Breast lift surgery is something that many women dream of for years before finally committing. Not only can it be slightly daunting to undergo a surgery that’s elective instead of mandatory for one’s health, but many patients also worry about recovery and aftercare. Fortunately, understanding this crucial information about breast lift surgery can quell much of your trepidation.
But then, of course, there’s the cost.
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How much does a Breast Lift really cost?
Since breast lift surgery isn’t a one-size-fits-all procedure, it can be difficult to give a definitive answer. According to a systematic review of patient satisfaction following mastopexy surgery published in PMC/PubMed, breast lift surgery consistently yields a “very large” effect size on patient satisfaction across all patient-reported outcome measures.
The lowest effect size recorded across all studies reviewed was 1.33, well above the 1.20 threshold considered “very large” in clinical research. This data makes breast lift one of the most consistently rewarding procedures in cosmetic plastic surgery.
Still, we hope to provide a general idea of the cost of breast lift surgery below so you can know what to expect if you’ve been considering it.
Breast Lift cost
Every breast lift quote is built around you: your goals, your body, and your surgical plan. Instead of one standard fee, your surgeon will outline a tailored package that covers the key elements of your procedure and recovery, helping you understand exactly what you are investing in.
Furthermore, there are numerous factors that will ultimately influence the total price of your breast lift surgery. Let’s take a look at a few of these.
First, there’s the surgeon’s experience. How skilled is the surgeon you are looking to work with? Their training and education will influence the prices they charge for their services.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the average surgeon’s fee for a breast lift is approximately $5,012. However, this figure does not include anesthesia, surgical facility costs, or other related expenses. The total cost varies significantly based on all of these factors.
In a similar fashion, anesthesiologists will charge more if they have more skill and experience as well. Anesthesiologists charge their own fees, which are separate from your surgeon’s fees. With that said, your surgeon will be the one deciding who your anesthesiologist is.
Where you will be having surgery will also have a large bearing on the total price of your procedure. You are required to pay for access to the facilities you’ll need during your surgery. So, if you plan on having surgery in a hospital (again, this will be decided by your surgeon), you’ll need to pay the hospital’s mandated fees for using their staff, equipment, supplies, and space. In addition, if you have surgery in a metropolitan or other high-cost area, this will increase the overall cost of your surgery as well.
Lastly, one of the most influential factors regarding your breast lift cost will be how intense your surgery is. If you and your surgeon are planning a basic breast lift and no extra procedures or challenges are expected, you’ll likely pay the baseline price for your procedure.
On the other hand, if you are planning a breast lift with breast augmentation or a breast lift with fat transfer, etc. (or if you have a unique situation that requires additional work on your surgeon’s part), this will drive up the cost.
Patients sometimes come in expecting a single number, and I always explain that a breast lift quote has several components. The surgeon’s fee is only part of the picture. In Beverly Hills, our patients understand they’re investing in a specific level of surgical expertise and facility quality, and that has real value in the outcome they get.
– Dr. Lahar
Are Breast Lifts more expensive than Breast Augmentation?
Generally speaking, yes, breast lifts tend to be more expensive than breast augmentation surgery. In many cases, this is because breast lift surgery tends to be more complex than breast augmentation surgery.
With lifts, for example, it’s more common for patients to have unique anatomical factors that need to be addressed with varied approaches, determined at your surgeon’s discretion. Breast augmentation surgery tends to be more straightforward and consistent for all patients.
A systematic review of mastopexy outcomes published in PubMed confirmed that mastopexy techniques achieve high patient satisfaction and can be tailored according to patient needs and clinical presentation. Complication rates and morbidity are relatively low. However, the review notes that patients should be counseled about the potential for scarring, asymmetry, and ptosis recurrence as part of the informed consent process.
How much does a Breast Augmentation with lift cost?
More expensive than both an individual breast lift and an individual breast augmentation surgery is a combination “breast lift with breast augmentation” surgery. This procedure both lifts and tightens the breast tissue (breast lift) and adds volume (breast augmentation).
Because every patient’s anatomy and goals are unique, the cost of a breast augmentation with lift can vary significantly and is best discussed during a personalized consultation with the plastic surgeon. But again, this cost isn’t factoring in things like anesthesia fees, surgical facility fees, and prescription medication costs, etc.
Notice, however, that the estimated breast augmentation with lift cost is still slightly lower than the combined cost of a separate breast lift and a separate breast augmentation. This is because you’ll be able to take advantage of a single surgery over multiple surgeries, which will ultimately lower some of the expected fees.
A study of 107 augmentation-mastopexy cases published in PubMed found an overall complication rate of only 14%, with a reoperation rate of 12.1% at nearly 15 months. Patient satisfaction with the results was extremely high, supporting the combined procedure as an effective and efficient option for patients who need both volume and lift.
The combination procedure is worth the conversation for patients who want both. Doing it in one surgery is safer, more economical, and produces a more cohesive result than staging them. The recovery is no harder than recovering from one procedure alone.
– Dr. Lahar
Schedule Your Breast Lift Consultation Appointment
Are you interested in this procedure but concerned about the price?
Some patients may be tempted to find the best breast lift cost they can, which could mean working with a subpar surgeon. Don’t make this mistake. Surgeons without proper training or experience may end up lowering the quality of your results. Furthermore, this approach could put your health at risk.
Dr. Nicholas Lahar has many years of experience performing breast lifts for his patients. Contact Dr. Lahar’s office today to set up a consultation appointment and discuss your options with him one-on-one.
FAQ
Will health insurance cover breast lift surgery?
No, not usually. Health insurance covers mandatory healthcare services. Breast lift surgery is an elective procedure, so health insurance usually doesn’t cover it.
How do people afford breast lifts?
Often, patients choose to pay out-of-pocket for breast lift surgery — either with their own personal funds or with a loan. Some surgeons will also offer financing options for those who qualify.
How long does a breast lift last?
This really depends on multiple factors. Some patients will benefit from the results of their breast lift for 10 to 15 years. Others will want revisions after just three or four years. Factors such as the age you were when you had surgery, the elasticity of your skin, and your body composition overall will ultimately influence how long you’ll benefit from your breast lift results.
References
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Breast Lift: Cost.
- Sullivan L, et al. Systematic Review of Patient Satisfaction Following Mastopexy Surgery. PMC/PubMed. 2025.
- Oranges CM, et al. Systematic Review of Outcomes and Complications in Nonimplant-Based Mastopexy Surgery. PubMed. 2019.
- Spear SL, et al. Augmentation Mammoplasty/Mastopexy: Lessons Learned from 107 Aesthetic Cases. PubMed. 2014.