Also known as breast enlargement or a “boob job,” breast augmentation is the process of inserting an artificial implant (or your own body fat) into the breasts to increase the size of the breasts. This procedure is popular among women who believe that their natural breasts are too small for their body. Breast augmentation is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic surgery procedures and can help boost the self-confidence of women who are unhappy with their bustline.
Average cost of breast augmentation
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the average surgeons’ fees for breast augmentation surgery $4,516. However, this cost does not include all of the fees usually associated with the procedure, such as the facility and anesthesia fee. When taking these additional factors into consideration, the total cost of breast augmentation can range from $4,500 to $15,000. If the upfront cost is a major concern, there are several different financing options availalbe that can help make breast augmentation more affordable.
Breast augmentation financing options
The following are some breast augmentation financing and payment options to help make your treatment more affordable.
- Healthcare Financing Company: Many financing companies provide loans or credit specifically for cosmetic surgery procedures. They offer flexible repayment plans, often with low or no-interest options which makes it easier to manage the cost over time.
- Personal Credit Card: A personal credit card with a sufficient credit limit and a low-interest rate may be an option to consider for financing your breast augmentation procedure. However, it’s important to be mindful of the interest rates and the potential for accumulating high-interest debt.
- Personal Loans: Obtaining a personal loan from a bank, credit union, or online lender is another option to finance your breast augmentation procedure. Personal loans typically have fixed interest rates and repayment terms, allowing you to budget for the monthly payments. Compare rates and terms from multiple lenders to find the most favorable loan terms.
- Employer Assistance: Some employers offer employee benefits that include medical financing assistance or discounts for cosmetic procedures. Explore your employee benefits package or speak with your human resources department to find out if such options are available to you.
- Negotiate a Discount: In some cases, plastic surgeon’s offer discounts for paying in full upfront or provide promotional offers for new patients. Ask about any available discounts or flexible payment arrangements to help make your surgery more affordable.
- Payment Plans: Many cosmetic practices offer payment plans or financing options themselves to help patients manage the cost. With a payment plan, you can spread out the cost of breast augmentation surgery into manageable monthly payments. Speak with your plastic surgeon about any available in-house payment plans and discuss the terms and conditions that best suit your budget.
- Crowdfunding: Crowdfunding platforms provide an opportunity to raise funds from family, friends, and even strangers who believe in your goals. Create a compelling campaign that explains your desire for breast augmentation surgery and share it on social media or various crowdfunding websites.
The decision to finance your breast augmentation procedure should be made with careful consideration and with the help of a professional financial advisor. Before moving forward with any financing option, meet with a certified financial planner who can help advise you on the best option that aligns with your current financial situation and long-term goals.
Finding a breast augmentation surgeon
Other than the cost of breast augmentation, it’s important to choose a plastic surgeon based on qualifications and experience. When choosing a breast augmentation surgeon, make sure they are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or other established association such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) or The Aesthetic Society. Although membership in any society or board-certification doesn’t guarantee a successful outcome most certifying boards like these require extensive medical training, experience, and rigorous surgical education which can ensure that the most appropriate techniques are used for your breast augmentation surgery while reducing the risk of complications.
Content written by Andrew Proulx, MD | Reviewed by Charlie Chen, MD | Last updated 6/27/2023
Article Sources
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