Whether you're male or female, sometimes our chests are simply not what we feel they should be. Perhaps you've aged or are young and suffer from constant back strain. Breast augmentation is a choice that many decide is necessary for improving health, increasing self confidence and usually - a combination of the two. How much does breast augmentation cost ?

Breast augmentation prices vary from what procedure you need performed and also where you live as prices vary from market area to market area. This article will provide you with some average breast augmentation prices to help you decide whether or not that quote you just received from your plastic surgeon falls in line with the rest of the country. 

We’ll cover:

• Breast Augmentation Basics
• Finding the Right Breast Augmentation Surgeon
• Breast Augmentation Prices
• Save Money on Breast Augmentation
• Ways to Finance Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgical procedure that is either performed at your plastic surgeon's office or at a hospital. Breast augmentations can be done to enhance the size of the chest area, reduce the size, or even make one breast larger or smaller to reduce a sagging effect. Many women have them after they recover from breast cancer, however these surgeries are available for men and women.

Breast augmentation surgery will be done at your doctor's office (if the necessary facilities are available), if not, your surgery will be performed at a hospital with an anesthesiologist present.

Soreness after the surgery lasts for several days and your recovery will take several weeks. Your doctor will be able to prescribe medication to help you manage your pain. When you attend your initial consultation with your surgeon, he or she will let you know ahead of time all of the possible complications associated with the procedure as well as after-care instructions.

This leads us to finding the right breast augmentation surgeon for you!

When looking for a laser hair removal doctor, there are several things that you must look for:

• Certifications: What training does she or he have? How many years experience? Has she or he ever been sued for medical malpractice or have any pending litigation?
• Consultation: Free consultations are commonly offered upon your first phone call to the office – if this isn’t available, tell them you’re looking elsewhere. A doctor should never make a price quote (just an average quote) over the phone if he hasn't viewed what he will be dealing with. While at the consultation, ask to see client before and after pictures.
• Recommendations: Ask your regular doctor for recommendations; he or she may know a highly-reknowned plastic surgeon in the area. If any of your friends and family have openly had work done, ask them for recommendations. Finally, it's always a great idea to read customer testimonials online. Not on your doctor's web page (of course those will all be positive!). Google the doctor's name and find as many reviews as you can.

So, how much does breast augmentation cost? According to theThe American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the average cost is about $6,000. This includes your doctor's fee, cost of implants, anesthesiologist, nurse, medicine, etc. This, of course is just the average cost and your true price will vary depending on what you have done exactly, and where you live in the country.

Shop around for various rates (but please, NEVER sacrifice a well-known doctor for a cheaper price). Breast Augmentation is relatively safe, but of course there can be many complications if not done correctly. You want a doctor that will perform necessary tests and ask you the right questions before you go under the knife.

Another way to save money on breast augmentation is to combine different procedures. Many surgeons will be able to do several procedures while you're under the anesthesia and you can save money this way, if you were planning on having another procedure done, anyways.

Insurance companies typically do not cover breast augmentations as it is considered an elective procedure. (Always check with your company first, as you never know.)

Many doctor's offices will offer payment plans as writing a check upfront for $6000-$8000 dollars is impossible for some. If the office itself does not offer payment plans, they can refer you to a cosmetic surgery loan company. You may consider reading one or both of these articles on cosmetic surgery financing and cosmetic surgery loans.

Now that you have a better idea of how much breast augmentation costs, use your knowledge of average prices to negotiate with your doctor.
Remember – do call around and ask for recommendations from people you trust, but in the end - never settle for a cheap price instead of an expert plastic surgeon. It's your body, not the latest electronic gizmo, a quality, safe breast augmentation is crucial!