6 Factors That Affect the Cost of Breast Augmentation (Updated 2025)

The average price of breast augmentation in Arizona ranges widely, from about $6,900 statewide to $8,600 in the Phoenix area, based on recent patient-reported data.* While this range can be a helpful starting point, the actual cost is shaped by several key choices, beginning with your implants and unique surgical plan. Keep reading to learn the top 6 factors that affect the cost of breast augmentation below.

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What Affects Breast Augmentation Costs?

Total surgery costs depend on the qualifications and experience of the plastic surgeon as well as the geographic location of the practice. Getting breast implants in a large city like Phoenix is typically more expensive than what you’ll pay in a smaller town like Yuma, for example. But other factors affect the price you pay for breast augmentation, too.

1. Timing

The time of year you schedule your procedure can subtly influence your overall breast augmentation cost. Many people choose winter to get breast implants because they typically have more time off and can recover more discreetly, thanks to the extra layers of clothing.

Because demand can fluctuate throughout the year, some practices may offer special pricing or promotions during slower months, while peak seasons may book up quickly at standard rates.

2. Type of implant

If you’ve ever typed “how much does breast implants cost” in the search bar, you’ll know that prices can vary based on material, texture, and technology. In general:

• Saline implants are less expensive than silicone implants.
• Smooth silicone implants are typically less expensive than textured silicone implants, which have largely been phased out due to safety considerations.
• More modern (next-gen) implants will typically cost more but can offer a more natural look and feel.

During your consultation, we’ll review your options, including implant size, profile, and material, and help you understand how each one affects both your results and the total cost of breast augmentation.

3. Type of anesthetic

Most breast augmentations are performed using a general anesthetic, which keeps you fully asleep and comfortable during surgery. Some surgeons may offer a combination of local anesthetic plus sedation, which can be a less expensive option in certain cases.

At our practice, I use a general anesthetic when performing breast augmentation. Your anesthesia fees are included in your total quote and are an important part of ensuring that your procedure is safe, controlled, and as comfortable as possible.

4. Time in the operating room

Operating room time is another line item in your breast augmentation cost. The time needed for a straightforward breast augmentation is usually consistent, but if the procedure lasts longer than expected, the additional time can increase the price.

Your time in the OR also goes up when you combine procedures, which can raise your overall surgical fee but may be more efficient than staging surgeries separately. Common add-ons include:

• Breast lift for sagging or deflation
• Tummy tuck for post-pregnancy or weight loss changes

These combination procedures are popular in mommy makeover surgery and can be a smart investment for the right patient, even though they increase the upfront cost.

5. Fat transfer instead of implants

Some patients are good candidates for fat transfer breast augmentation, which uses their own fat instead of implants to enhance breast volume. This approach can look and feel very natural, but it does affect the cost of breast augmentation in several ways:

• Fat must be harvested with liposuction from another area (such as the abdomen or thighs).
• Because the procedure involves both liposuction and fat grafting, it typically takes longer than a standard implant-only breast augmentation.
• The added time, techniques, and equipment all increase your total fee.

For patients desiring a modest size increase, fat transfer can be an excellent option; however, it’s important to understand that it’s not necessarily the “cheaper” choice.

6. Post-operative items and recovery needs

Post-op items aren’t usually the biggest part of your budget, but they do add up and should be part of your planning. These may include:

• Prescription pain medication
• Support or compression bras
• Scar cream or silicone gel sheets
• Extra pillows or positioning aids for sleep

At your consultation, we’ll walk you through all expected costs so you understand the true “out-the-door” price of your breast augmentation, not just the surgeon’s fee.

How Much Should Price Matter When Choosing a Plastic Surgeon?

While it’s natural to compare prices and look for a good value, choosing a plastic surgeon based on cost alone can be extremely risky. Your health, safety, and long-term results are too important to bargain-hunt.

Instead, focus on:

• Board certification and formal training in plastic surgery
• Experience with breast augmentation specifically
• A strong track record of safety and satisfied patients
• Before-and-after photos that match the look you’re hoping to achieve

For a starting point in your search, you can browse our gallery of breast augmentation before-and-after photos to see actual patients’ results. You can also learn more about choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon in our related blog post.

Ready To Talk About Your Breast Augmentation Options?

If you’d like to talk about how much breast augmentation may cost for you—and which approach is best for your body and goals—my team and I are here to help you understand your options. Request a consultation or call Advanced Plastic Surgery Institute at (480) 466-7355 to get started today.

*Average price in 2024 according to RealSelf. Your price may vary based on a variety of individual patient factors and other conditions.