Boob Job Costs: Breast Augmentation, Lifts and Reductions

According to the most recent Plastic Surgery Statistics Report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast-related cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation surgery, breast lifts and breast reductions saw a 15% increase in the number of annual procedures in recent years, with breast reductions seeing the largest increase at 54%.¹

While these three procedures often get grouped under the heading of a "boob job," they are three distinct cosmetic procedures that may be performed separately or in combination depending on the needs and desired outcomes of the patient.

1. Breast augmentation uses a breast implant (either saline or silicone) or fat transfer from another part of the body to increase the size and shape of the breast.² The position and size of the areola are not changed in a breast augmentation.
2. Breast lift, also called mastopexy, is a type of breast reconstruction surgery that changes the position of the breast by removing and/or tightening the breast tissue and skin to lift and reshape the breast. This procedure may include repositioning and reduction in the size of the areola. This procedure may be combined with a breast augmentation.
3. Breast reduction, also called a reduction mammoplasty, reduces the size of the breast by removing fat, tissue and skin.³ This procedure may include repositioning and reduction in the size of the areola.

Continue reading to learn more about the average costs for boob jobs, if insurance benefits usually cover the procedure and potential financing options if you are considering a procedure.

How Much Is Breast Augmentation Surgery?

The average cost* of breast augmentation surgery is $7,149. However, that price includes only the procedure itself and does not account for hospital or surgical center costs, anesthesia, operating room fees, the surgeon's fee or other related expenses.⁴

Depending on your geographic location and the experience of the surgeon, the total price* of a breast augmentation may range from $5,100 up to $18,465.⁴

The cost of breast augmentation can also vary based on the specific type of procedure and the type of implant used. Silicone breast implants tend to cost more than saline breast implants.⁵

Breast augmentation cost with fat transfer

Breast augmentation with fat transfer uses liposuction to remove fat from one part of the body and add it to the breasts. Due to the added procedure, fat transfer breast augmentations are often more expensive than implant breast augmentations.⁶

Breast augmentation cost by state/district

The cost* of breast augmentation surgery can vary depending on where you live.⁴

Is breast augmentation surgery covered by insurance?

Breast augmentations are usually not covered by insurance,⁷ but many cosmetic surgery centers offer or accept financing such as the CareCredit credit card** for the procedure.

How Much Does a Breast Lift Cost?

The average cost* of breast lift surgery is $8,128. That price includes only the procedure itself and does not account for hospital or surgical center costs, anesthesia, operating room fees, the surgeon's fee or other related expenses.⁴

Depending on your geographic location and the experience of the surgeon, the total price* of a breast lift may range from $3,950 up to $14,500.⁴

The cost of a breast lift will also increase if it is performed in conjunction with a breast augmentation or a breast reduction procedure.

Breast lift cost by state/district

The cost* of breast augmentation surgery can vary depending on where you live.⁴

Is a breast lift covered by insurance?

A breast lift is usually not covered by insurance,⁸ but many cosmetic surgery centers offer or accept financing such as the CareCredit credit card** for the procedure.

How Much Is a Breast Reduction?

The average cost* of breast reduction surgery is $9,002. That price includes only the procedure itself and does not account for hospital or surgical center costs, anesthesia, operating room fees, the surgeon's fee or other related expenses.⁴

The actual price* of a breast reduction may range from $7,995 to $12,850 based on your geographic location and the experience of the surgeon.⁴

Breast reduction cost by state/district

The cost* of breast reduction surgery can vary depending on where you live.⁴

Is a breast reduction covered by insurance?

Unlike breast augmentation and breast lifts, breast reduction surgery may be covered by your insurance. Check with your insurance provider as you may need to get authorization first.⁹

If your insurance does not cover breast reduction surgery, some cosmetic surgery centers offer or accept financing such as the CareCredit credit card** for the procedure.

Additional Breast Surgery Costs to Consider

There are a number of elements that add up to the total cost for any type of boob job, and each of these elements may also vary based on your geographic location, the type of facility where the procedure is performed and the expertise or prestige of the surgeon.⁴ This includes:

• Consultation fee (though some providers may offer free consultations or apply the cost of a consultation to the procedure fee)
• Preoperative and postoperative appointments
• Anesthesia fees
• Hospital or surgical facility costs
• Medical tests
• Post-surgery garments
• Prescriptions for medication
• Surgeon's fee
• Overnight fees (if needed)

How to Pay for Breast Surgery

Most cosmetic or plastic surgeons expect payment on the day the plastic surgery is to be performed. There also may be other up-front costs such as medication or preoperative appointments that need to be covered before the procedure itself.

There are several payment options to consider when paying for a breast augmentation, breast lift or breast reduction:¹⁰

• Savings account. You can save in advance to pay for some or all of the procedure costs.
• Credit cards. Most cosmetic surgery providers accept credit cards, including many who accept CareCredit.**
• Surgical center financing. Although rare, some surgical centers may offer in-house financing and allow patients extended time to pay off the bills monthly directly to the surgery center.

Financing Breast Surgery With the CareCredit Credit Card

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for breast surgery and related expenses not covered by health insurance.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Expert Reviewer

Dr. Justin West, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Dr. Justin West is a board-certified plastic surgeon and is the medical director at Finesse Plastic Surgery in Orange, California, focusing on aesthetic surgery of the face, breasts and body. He creates results that enhance his patients’ natural beauty and has been recognized throughout his career with awards that include Top Surgeon in Newport Beach, RealSelf Top Contributor and Top Doctor and Patients’ Choice.

Author Bio

Kate Bayless is a health and wellness freelance writer with 15 years of experience. Her work has appeared in Parents, Women's Health, Beachbody and OpenFit.