Breast augmentation is a medical procedure done to improve or enhance the size and fullness of the breast. Although there are different reasons for women having breast augmentation surgeries, they have one thing in common—to look and feel better - be it a post mastectomy patient wanting to replace the lost breast or a woman with naturally small breasts. Breast enlargement procedures give women the positive self-image and boost confidence they need.
Breast Augmentation Prices
According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, breast augmentation prices may range from $3,500 to $4,000, depending on the type of implant, location, and variations used in the procedure. Though the prices you see and are advertised by some surgeons may be fixed, these are usually the cost of the implants plus the surgeon’s fees. Other things that you should be taken into consideration are the anesthesia for the procedure, the drugs pre- and post-operatively, hospital equipment and gowns, plus risks and variations that may take place during the surgery. All of these contribute to the total price for breast augmentation. Current estimates show the total cost of the procedure may range from $7,000 to as high as $15,000. So always ask your doctor how much you need to expect be to avoid any problems in the future.
Now, you may ask if your insurance carrier health plans will cover the cost of having breast enlargement procedures. It is best for you to contact your insurance agency and ask first if they would cover the cost of the procedure. But since it is an elective surgery, most insurance companies do not cover the cost of such procedures, unless you have undergone mastectomy or a severe breast injury that may need breast reconstruction procedures. It would be safe to ask your insurance provider as to what procedures they cover to avoid unnecessary hassle.
What you need to expect
Breast augmentation procedures, like any other surgical procedures, contain risks. These risks range from the type of implants used to postoperative recovery the healing. Here are some of the risks of breast augmentation procedures.
- poor healing of the incision site
- bleeding
- asymmetry of the breast
- leaking of implants
- scars
- and possibly a need to redo the procedure
Here are some things to expect after the procedure. As a surgical procedure there should be some amount of pain after the procedure but nothing you cannot handle. Pain and swelling should be evident and greatest during the first 3 days after the procedure and should expect to lessen or to be totally gone a few weeks after the procedure. Management of pain is usually done though medication. Your should expect your doctor to make a follow appointment some time after the surgery. He may also give you a some restrictions in activity following the procedure, as well as exercises to increase healing. He may also give instructions as to how bandages are to be handled and replaced and when these are to be removed.
Some women use breast enlargement pills as a non-surgical way to enhance their breasts, though the effectiveness of that method is questionable.