How Much Does a Boob Lift Cost? 💸
Table of Contents
- What is a Boob Lift?
- Reasons for Getting a Boob Lift
- Ideal Candidates for a Boob
Lift
- Types of Boob Lifts
- Traditional Boob Lift Surgery
- Minimal Scar Boob Lift
- Circumvertical Mastopexy
- Crescent Boob Lift
- Benelli Lift
- Factors That Affect Boob Lift
Cost
- Surgeon's Fees
- Anesthesia Fees
- Facility Fees
- Geographic Location
- Additional Costs to
Consider
- Recovery Costs
- Prescription Medications
- Compression Garments
- Follow-up Appointments
- How to Reduce Your Boob Lift
Cost
- Shop Around for the Best Price
- Ask About Payment Plans
- Consider a Board-Certified
Plastic Surgeon
- Schedule Surgery During
Off-Peak Seasons
- Opt for Local Anesthesia
Instead of General
- Get Medical Clearance for
Outpatient Surgery
- Consider Combining
Procedures
- Take Care of Your Body Pre and
Post Surgery
- Final Takeaways on Boob Lift
Cost
- FAQs About Boob Lift Cost
Introduction
If you're considering a boob
lift (mastopexy) to restore a more youthful, perky, and proportional breast
contour, one of the first and most important questions you probably have is, "how much is a boob lift going to cost me?"
The price of breast lift surgery,
also referred to medically as a mastopexy procedure, can vary quite a bit based
on the specific type of lift you need, the experience and reputation of the
plastic surgeon you choose, the geographic location where you undergo surgery,
and several other important factors.
Generally speaking, you can
expect to pay anywhere from $4,000 on the very low end, to $10,000 or potentially
more on the highest end of the pricing spectrum for a boob lift procedure. The
average cost for a breast lift in the United States typically falls right in
the middle of that range, coming in around $5,000 - $7,000.
In this comprehensive guide,
we’ll break down the different types of breast lifts, what’s included in the
total costs, tips and tricks to save money, price ranges to help you budget
properly, and all the details you need to make an informed decision. Let's
start with the basics about this transformative cosmetic procedure.🤓
What is a Boob Lift?
A breast lift, medically known as
a mastopexy, is a complex plastic surgery procedure that raises, firms, and
reshapes sagging breasts to create a perkier, more youthful breast contour. It
accomplishes this aesthetic transformation by removing excess, stretched out
skin and then tightening the surrounding breast tissue internally using
surgical techniques and stitches to support the new lifted breast shape.
In addition to elevating the overall
breast position on the chest wall, a boob lift can also reposition the nipple
and areola into a more ideal and proportional height compared to the breast
size and natural contour. Enlarged areolas can also be resized to a smaller,
more proportional diameter during the mastopexy procedure.
A breast lift focuses purely on
reshaping and elevating the existing breast tissue. It does not significantly
change the breast size or add increased fullness like a breast augmentation
does using implants. However, some patients do drop a cup size after a lift
since the tightened breast tissue takes up less space in the bra.
Reasons for Getting a Boob Lift
There are a few main
motivations why women choose to undergo mastopexy surgery:
- **Sagging breasts** - Medically
known as breast ptosis, sagging can cause the breasts to droop and the nipples
to point downward abnormally. Ptosis often happens after pregnancy,
breastfeeding, and from the natural effects of aging and gravity over time. A
breast lift restores perkiness.
- **Underfilled upper breast** -
Over time, breast tissue can migrate downward, leaving the upper poles with an
empty, deflated appearance. Mastopexy creates fuller shaped, projecting
breasts.
- **Areola size** - Areolas
stretch and expand over time, sometimes becoming disproportionately large for
the breast. A boob lift allows for decreasing areola size and lifting their
position.
- **Asymmetry** - If one breast
sags significantly lower or differs in shape from the other, a lift can
effectively improve symmetry between the two breasts.
- **Restore confidence** -
Severely droopy, sagging, or uneven appearing breasts can negatively impact
self-esteem and confidence for some women. By restoring a perky, youthful
breast shape, boob lifts can boost confidence.
Ideal Candidates for a Boob Lift
The best candidates to achieve
successful breast lift results include:
- Women in overall good physical
and mental health. Smokers may be advised to quit 4-6 weeks before surgery.
