There are many factors that go into play when determining the cost of breast implants. Some of these variables include location, surgery, hospital costs, anesthesiology, brand of implants chosen, and type of implants. Dr. Robert Kachenmeister is an Ideal Implant Preferred Surgeon and practices out of Orange County, California. Dr. Kachenmeister is a board certified specialist with over two-decades of experience in plastic surgery. His specialties include breast implants, mommy make-overs, and tummy tucks. In this article, we will discuss breast surgery cost and recovery from breast augmentations.
About Dr. Robert Kachenmeister, MD
Dr. Kachenmeister attended the Loma Linda University School of Medicine and received his MD in 1988. He is a board-certified plastic surgeon and is affiliated with Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, California. He holds consultations in Mission Viejo and Newport Beach, California, but is also known for serving residents as far south as San Diego. Dr. Kachenmeister is a clinical instructor at Loma Linda University Medical Center, graduated cum laude, received the Surgery Resident of the Yard award in 1990, and the Who’s Who in American College and University in 1987. He has over 35 five-star reviews on RealSelf and is a highly trusted plastic surgeon. His online reviews boast of his impressive bed-side manner, making patients feel comfortable, minimal pain and scaring, and expertise in explaining the process.
The Average Breast Surgery Cost
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of breast implant surgery in 2019 was $3,947. Keep in mind, this cost only makes up a portion of the total price of a breast augmentation. In addition to breast surgery, patients are responsible for paying the anesthesiologist, operating room costs, and other related expenses. The type of implant chosen by the surgeon and patient can also determine costs. For example, unstructured saline breast implants are more cost effective than silicone gel implants. This is due to the increased cost of manufacturing silicone versus saline. The different brands of implants can also change the price of breast surgery cost. Some popular brands include IDEAL IMPLANT® Structured Breast Implants, Allergan, Mentor, and Sientra. Geographic location can also play an important role in determining the price for implants. Locations with a higher population tend to charge higher prices compared to plastic surgeons who work in more remote locations. This is simply due to demand. Typically, the total breast surgery cost ranges from $5,000 to $10,000.
Most health insurance plans do not cover breast augmentation surgery since it is an elective cosmetic surgery. Some insurance carriers even exclude coverage on breast diseases in patients who have breast implants. Prior to scheduling your breast augmentation, be sure to check with your insurance carrier to see if your plan has any breast implant restrictions.
The more experience a surgeon has, the more likely they are to charge a premium for their experience and expertise. Many plastic surgeons including Dr. Kachenmeister offer financing plans for augmentations. If an estimate for a breast augmentation is out of your price range, be sure to ask about financing options. Remember, your comfort level and trust in the doctor should be at the forefront of your decision when choosing a plastic surgeon.
What to Expect on the Day of Surgery
The day has finally arrived. The day when you will finally achieve your ideal look for your breasts. Many women choose to move forward with the breast surgery cost to improve their self-image and self-confidence. Prior to the day of surgery, Dr. Kachenmeister will have already conducted a consultation to determine your goals for post-surgery, which type of breast implant will help you achieve your goals, size of implants, and recovery processes. He also encourages women to come with a list of questions so that they can maximize their time during the consultation and put all of their worries at ease.
The first step of the surgery is to put the patient under anesthesia. Dr. Kachenmeister will then make the first incision, depending on which type of incision was predetermined during the consultation. The breast implant is then inserted under the pectoral muscle or behind the breast tissue over the pectoral muscle. The position of the implant is determined depending on the method used for positioning the implant and the type of implant used. Once the implant has been placed and sized correctly, the surgeon will close the incision point.
Most breast augmentations are outpatient surgeries, meaning patients are released the same day as the surgery. Some women may opt to stay overnight following a breast augmentation depending on circumstances. Surgery generally takes between one and two hours to perform. Once the patient has been awoken from anesthesia, post-op instructions and pain medications will be given to the patient.
Recovery from Breast Implant Surgery
Every woman’s body is different and heals at its own pace. However, most surgeons agree that a full recovery from breast augmentations can take about six weeks. Although, many women notice that they feel normal after about one week. The first three to five days post-op tend to be the most uncomfortable and surgeons will prescribe pain medications to compensate for any pain. Following those days, most women can function with over-the-counter pain medications if needed. Most women report that they are able to return to work within a week following surgery.
Dr. Kachenmeister will recommend that patients slowly ease back into their normal routines of exercise or daily routines. Strenuous activities such as heavy lifting or jarring activities such as running or jumping jacks should be avoided for a few weeks following surgery.
To ensure a smooth recovery, special recovery bras are recommended. These provide implant stability as well as circulation and mild compression to ensure lymph drainage.
Why You Can Trust Dr. Kachenmeister
Dr. Kachenmeister has over 33 years of experience and countless reviews that speak highly of his qualifications to perform breast augmentations. Considering breast implants in Orange County? Contact Dr. Robert Kachenmeister today to discuss your options. Simply call (949) 364-2277 or visit psaoc.com. Dr. Kachenmeister’s office is located at 26732 Crown Valley Parkway, Suite 585, Mission Viejo, CA 92691. Call today for more information on IDEAL IMPLANT Structured Breast Implants.