Average Cost of a Breast Lift in 2024 - Top Cities and States
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It’s normal for breasts to change over time due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, and the natural aging process. For many women in Las Vegas, a breast lift offers a way to restore a youthful, perky shape and contour. If you’re considering the procedure, you may want to know, “What are breast lift costs like?”
In 2024, breast lift costs in the United States are around $5,800 [1]. However, that figure doesn’t account for expenses like anesthesia and operating room fees that can increase the investment. Breast lifts at reputable plastic surgery practices in a major city like Las Vegas may exceed $7,000. The best way to find out what you’ll pay is by consulting with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon.
Breast lift cost by city and state
A breast lift, or a mastopexy, generally costs more in highly populated cities by the coast. Although the price of a breast lift in Las Vegas is higher than the national average, it remains one of the more affordable major cities for this procedure.
Here are some ballpark figures in major U.S. cities and states:
Las Vegas, Nevada
In Las Vegas, a breast lift costs around $7,800. This is much cheaper than cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City, which have average costs in the five figures.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Breast lift costs in Salt Lake City are close to the national average. Patients can expect to pay between $4,000 and $8,000 depending on the breast lift type and the surgeon they go to.
New York City, New York
It’s no secret that New York City has a high cost of living. Cosmetic surgery prices tend to follow suit. Breast lift costs in NYC hover around $14,000.
Los Angeles, California
In Los Angeles, one of the plastic surgery capitals of the world, breast lift prices are on the higher end. They frequently exceed $13,500.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco breast lift costs are similar to those in Los Angeles. Women often pay between $9,000 and $15,000 for the procedure here.
Austin, Texas
Austin has slightly lower breast lift costs than other large cities like NYC. But they’re still higher than the national average, at $8,000 to $11,000.
San Diego, California
San Diego patients pay around $10,000 for a mastopexy. This is on the high end but is more affordable than LA.
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix has high breast lift costs averaging around $11,000.
Seattle, Washington
Women pay anywhere from $5,500 to $11,500 for a breast lift in Seattle.
Factors that affect the cost of a breast lift
Many variables influence how much a patient pays for a breast lift procedure.
Some key pricing factors include:
Breast lift type: The technique used impacts the cost, with more complex methods being pricier.
Geographic location: Prices vary by region, with higher costs in major cities like NYC and Los Angeles.
Surgeon's expertise and reputation: Reputable board-certified plastic surgeons charge higher fees than less experienced providers.
Facility fees: The operating room and surgical facility fees vary depending on the location and type of facility (hospital vs. private surgery center).
Anesthesia fees: The type of anesthesia used (local vs. general) and the anesthesiologist’s fees contribute to the total.
Post-operative care: Expenses for follow-up visits, medical garments, and medications during recovery add to the investment.
Consultation fee: Some surgeons charge a consultation fee, which may or may not be applied toward the surgery cost if booked.
Insurance coverage: Breast lifts are usually considered cosmetic procedures so health insurance won’t cover the costs.
Additional procedures: Combining a breast lift with other surgeries like breast augmentation or reduction increases the total.
Pre-operative tests: Required medical evaluations, lab work, and imaging before surgery add to the final price.
Breast lift types and their costs
Several types of breast lift techniques address varying degrees of sagging. Your procedure cost may be lower or higher depending on your surgeon's technique.
Here are the four most common breast lift types and their costs:
Traditional (anchor) breast lift cost
A traditional or anchor lift involves three incisions: one around the areola, one vertically from the areola to the breast crease, and one horizontally along the crease. It allows for the most lifting and reshaping. This method is a common choice for women with significant sagging. On average, traditional breast lifts cost around $8,000 or more.
Peri-areolar (donut) lift cost
A peri-areolar or donut lift requires a circular incision around the nipple only. It’s best for women with mild to moderate sagging, as it offers minimal lifting and shaping. Donut lift costs are generally lower than traditional lifts because the procedure isn’t as extensive. But you’ll pay more if your treatment plan includes breast implants.
Vertical (lollipop) lift cost
A vertical or lollipop lift uses two incisions: one around the nipple and another vertically down to the breast crease. It allows for more lifting and reshaping than a donut lift but involves less extensive changes than an anchor lift. Lollipop lift costs vary — get an accurate quote by sharing your aesthetic goals with your surgeon.
Crescent lift cost
A crescent lift involves a small incision along the upper half of the areola. It’s the most minor type of lift. The results are subtle and the scar is barely noticeable. Crescent lift costs tend to be the lowest — averaging around $6,500 to $7,500.
Additional costs to consider
When budgeting for a breast lift, don’t forget to account for costs beyond the surgeon’s fee.