- Individuals with breasts that
show obvious signs of ptosis, sagging, enlarged areolas, or asymmetry. The more
pronounced the stretching and drooping, the better the results.
- Patients with realistic
expectations for the mastopexy procedure and associated recovery period.
- Those unhappy with the current
positioning and proportion of their nipples/areolas.
- Women who have lost breast
firmness and elasticity due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, weight changes,
or hereditary factors.
- Healthy individuals not
currently pregnant or breastfeeding who are done having children.
Breast lift surgery is highly
customizable, so schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon
even if you don't perfectly match these criteria. For example, mothers hoping
to reverse breast changes from pregnancy and nursing are often great candidates
if they wait until done having children.
Types of Boob Lifts
There are a variety of
surgical techniques your plastic surgeon may utilize to perform your breast
lift procedure. The recommended technique will depend on factors like:
- The degree of breast and nipple
ptosis present
- The quality of your breast skin
elasticity
- The amount of excess skin
needing removal
- Personal goals for size, shape,
and scarring
Some of the most common boob
lift techniques include:
-
Traditional Boob Lift
Surgery
This type of breast lift is also
referred to as an anchor lift due to the shape of the resulting scars. As the
name suggests, it is the most invasive and involved breast lift option, but
allows the most dramatic reshaping and lifting result.
The surgeon makes an
anchor-shaped incision that circles fully around the areola border, extends
vertically down the breast to the inframammary crease under the breast, and
then horizontally along the breast crease. Through this incision, excess skin
is removed, breast tissue tightened internally with sutures, and the
nipple/areola repositioned higher.
Because this lift requires the
most extensive incisions, the scar is the most visible afterward. However, the
trade-off is the significant degree of lift and shaping possible for severe
breast ptosis cases.
-
Minimal Scar Boob Lift
Also referred to as a periareolar
or donut lift, this breast lift technique is the least invasive option and
leaves barely visible, minimal scarring. The surgeon makes a single donut-shaped
incision going fully around the outer edge of the areolar border.
Through this small incision, the
nipple and areola complex are moved upward as a single unit to lift their
position on the breast. The surgeon also removes a thin ring of outer skin around
the areola border to tighten the breast skin envelope and allow the areola to
be resized if needed.
Because skin removal is limited
to the areola area only, the degree of lift with this technique is more modest.
It works best for milder cases of breast and nipple ptosis. The tiny
periareolar scar fades quickly.
-
Circumvertical Mastopexy
This breast lift technique is
also referred to as a vertical, lollipop lift, or inverted T lift. It involves
two incisions - a circular incision made around the upper half to full
circumference of the areola border, and a straight vertical incision from the
bottom edge of the areola down to the inframammary crease.
The vertical scar line allows
more extensive reshaping and lifting than a donut lift alone. The nipple is
relocated higher up the breast mound through the vertical incision. The
circular incision allows tightening of the areola region.
This technique allows a moderate
degree of lift with less visible scarring than the anchor technique since no
horizontal incision is made under the breast.
-
Crescent Boob Lift
This focused lift is also
referred to as a periareolar crescent mastopexy, or partial breast lift. It
involves the smallest incision - a tiny crescent shaped sliver of skin removed
just above the upper half of the areola border. Through this incision, the
nipple and areola position can be raised slightly.
The crescent lift allows minimal
change in shape or lift overall. It is better suited for minor breast sagging
in patients not ready for a full mastopexy procedure and lift. The tiny
crescent scar fades quickly and is virtually invisible afterward.
-
Benelli Lift
The Benelli breast lift technique
is similar to a donut lift, but the small incision fully encircles the areola
instead of partially. Rather than removing skin, the surgeon uses an internal
suture to purse string the areola upward into a more youthful position and
reshape the breast.
The only resulting scar from a
Benelli lift is the thin circular incision made around the outer edge of the
areola border. When performed by a skilled plastic surgeon, this scar fades
quickly and is rarely noticeable.
Factors That Affect Boob Lift Cost
The overall price you pay out of
pocket for your breast lift procedure will depend on several influencing cost
factors. We will examine these factors in detail below:
-
Surgeon's Fees
The surgical fees charged by your
board-certified plastic surgeon will account for the largest portion of your
total costs for mastopexy. Plastic surgeons all set their own rates based on
factors like:
- Extent of experience performing
breast lifts (10+ years ideal)
- Quality of results and
satisfaction ratings from past patients
- Training background and board
certifications held
- Reputation and recognition in
the field of plastic surgery
- Whether they are considered an
expert in mastopexy procedures specifically
- Geographic area where the
practice is located
- Whether they operate in a
private practice versus a hospital setting
- Billing rates for the surgery
center or hospital where they perform procedures
Surgeons who are exceptionally
experienced, highly skilled, have many years in practice focusing on mastopexy
surgery, and a proven track record for safety and aesthetically beautiful
results will fall at the higher end of pricing. Their expertise is in high
demand, so they are able to command a higher price for their specialized
skills. That said, those at the top of the field also often provide excellent
care, service, and support.
Newer surgeons, or those with
less specialization in breast lifts specifically may price on the lower end.
However, since this is complex surgery, never choose a surgeon based on low
cost alone. Thoroughly research their background, training, experience, and
patient reviews first and foremost.
-
Anesthesia Fees
If your breast lift surgery is
performed under general anesthesia (fully asleep throughout the procedure), the
fees for the anesthesiologist and medications used will add to your costs. Use
of local anesthesia instead can help patients avoid these extra anesthesia-related
fees. We discuss this money saving option in more depth shortly.
For procedures under general
anesthesia, anesthesia costs are typically $800 - $1200 depending on the
duration of surgery. Since breast lifts can take 2-3 hours, you tend to land at
the higher end of that range.
-
Facility Fees
The operating room, equipment and
nursing fees charged by the hospital or accredited surgical center where your
breast lift is performed are bundled into what's known as facility fees.
These fees can range anywhere
from $700 on the very low end for minor lift procedures at an office surgical
suite to $5000+ for complex anchor lift surgeries at a large hospital. The
facility chosen by your surgeon has a major influence on this portion of your costs.
More on that later.
-
Geographic Location
Like most medical care, the
overall cost of a breast lift can vary significantly based on the geographic
region where you have surgery performed. Due to higher costs of living and
doing business, you will tend to find the highest pricing for mastopexy
procedures in major metropolitan cities like:
- Los Angeles
- New York City
- Chicago
- San Francisco/Bay Area
- Boston
- Honolulu
- Miami
In these major hubs, it's not
uncommon for total surgery costs to reach $10,000 - $15,000 when you factor in
the surgeon's high fees plus elevated hospital OR charges.
In contrast, costs are often
most affordable in southern and midwestern states like:
- Texas
- Florida
- Georgia
- Arizona
- Ohio
- Alabama
Here, surgeons often charge less
since their overhead is lower. Facility fees also tend to be more reasonable
than large urban hospital settings. The total costs for the same breast lift
procedures often range from $4000 - $7000 in these regions. However, there are
always exceptions. Do your research!
Additional Costs to Consider
Beyond the actual mastopexy
procedure charges, you'll need to budget for the following additional expenses
as part of your boob lift:
-
Recovery Costs
Plan to take off 1-2 weeks from
work and normal activity for recovery after your breast lift surgery. Most
patients need extra assistance around the house for a few days after their
procedure as well.
Factor in lost wages from taking
unpaid time off work. If you foresee needing extra help with meals, childcare,
or daily tasks while recovering, budget for those extra costs too. Having
assistance speeds the recovery process.
-
Prescription
Medications
Pain medication and antibiotics
are commonly prescribed for 5-7 days following breast lift surgery to keep you
comfortable and prevent potential infection. Your surgeon will go over which
medications you’ll need to fill at your local pharmacy.
Prescription costs can range from
$20 - $150+ depending on the specific medications prescribed and your insurance
coverage. Verify if your prescriptions will be covered or not. You don’t want
sticker shock at the pharmacy!
-
Compression Garments
Wearing surgical bras and
compression garments is highly recommended for 4-6 weeks following your breast
lift procedure. This helps minimize swelling, support healing tissues, and
encourage the breasts to settle into the best position.
These medical grade garments
range in cost from approximately $50 for basic bras up to $150 or more for doctor-prescribed
compression vests that zip or hook up the front. Plan to buy 2-3 so you can
alternate washing them.
