Whereas many health insurance plans may cover use of breast implants  for reconstructive plastic surgery, I know of none which will cover their use for cosmetic breast augmentation.

At time the removal of ruptured implants may be covered but their replacement is not. However, if an implant has been ruptured and the health insurance company does pay for its removal, you may save some money by piggybacking the replacement in a single operation.

You have to find out. Your insurance company may pay for the anesthesia, operating room and other costs.

When you get information about breast augmentation costs, you'll discover that the detailed invouce has various components and some may even be covered by insurance if the procedure is piggybacked to another operation.

The following are some of the components of breast enhancement and breast reconstruction plastic surgery:

• A major cost for working ladies is the time they have to take of work. So do calculate this in your total costs.
  
• The plastic surgeon - make sure your cosmetic surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This is typically the largest component.
• The operating theater - this may be at the plastic surgeon's office, a medical facility or hospital. They each have pros and cons and different prices. Make sure that there are adequate emergency facilities. Things can and will go wrong even in the simplest of surgical procedures.
• The anesthesia - includes the anesthetist, equipment, anesthetics and everything else to do with the anesthesia. Typically in breast augmentation surgery full anesthesia or IV-drip local anesthesia is used.
• Nurses and other auxiliary staff.
• Post-operation recovery room.
• Post-operation follow up visits and any needed touch up.
• There maybe future replacement costs. The implany wears with time and mat even rupture.
  
• The cost of the implant. There are three different types of implants -
  
  1. Silicone gel.
  2. Saline filled.
  3. Alternative (soy bean oil). These are experimental at this time.
  Ask about the manufacturer's warranty. Typically the warranty does not cover the new operation but only the implant itself.
  

Remember:

• everything in the world is negotiable. Talk to your surgeon, anesthetist, nurse and so on.
• if you don't ask you don't get. See the previous note. The way you negotiate is to ask for a price reduction and also remember these magic words, "Is this the best you can do?" Say them and remain silent.
• There may be coupons from the implant manufacturer. I know Botox and similar pharmaceuticals are on sale on occasion - why not breast implants.
• Perhaps you can get a discount by paying cash. Most cosmetic surgery practices have a "same as cash" payment plan. This costs them money and can lower your credit rating. So if you can save the money first you are in a great negotiating position.
• Piggyback two operations in one session. A friend had a face lift and a boob job at the same session and saved a bundle. Moreover, she lost time from work only once. Since she was a self employed professional this saved her even more.

For more breast augmentation information click.