Is Breast Augmentation Covered By Insurance?

As with any surgical procedure, it is always a good idea to do your research and know all of your financial options ahead of time. When you make the decision to undergo breast augmentation, you may be wondering whether or not the procedure, or any portion of it, can be covered by insurance. The answer depends on a variety of factors, including the reason for the procedure. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi and the knowledgeable office staff at VIP Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, NV will help you understand your financial options and work to find a breast augmentation payment plan that best meets your needs. To get a better idea of if and when a breast augmentation may be covered by insurance, it is important to first have a basic understanding of the procedure.

What is a breast augmentation?

A breast augmentation, commonly known as a boob job, is a surgical procedure designed to increase the size and volume of the breasts through the use of artificial saline or silicone gel implants, or a patient’s own fat in the case of fat transfer to the breast. Some of the most common reasons that women pursue a breast augmentation include:

• Lost breast volume due to pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding
• Lost breast volume due to aging
• Naturally small breasts
• Trauma to the breast
• Reconstruction of the breast after mastectomy following breast cancer treatment

In many cases, a breast augmentation is combined with a breast lift, tummy tuck, or other surgeries as part of a larger mommy makeover procedure.

Will insurance cover my boob job?

While elective cosmetic procedures are generally not covered by insurance, there are some scenarios in which a breast augmentation may be deemed medically necessary and therefore be partially or fully covered by insurance. These include:

• Breast reconstruction: When a breast augmentation is performed as part of a reconstructive breast surgery, it may be covered by insurance. This usually applies to patients who have undergone mastectomy following a breast cancer diagnosis.
• Implant malfunction: When a breast implant malfunctions and requires replacement or revision, there is a chance that insurance may cover a portion of the procedure. Examples of implant malfunction include rupture and rotation.
• Breast implant illness: In situations where a strong case can be made for a patient’s symptoms or disease being linked to her breast implants, insurance may cover a subsequent procedure to remove or replace the implants. One of the most common breast implant-associated illnesses is BIA-ALCL, though the occurrence is still rare.
• Breast reduction: Though it is not technically a breast augmentation, the breast reduction is another breast surgery that may be covered by your insurance provider, in some cases. For women who suffer from severe pain, limited mobility, or other symptoms associated with large breasts, it may be possible to have a breast reduction procedure partially or fully covered by insurance.

Ultimately, the main factor in determining whether or not insurance will cover your breast augmentation, breast implant removal, breast reduction, or other breast surgery is the reason why the procedure is being performed. In general, cosmetic or elective procedures will not be covered by insurance.

How much does a breast augmentation cost in Las Vegas?

The total cost for your breast augmentation will depend on the surgeon, the facility, the type of implants used, and any associated procedures that may be performed. On average, patients can expect to spend about $6,500 for a breast augmentation with saline implants. If silicone gel implants are used, the cost will go up by $1,000 or more. After your initial consultation, the patient coordinator at VIP Plastic Surgery will be able to give you an exact cost breakdown for your proposed procedure.

How do I find the best breast surgeon in Las Vegas?

If you are interested in a breast augmentation in Las Vegas, NV, the first and most important step is to select a qualified, board-certified, and experienced plastic surgeon. Use your consultation as an opportunity to ask questions about the surgeon’s training and experience, and make sure to read reviews about the surgeon and the surgical facility online. It is also beneficial to browse the surgeon’s before-and-after photo galleries to see what results may be possible for you.

Call VIP Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, NV to schedule your consultation with our Chief of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Christopher Khorsandi, today and learn more about whether your breast augmentation may be covered by insurance.