-
Follow-Up Appointments
Most plastic surgeons require 2-3
follow-up visits within the first year after your breast lift procedure to
closely monitor your progress during the healing and settling process.
Often the first 1-2 visits within
the first couple months are included free with your surgery charges. However,
subsequent longer term visits may incur an additional exam fee between $50-$100
in some cases. Know the policy upfront so you can budget accordingly.
How to Reduce Your Boob Lift Cost
While breast lift surgery is a
significant investment, there are some effective strategies you can use to keep
your procedure more affordable. Here are insider tips and tricks to minimize
costs:
-
Shop Around for the Best
Price
Meet with 2-3 board-certified
plastic surgeons in your local area who specialize in breast lifts for
consultations. Many offer free consults. Share your goals and discuss the
recommended techniques.
Request a detailed quote from
each surgeon for the costs involved and compare pricing breakdowns. This allows
you to negotiate and get the best deal for your particular breast lift
procedure. Just be sure experience and results are your top priorities over
price alone.
-
Ask About Payment Plans and
Financing
Many surgeons offer extended
payment plans that allow you to pay for your breast lift over a 6-12 month
timeframe. This makes the costs more manageable by spreading payments out
incrementally.
Some plastic surgery practices
work with outside medical financing companies like CareCredit that provide low
interest lending and credit cards specifically to pay for procedures over time.
If your credit qualifies, these plans can greatly ease the financial burden.
-
Consider a Board-Certified
Plastic Surgeon
Opting to have your breast lift
performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon versus a general cosmetic
surgeon allows for the highest level of safety along with the best aesthetic
results.
Although plastic surgeons are at
the top the field, their mastopexy procedure fees are often still very
reasonable and competitive. Just be sure to verify their experience and patient
reviews. Board certification signals advanced expertise.
-
Schedule Surgery During
Off-Peak Seasons
Aim to schedule your breast lift
during slower seasons for plastic surgery practices - typically late fall
heading into winter. The cooler months of November through February tend to be
less busy.
Many reputable surgeons run
special deals and promotions to attract patients during slower months. Taking
advantage of off-season discounts can potentially save you hundreds of dollars.
-
Opt for Local Anesthesia
When Possible
Using local anesthesia combined
with sedation instead of being fully out under general anesthesia may allow you
to have your procedure at an office surgical center instead of a hospital. This
option significantly reduces facility fees.
Discuss anesthesia options with
your surgeon to see if local is appropriate for your specific breast lift
technique. Periareolar and Benelli lifts often qualify. This saves on
anesthesia professional fees as well.
-
Get Medical Clearance for
Outpatient Surgery
Further building on the
anesthesia discussion above, get the necessary medical clearances required for
having your breast lift performed at an accredited office based surgical suite
versus a hospital.
Outpatient centers have vastly
lower facility fees averaging $700 - $1500 compared to hospital OR charges of
$3500+. Your primary doctor can advise if outpatient is safe for your medical
history.
-
Consider Combining
Procedures
Many patients choose to undergo
complementary plastic surgery procedures together in one operative session to
save costs. Common combinations with breast lifts include:
- Breast augmentation
- Breast reduction surgery
- Tummy tucks
- Lip
-
Consider Combining
Procedures (continued)
Combining procedures in one
surgery eliminates paying multiple surgical facility and anesthesia fees. Just
be sure your plastic surgeon is experienced performing the particular
combination you're interested in to ensure best results.
For instance, a breast lift plus
implants (augmentation mastopexy) is a commonly requested combo. When performed
together in one stage, costs for both procedures combined are less than if
spaced apart.
-
Take Care of Your Body Pre
and Post Surgery
Being at or close to your ideal
weight before surgery and following a healthy lifestyle lowers risks and
complications. This helps ensure you achieve the best cosmetic outcome from
your investment. Here are some top tips:
- Get to a stable, healthy BMI
before surgery through nutrition and exercise. Significant weight fluctuations
can impact results.
- Quit smoking and all nicotine
products to allow proper healing.
- Follow your surgeon’s pre-op
instructions for vitamins, supplements, eating and drinking.
- Have help lined up for the
first 5-7 days after surgery while recovering.
- Take things very easy after
surgery allowing your body proper rest and healing.
- Wear your compression garments
as directed.
- Keep all follow-up appointments
for incision checks and progress tracking.
