Breast augmentation pricing includes four main components: the surgeon's fee, anesthesia, the surgical facility and the implants themselves. In this 2020 episode, Darren M. Smith, MD, a plastic surgeon in New York City, explains how to read a quote and why two procedures with the same name can have different costs.
The dollar amounts in this recording are historical, not a current quote. Dr. Smith describes examples ranging from about $6,500 to $13,000–$15,000 in the New York City area at the time. Those figures do not establish today's prices or guarantee what any particular package includes.
Key takeaways
💬 The surgeon's fee reflects the operation being planned.
Anatomy, prior breast surgery and case complexity can affect the work involved. Training and experience are also discussed as pricing factors.
💬 Anesthesia has its own cost.
The recording describes the setting, anesthesia provider and length of surgery as contributors.
💬 The facility fee covers more than a room.
Supplies, processing equipment and operating-room time contribute. Items such as a surgical bra or an overnight stay may be included or billed separately.
🔬 Implant choice affects the quote.
Dr. Smith discusses saline, silicone and a structured saline brand available at the time. Implant selection also involves anatomy and goals.
🔎 Location affects pricing.
Geographic differences help explain why an estimate from one community may not translate directly to another.
💬 Questions answered
Is the surgeon's fee the total cost of breast augmentation?
No. The episode separates that fee from anesthesia, facility and implant charges. Ask which components are included in the written quote and which are separate before comparing totals.
Can previous breast surgery make a new augmentation more expensive?
It can change the complexity and time required. Dr. Smith contrasts a straightforward first augmentation with a case involving previous implants or other breast surgery; an individual examination is needed to estimate the actual work.
ℹ️ Current planning context
The FDA advises that breast implants are not lifetime devices and that additional operations may be needed. Current implant counseling includes risk information and a patient decision checklist introduced after this recording. Discuss ongoing follow-up and potential future costs alongside the initial surgical quote.
🎧 Episode chapters
00:26 — Four components of the price
01:21 — Surgeon fee and case complexity
04:34 — Anesthesia fees
07:47 — Facility fees and included items
10:22 — Implant choices
11:50 — Geography and historical NYC prices
🔗 Related information
Explore breast augmentation, breast implant cost information, breast implant options, or request a consultation with Dr. Smith in New York City.
About the host — current biography
Darren M. Smith, MD, FACS is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Manhattan specializing in mommy makeover surgery, breast surgery, and body contouring. He was named to Newsweek’s America’s Best Plastic Surgeons 2026 and has co-authored authoritative peer-reviewed publications on combined breast surgery and abdominoplasty and the surgical care of postpartum patients.
Originally released July 9, 2020. Show notes updated September 30, 2026. This is general education. Current recommendations, suitability, risks and expected results require an individual assessment.
Full transcript and related resources
