The first breast augmentation surgery ever documented occurred in 1895, according to the ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons). As to the cost of that pioneering procedure, no one is quite certain. In that early case, the surgeon transplanted tissue from the patient’s back to correct breast asymmetry. Substances used in early breast implants included beeswax, vegetable oil and paraffin (a petroleum product). Needless to say, breast augmentation surgery has come a long way since then, in methodology and popularity, with nearly 300,000 procedures performed in the US, not including 102,000 breast reconstruction procedures in 2014.
Avoiding High-Cost Breast Augmentation Surgery
As medical science and technology have progressed, breast augmentation costs have risen, yet breast implant surgery is still one of the most worthwhile procedures. Most women (including our many patients here in NJ), when looking back on the procedure after the fact, have found the experience “worth it” and are happy with the results. For women who emerge disappointed from breast augmentation, it is typically not the price (in dollars) that has left them dissatisfied but rather an underwhelming or unsatisfactory outcome.
At Cohen/Winters, here in NJ, we have re-done breast augmentation surgeries for countless women who came to us after losing trust in their original surgeon, due to a bad breast implant surgery result. We typically consider such unsatisfactory outcomes the fault of the breast surgeon, since he or she is your expert partner, tasked with seeing you successfully through your breast augmentation procedure.
Focus on the Breast Augmentation Outcome First, with Price as a Secondary Concern
When the result of a breast augmentation is unsatisfactory, it’s typically because the results did not meet expectations. Thankfully, this is unlikely to happen if you choose a board-certified and experienced NJ breast specialist. What is slightly more common is dissatisfaction with a result that doesn’t match the patient’s goals or wishes. You can avoid this by choosing a breast surgeon who partners with you for success, listens to you and communicates clearly and honestly. Choose a surgeon you really trust.
Breast Augmentation: Making Sure It’s Worth It
Focusing on your outcome (by choosing your surgeon with great care) will make your breast augmentation experience well worthwhile, no matter the price tag. Cost is an important consideration for any patient, but it should never be the primary focus. When choosing your breast implant surgeon, don’t prioritize getting a bargain–look for a surgeon with the proper experience.
Avoid the greatest cost (an unhappy result) by avoiding “bargain” surgery–and also avoid “premium priced” surgery. Paying a high “premium” price is no guarantee of a quality outcome. Put your safety and future happiness first by choosing your plastic surgeon first and then considering the breast augmentation price. Remember to look for experience and dedication, above all.
How Breast Augmentation Surgery Prices are Determined
Pricing factors for breast augmentation surgery include:
- Surgery center time: The more complicated your breast augmentation, the higher costs will be, because additional time is needed in the surgery center operating room. A skilled plastic surgeon works efficiently, however, so surgery will likely take less time than it might with another surgeon. You will also have expert suturing, lower risk of complications and less noticeable scarring.
- Anesthesiologist: General anesthesia is usually needed in breast augmentation surgery. An experienced anesthesiologist (a medical doctor) will provide you with the safest, most comfortable surgery. The extra cost is definitely worth it, so don’t choose a surgeon who offers you anything less.
- Location: Geographical concerns figure into your price for breast augmentation. Cities (especially NYC) add to the cost of any service, including breast augmentation. On the other hand, breast surgeons in highly populated areas typically have greater experience. In NJ, experienced surgeons come with less overhead (costs for running a practice), so you may save money over Manhattan and other East Cost cities.
- Surgical expertise: A highly skilled breast augmentation specialist with more years of experience may have a higher fee. You’ll get great, invaluable benefit from this, however. An experienced breast surgeon uses precise, efficient and careful surgical techniques that improve your entire surgical experience, lower risk and optimize your outcome. You may heal faster thanks to expert technique, scars will be invisible in low-cut clothing and you’ll get the shape and size you expect. Choose a surgeon with 10+ years experience, board certified in plastic surgery, with breast reconstructive knowledge and admitting privileges at a prestigious medical center.
- Breast implant cost: Silicone breast implants are priced higher than saline and larger sizes cost more than small ones, but this is a minor part of the total cost for breast augmentation in NJ.
- Insurance: Your health insurance may cover costs associated with reconstruction after mastectomy.
- Your consulting visit: Not all experienced and dedicated breast augmentation surgeons in NJ charge for a consultation appointment. At Cohen/Winters, for example, we want to help you improve your life through aesthetic or reconstructive surgery—that’s our main focus. We feel it’s much more important than collecting a consultation fee.
Get Expert Advice about Breast Augmentation in New Jersey
The breast augmentation procedure is a safe one with a high rate of satisfaction, and can be helpful for women who feel that they’re “flat chested,” have underdeveloped/asymmetrical breasts or who simply prefer larger breasts. If you’ve been thinking about breast augmentation, learn more at Cohen/Winters Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery in Bergen County, NJ.
We’re happy to offer you a personalized consultation to determine if you’re a good candidate and discuss your options to get the breast size you desire. Once we’ve talked about the important details (learning about your goals and making a surgical plan to achieve them), we can then determine a price range for you. Contact us today.
