Breast Augmentation Prices and
Additional Costs
What Costs May Impact the Total Price of Implants You Ask?
Like other forms of cosmetic surgery, breast augmentation operations are on the rise across North
America and around the world. Part of the reason for that surge in popularity is financial accessibility;
over the past decade, declining prices for a basic procedure have made the cost of breast augmentation
surgery possible for women across the financial spectrum.
Standard breast augmentation prices can range from approximately $5,000 to $10,000. An average
breakdown of the costs may include $4,000 to $5,000 for a surgeon, $500 to $1,000 for an
anaesthesiologist, $1,000 and up for clinic fees, and $1,200 to $2,000 for implants.
However, a variety of factors can influence the cost of breast augmentation surgery, including the type of
implant used, placement of the implants, the profile of the implants, and any complications that may
arise.
Associated medical costs, such as clinic fees for equipment, surgeons, anaesthesiologists, nurses and
other staff, follow- up care, pain medications and other drugs may vary widely from region to region and
from one facility to another, so it is wise to get a list of all additional costs before agreeing to breast
augmentation surgery.
Most health care plans do not cover the cost of breast augmentation, but some comprehensive plans
may reduce the costs of certain elements of the surgery or of follow- up care and prescription
medications.
Types of breast implants:
There are a variety of breast implants available on the market, with a texture, shape, and profile to suit
any taste.
Saline breast implants are a popular choice for breast augmentation surgery, and are widely available.
They require only a small incision because their silicone elastomer shell is inserted empty and then
filled with a saline (salt water) solution.
Women may choose from textured, smooth, anatomically natural looking, or round saline implants.
Some saline implants can even be adjusted for size and shape months after insertion, although there
may be additional costs for such adjustments, at the discretion of each doctor.
Silicone gel breast implants are soft and natural feeling, but are subject to restricted availability in certain
areas, which may make the cost of silicone breast implants significantly higher in those regions.
Restrictions on the availability of silicone breast implants stem from controversy in the 1990s, when the
safety of silicone breast implants came into question.
At the time, silicone implants were of a liquid consistency and prone to leakage if the shell was ruptured;
more modern silicone implants are made of thicker, stickier gel in an elastomer shell to prevent leaks.
Silicone implants require a larger incision than their saline counterparts, which could indirectly increase
costs if the cut becomes infected during the healing process, and additional care is required.
Placement of breast implants:
Breast implants are either placed subglandularly (under the breast tissue, but above the pectoralis
muscle in the chest) or submuscularly (under the pectoralis muscle and breast tissue). This is
commonly known as ‘over or under’, and surgeons have different opinions on which is best in general
and for each individual woman. Submuscular implant placement is a more involved medical process
that may cost more than subglandular placement, and may require more recovery time and pain
management.
Potential complications arising from breast augmentation surgery resulting in additional price added:
Surgery of any kind, including breast augmentation procedures, carries a certain degree of risk. General
surgical risks include complications from anaesthesia (which can be very serious or even fatal),
bleeding, infections, scarring, or loss of feeling in the affected area.
Depending on the severity of these issues, associated costs may range from a couple hundred dollars
of extra care to many thousands of dollars for uninsured medical emergencies. Problems specific to
breast augmentation procedures can also have either nominal or substantial costs depending on the
issue and severity of the situation.
Implant rupture – ruptures can be caused by defective implants, implants that have been overfilled,
piecing or pressure at the breast, or simply by age. Ruptured or deflated implants should be removed. If
the implant is defective, the cost of a new implant may be covered by the implant manufacturer, but the
cost of a second surgery will likely be out of pocket (price : could be approximately $4,000 plus).
Capsular Contracture (CC) – a common problem caused by scar tissue around the implant contracting
and becoming hard or distorted. Treatments range from self- massage to manipulate the tissue (free) to
another operation (price : approximately $4,000 plus).
Displacement – breast implants sometimes move downward if they do not have enough tissue support
underneath them. A surgeon will repair this problem by moving the implant pocket higher, and sewing
the lower portion of the old pocket closed (price : approximately $4,000 plus).
Mondor’s Cord – a tough, hard vein that may appear near the armpit or in the fold under the breast if a
vein or blood vessel becomes hardened or inflamed. Some women may notice more than one of these
painful cords, but they usually disappear on their own in time (free)
Symmastia – appears as if the breasts are attached in the middle, with no cleavage. This can happen if
the chest muscles at the sternum loosen and slip up, if a patient has very little chest fat, or if implants
are too large. The muscle has to be reattached to repair the problem, and occasionally, implants mush
be downsized for a better fit (approximately $4,000 to $10,000).
One of the best ways to minimize the potential costs of breast implant complications is to select an
experienced, board-certified surgeon with an impeccable record. Ask for references and ask a lot of
questions about the procedure and associated prices, potential problems and associated costs before
they happen.
