Understanding cost starts with understanding the operation being planned. Breast augmentation, a lift, reduction, fat transfer and implant revision involve different decisions, so one procedure’s estimate should not stand in for another’s.
Use these resources to prepare for a conversation about your goals, the proposed surgery and the details of your individual quote with Darren M. Smith, MD, FACS.
Find the resource for your procedure
Breast augmentation with implants
The implant-cost guide explains the components of a surgical quote and what to clarify about implants, anesthesia, the facility and follow-up care. Start here if you are considering implants, then use the procedure page to explore the operation itself.
Read the breast implant cost guide · Explore breast augmentation
Breast lift
Bring your goals for breast shape and position to the consultation. Ask whether the proposed plan is a lift alone or includes another procedure, and request an estimate that describes that complete plan. The breast lift page introduces the procedure and includes a cost discussion.
Explore breast lift surgery and cost considerations
Breast reduction
The breast reduction cost guide covers individualized quotes, the consultation credit, financing and questions about possible out-of-network benefits. It also explains the lifting component of a reduction and the practice’s approach to discussing your financial responsibilities.
Read the breast reduction cost guide · Explore breast reduction
Breast augmentation with fat transfer
For a fat-transfer quote, ask which areas will be treated with liposuction, what breast treatment is included and whether the proposed estimate covers one planned operation. Use the procedure page to prepare for that discussion rather than applying an implant-surgery estimate to fat transfer.
Explore fat transfer breast augmentation
Breast implant revision
Tell Dr. Smith about your previous surgery and the change you are considering. Ask the team to specify the work included in your proposed revision and explain which fees relate to that plan. A previous augmentation quote or an implant warranty should not be assumed to cover a new operation.
Explore breast implant revision
How to read your quote
Dr. Smith’s practice provides an itemized quote showing the surgeon’s fee, facility fee and anesthesia fee. All postoperative visits are included. Other items are not included; ask the team to identify those separately when reviewing your estimate.
Ask the team to walk through the complete written estimate before you compare totals. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons explains that published surgeon-fee averages can exclude anesthesia, operating-room facilities and other expenses; they are not a substitute for your own estimate. See ASPS’s explanation of augmentation costs.
Useful questions include:
- Which procedure or combination of procedures does this estimate describe?
- How are the surgeon, anesthesia, facility and any implant fees presented?
- What additional arrangements or items should I plan for outside the quoted fees?
- How does adding another procedure change the estimate?
- What payment, rescheduling and cancellation terms apply?
- If further surgery is needed later, which costs would be my responsibility?
These questions help you compare the scope of care as well as the total.
Plan the practical details
Alongside the surgical estimate, consider transportation, time away from work, help at home and lodging if you are traveling to Manhattan. Discuss your recovery arrangements with the team before making commitments.
Financing is available through CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit. Ask the team about these options and review the lender’s current terms before deciding whether financing fits your circumstances.
Dr. Smith is out of network with all insurance plans. The practice works with patients to help them use their out-of-network benefits toward care where those benefits apply. Coverage and reimbursement depend on your individual plan and are not guaranteed. If you hope to use benefits, raise that question early so you can distinguish your surgical quote from any potential reimbursement.
Discuss your individual plan
A consultation is an opportunity to understand the proposed approach, ask questions about the estimate and decide what fits your priorities.