 7–10 days off work and arranging help at home for the first few days significantly improves your comfort and healing. Rushing back to activity can lead to complications that ultimately cost more in the long run.