- Call your surgeon's office with
any unusual symptoms post-op like high fever.
Avoiding complications that
require revisions or corrective follow-up surgeries saves money as well. Do
your part for the best surgical experience.
Final Takeaways on Boob Lift Cost
The average cost for a breast
lift procedure typically ranges from $5,000 - $7,000 on average when the
surgeon’s fee, facility charges, and anesthesia are bundled together. However,
prices can dip as low as $4,000 for minor lifts up to $10,000 or more for
complex anchor lift surgeries performed by top tier plastic surgeons in major
metropolitan cities.
The technique your surgeon
recommends, their experience level, the city where you undergo surgery, and the
facility used all work together to determine your total investment for this
transformative procedure. Be sure to budget any extra costs for medications,
compression garments, time off of work, and follow up visits too.
If you have sagging, deflated, or
uneven breasts that are negatively impacting your self-confidence and quality
of life, the rewards of youthful, perky breasts from mastopexy surgery often
outweigh the costs for many women. With so many options for incision type and
technique, it’s important to thoroughly discuss your goals with an experienced
board-certified plastic surgeon during your initial consultation appointments
before deciding on the best breast lift approach just right for your needs,
preferences and budget.
FAQs About Boob Lift Cost
Below you will find in-depth
answers to the most frequently asked questions about boob lift costs:
How much does a breast lift cost on average?
The average cost for a breast
lift in the United States typically ranges from $5,000 - $7,000. However,
pricing can vary between $4,000 to $10,000 or more depending on the extent of
the lift, surgeon fees, facility charges, your geographic location, and other
individual factors.
Why does a breast lift cost so much?
*Breast lift surgery is highly
complex and requires an extensive amount of skill, time, and experience by a
qualified and talented board-certified plastic surgeon. The costs include the
surgeon's specialized expertise, the facility and staff involvement, anesthesia,
surgical grade supplies and equipment, prescribed medications, and follow-up
care. Unlike cosmetic injectables, it is major surgery and the costs associated
reflect that.*
Can I get financing for a boob lift?
*Yes, many plastic surgeons offer
financing options that allow you to pay for your breast lift surgery over a
6-12 month time period with fixed monthly payments including interest. Medical
credit cards by providers like CareCredit are commonly used. Just be sure to
carefully read all financing terms and agreements before signing.*
Is it cheaper to get a breast lift in Mexico or overseas?
*Sometimes yes, but risks are
also higher when having major surgery abroad. Ensuring your surgeon is highly
qualified with hospital privileges, using a modern accredited surgical
facility, and allowing enough time overseas for proper post-op care is key for
safety when medical tourism. Really research before committing.*
Does insurance cover boob lift surgery?
*Unfortunately, a breast lift is
considered an elective, cosmetic plastic surgery procedure rather than a
medical necessity, so insurance companies do not cover any portion of the costs
in most cases. Rare exceptions exist if sagging breasts cause documented
physical pain or discomfort.*
Can I get discounts on my breast lift costs?
*Yes! Many plastic surgeons offer
seasonal promotions, limited time discounts, or package deals that can save
hundreds off the price of a breast lift. Signing up for email lists with
surgeons allows you to learn about periodic deals and incentives they offer.*
How can I get the most value from my boob lift investment?
*Do your due diligence choosing a
skilled, reputable surgeon with excellent mastopexy reviews and results. Follow
all pre and post-op instructions carefully. Maintain consistent weight and a
healthy lifestyle before and after surgery. Be patient during the full healing
process. All these steps will help maximize your satisfaction.*
Will a breast lift require maintenance or revision surgery in the future?
*While results from a skilled
surgeon can last many years for most patients, it is possible to require a
revision or touch up procedure down the road - especially if you experience
significant weight fluctuations or future pregnancies stretching the tissues
again.*
Can I combine my mastopexy with other surgeries to save money?
*Yes! Combining complementary
procedures during one surgical session can save hundreds of dollars since you
only pay one operating room and anesthesia fee. Breast lifts with implants or a
tummy tuck are popular combination options.*
How much does a mini breast lift cost compared to a full lift?
*A minor breast lift such as a
periareolar donut lift averages $4000 - $5000. A full anchor lift often costs
between $6000 - $10,000+ owing to the more extensive incisions and complexity
involved in the procedure and recovery.*