Additional costs to consider include:
Medical tests: Pre-operative lab work, blood tests, and other medical evaluations may be required to ensure you’re healthy enough for surgery.
Anesthesia fees: The anesthesiologist’s services and medications used during the procedure are separate from the surgeon’s fee.
Post-surgery garments: Specialized supportive bras and compression garments help you recover smoothly and get the best results. The cost of these items varies.
Prescriptions for medication: Pain management and anti-inflammatory medications will add to your total cost.
Post-operative care: Surgeons usually include follow-up visits to monitor your recovery and progress in their fee. However, additional treatments may incur extra charges.
Travel and accommodation: If you choose a surgeon outside your local area, you’ll pay for flights/gas, lodging, and meals during your stay.
Potential revision surgeries: While rare, some patients may need or want more surgeries to refine their results down the line. This makes the overall investment higher.
Examples of expected results
A skillfully performed breast lift provides dramatic yet natural-looking improvements to breast shape, firmness, and position.
After the procedure, women notice their breasts sit higher on the chest wall, with the nipples nicely centered. Breasts appear fuller and more youthful, while retaining a natural teardrop shape.
Note: Patients must have realistic expectations before going into surgery. A breast lift can’t significantly change the size or round out the upper poles of the breasts. Women who want more volume and cleavage may consider combining a lift with implants.
Seeing real before and after photos from multiple angles may help you envision potential results:
Breast lift vs. augmentation: Which is cheaper?
Breast augmentation is a procedure that increases breast size using implants. It doesn’t address sagging issues. A breast lift is the opposite — it reshapes and raises the existing breast tissue but doesn’t add volume.
In most cases, a breast lift costs more than breast augmentation because the surgery is more complex. But it largely depends on what kind of breast lift you get — a minor one may not set you back as much.
Breast augmentation costs an average of $4,294, while a breast lift is around $5,817 [2]. If you combine both in one procedure, your total cost could easily exceed $10,000.
Does insurance cover the breast lift cost?
Like most cosmetic surgeries, breast lifts aren’t typically covered by health insurance. Since it’s elective (and usually not medically necessary), be ready to pay out of pocket.
The rare exception may be cases where a lift is done as part of a reconstructive procedure following breast cancer and mastectomy. Depending on the circumstances, a portion of the costs might be eligible for insurance coverage.
Financing options for a breast lift
Many plastic surgery practices partner with medical financing companies to make breast lift costs more manageable. Options like CareCredit include plans with fixed monthly payments and low- or no-interest promotions for qualified applicants.
Other financing options include:
Personal loans through a bank
Regular credit cards (be mindful of high interest fees)
In-house financing through the surgeon’s practice
Saving up and paying in full (some surgeons offer discounts for this)
How long will a breast lift last?
While a breast lift can turn back the clock some, it doesn’t stop it for good. The natural aging process and gravity will continue to affect breast tissue as you age. Major weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and menopause may impact long-term results.
That said, women who maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle enjoy their breast lift results for a long time. It’s not unrealistic to expect your new breast shape to last a decade or longer. Wearing a supportive bra and taking good care of your skin go a long way in prolonging results. You could even combine your lift with implants for more support.
Are breast lifts worth the money?
The majority of women who undergo breast lift surgery feel it’s a worthwhile investment in how they look and feel. A lift can boost self-confidence and help bras and clothing fit better. Even though that may seem minor, it can really improve a woman's quality of life.
Sure, costs may seem prohibitive at first. But breast lift results are long-lasting compared to other beauty treatments. Frequent injectable treatments, laser resurfacing, and non-invasive body contouring require regular maintenance and repeat procedures to sustain results. In contrast, a single breast lift provides a satisfying transformation for many years.
Another major benefit of a breast lift is it’s highly customizable. A reputable plastic surgeon can tailor the technique to your unique body and desired outcome — making it a versatile option for many women.
Beauty By Design | Breast lift in Las Vegas
A breast lift is a big investment in yourself. Choosing a qualified plastic surgeon will help you achieve safe and stunning results. With five board certifications and over 20 years in practice, Dr. Troell at Beauty By Design is Las Vegas’s premier plastic surgeon creating exceptional breast lift outcomes.
Dr. Troell combines his wealth of experience and skill with a compassionate, personalized approach. He’ll work closely with you to develop a custom treatment plan that addresses your concerns and meets your breast enhancement goals. Call +17022426488 to schedule a consultation and learn more about your breast lift options and costs.
Sources:
1. American Society of Plastic Surgeons, “How much does a breast lift cost?” Accessed on May 13, 2024.
2. American Society of Plastic Surgeons, “How much does a breast augmentation cost?” Accessed on May 13, 2024.