A breast lift with implants typically costs between $11,000 and $19,000 total when you add up surgeon fees, anesthesia, facility charges, and the implants themselves. That range is wide because this is actually two procedures combined, and each one varies based on where you live, your surgeon’s experience, and the complexity of your case.
Breaking Down the Two Procedures
A breast lift with implants combines two separate surgeries into one operation: a mastopexy (the lift) and an augmentation (the implants). Each carries its own surgeon’s fee. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average surgeon’s fee for a breast lift alone ranges from $6,500 to $11,000, while breast augmentation with implants runs $4,575 to $8,000. These figures reflect only the surgeon’s fee, not the full cost of the procedure.
On top of the surgeon’s fee, you’ll pay separately for anesthesia (typically $1,000 to $2,000), the surgical facility or operating room ($1,500 to $3,000), medical tests, post-surgery garments, and prescription medications. When both procedures are performed together, the combined anesthesia and facility fees are lower than if you had each surgery on its own, since you’re only going under once.
What Drives the Price Up or Down
Geography is one of the biggest factors. Surgeons in major metro areas like New York, Los Angeles, or Miami charge significantly more than those in smaller cities or rural areas. The ASPS specifically notes that its fee ranges reflect diverse geographic locations and practice settings across the country.
The type of implant you choose also matters. Saline implants are the least expensive option. Silicone gel implants run roughly $1,000 more than saline. At the top end, cohesive silicone gel implants (sometimes called “gummy bear” implants) and structured saline implants cost more still. Your surgeon will discuss which type makes sense for your body and goals, but the implant choice alone can shift your total by $1,000 to $2,000.
The complexity of the lift also affects price. A minor lift with a small incision around the areola costs less than a full lift requiring an anchor-shaped incision pattern. If you have significant sagging, the surgery takes longer and requires more skill, which pushes the fee higher. Surgeons with more experience or board certifications in plastic surgery generally charge at the upper end of the range.
Insurance Almost Never Covers This
Breast lifts with implants are classified as cosmetic surgery, and health insurance does not cover cosmetic procedures. Medicare’s policy is representative of most insurers: it excludes cosmetic surgery unless it’s needed because of accidental injury or to improve the function of a malformed body part. The one notable exception is breast reconstruction after a mastectomy for cancer, which is covered under federal law. But elective augmentation and lifting for aesthetic reasons is entirely out of pocket.
Financing Options
Most plastic surgery practices offer payment plans through medical financing companies. These work like credit lines with promotional periods of zero or low interest, typically 6 to 24 months, after which interest rates climb significantly. Some surgeons also offer in-house payment plans that let you split the cost over several months before and after your procedure. It’s worth asking during your consultation what financing is available, because the terms vary widely between practices.
The Long-Term Cost of Implants
One expense many people overlook is that implants are not lifetime devices. Most manufacturers recommend considering replacement after 10 to 20 years, and some people need revision surgery sooner due to complications like capsular contracture (hardening of scar tissue around the implant) or implant rupture. Revision surgery costs vary considerably depending on what’s needed. A simple implant swap is on the lower end, while a full removal of the implant and surrounding scar tissue combined with a new lift and reimplantation is the most expensive type of revision.
This means the true cost of a breast lift with implants extends beyond the initial surgery. Budgeting for a potential revision 10 to 15 years down the line is realistic planning. Some surgeons offer warranty programs through the implant manufacturer that cover the cost of replacement implants if they fail within a certain window, though you’ll still pay for the surgical and facility fees.
Getting an Accurate Quote
The only way to get a real number is through an in-person consultation. Most board-certified plastic surgeons offer consultations for a fee of $100 to $250, which is sometimes applied toward your surgery if you book with them. During this visit, ask for an itemized quote that breaks out the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, facility costs, implant costs, and any follow-up care included in the price. Some practices bundle everything into a single “all-in” price, while others list each component separately. Comparing quotes from two or three surgeons gives you a clear picture of what’s reasonable in your area. Choosing a surgeon based solely on the lowest price is risky with a combined procedure this complex.