Breast Lift

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am very intrigued by the mesh implant insert in breast lift surgery that both yourself and another surgeon in the area are using. I am primarily hoping for a more perky shape, added fullness, areola revision, and “bra free” aesthetic look. I developed fairly large breasts at a young age that were large for my frame and after two kids and minor weight loss, I am hoping to have a more youthful chest. 

I do not want to dramatically go up in size but I am realistic in regards to a small implant being necessary for upper pole volume and maintaining the long term results I am hoping to achieve. I have done a consultation with a surgeon and while I liked him and felt comfortable, the total cost for a breast lift with implant was far higher than any other surgeon in the area that I’ve observed. 

This is a decision that I have researched adequately and feel strongly that I don’t necessarily want a “budget” procedure performed, but I was quoted almost $14,000.00 which seems very excessive to me. Please forgive me if I am incorrect. 

What are your thoughts?

A: Thank you for the details on your breast reshaping goals. When the implantation of mesh is used in breast lift surgery the cost of the mesh alone will approximate $4,000 to $5,000. That adds considerably to the overall operative cost. Mesh is a nice addition to a breast lift but, like icing on a cake, it is not absolutely essential. While it may have some modest benefits and is very theoretically appealing, you have to put a value on its addition to the procedure. For some breast patients it is essential to the result, particularly in revisional breast reshaping surgery. But in a primary breast lift/implant case for most patients it remains a luxury.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana