Posted January 24, 2024 in Breast Augmentation
6 Min Read:
The price of a cosmetic procedure may significantly impact your decision to undergo plastic surgery. Considering that breast augmentation costs thousands of dollars and is not usually covered by insurance, it is entirely reasonable to weigh the benefits against the cost.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore different breast implant options, discuss the pros and cons of each, and delve into how the choice of implant type can influence the cost of breast augmentation surgery.
Other Factors That Contribute to the Cost of Breast Augmentation
Currently, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the average price of breast augmentation (for the surgeon’s fee only) is $3,947; but before you start budgeting for that price, it is important to know that this is only an estimate of a fraction of the final cost.
You may find a wide range of options and cost quotes. This vast differential in price range is due to several factors. Some of these costs (e.g., anesthesia fees, pre-operative mammograms, medications, and post-surgical garments) are relatively equal across the board.
Others (facility fees and surgical fees) are more varied as they reflect the difference in the surgeon’s knowledge, skill, experience, and expertise.
While these factors make up the bulk of your augmentation estimate, the type of breast implants you choose can also affect the final number significantly:
These are not Your Grandmother’s Breast Implants
Not all breast implants are created equal; between the filling material, shape, texture, and size, implants vary significantly in their design and cost.
Breast augmentation surgery has evolved significantly over the years, offering individuals various options when it comes to breast implants. Choosing the right implant is a crucial decision that impacts both your results and the overall cost of the procedure.
Types of Breast Implants
Breast implants consist of a biocompatible, durable silicone shell filled with saline or cohesive silicone gel.
- Saline implants: This implant type is filled with sterile saltwater during surgery.
- Pros: Because only the empty implant is inserted into the breast pocket, incisions are typically smaller and more discreet. The surgeon can also customize your implant size since the implant is filled during your procedure. Also, saline implants make ruptures easier to detect as they deflate. They are also usually less expensive than other options.
- Cons: Saline provides a more rounded appearance, which can more effectively enhance cleavage, but many women feel they don’t look or feel as natural as silicone implants and may be more vulnerable to rupture under pressure. If you have very little natural breast tissue, the edges of silicone implants are more likely to cause noticeable rippling. However, this complication can be avoided by placing saline breast implants under the chest muscle, which also offers a more natural appearance.
- Silicone gel implants: These breast implants come prefilled and are more popular among women than saline implants.
- Pros: Silicone implants are known for their natural look and feel compared to saline implants and are available in various shapes and textures to suit individual preferences.
- Cons: This implant option requires regular monitoring through MRI imaging to check for silent ruptures, which are often not immediately noticeable. Silicone breast implants generally cost more than saline implants.
- Structured saline implants: These breast implants are a hybrid of saline and silicone.
- Pros: Structured saline implants maintain the natural feel of silicone and the adjustability of saline. The internal structure is made of silicone to provide better shape retention. This option still has a higher risk of rupture, but the interior structure helps control the saline flow. Patients who choose structured implants will be able to detect leaks more easily than with silicone implants but aren’t likely to experience a rapid deflation.
- Cons: Costs are higher than traditional saline implants and are often similar to silicone implants.
- Gummy Bear Implants (Form-Stable or Highly Cohesive Silicone): Gummy bear or teardrop-shaped implants are designed to provide the most natural enhanced breast appearance.
- Pros: Gummy bear implants maintain their shape even if the implant shell ruptures and are less likely to experience complications. However, if they rotate within the breast pocket, they can cause malposition. For that reason, these implants are often textured to reduce this risk.
- Cons: This silicone breast implant option typically comes with the highest price tag as higher costs are associated with advanced technology. They sometimes require a slightly larger incision due to their shape and form-stable nature and may feel firmer than traditional silicone implants.
Another variation of silicone breast implants is the profile. The profile is essentially how the implant will project off of the breast. You can choose an implant with a variety of widths and projections.
The more you customize a silicone implant, the higher the cost. The most important part of the process is to look at all of your options before choosing an implant and then make your selection based on which will allow your ideal appearance.
Traditionally, upgrading from saline to silicone costs roughly $1,400 or more, depending on which silicone implant is chosen. If you are already struggling to justify the cost of breast augmentation, this upcharge is significant.
While it is tempting to lean toward the cheaper option, you may want to think twice before making your decision.
Other Factors That May Influence Your Choice of Breast Implant
There are several considerations that will help determine a qualified plastic surgeon’s recommendations and your final results.
Your Body Type and Structure
Thin vs. curvy build: Different implants may be recommended based on your body type and existing breast tissue to reduce the risk of rippling.
Lifestyle and Activity Level
Highly-active individuals may opt for a subtle breast volume enhancement rather than a dramatic size increase, as large breasts can interfere with smooth movements and some athletic performance. Strenuous physical activity can raise the risk of rupture, and saline implants offer prompt detection and do not require periodic imaging.
Choosing Your Plastic Surgeon
Thoughtful consideration when weighing your breast enhancement costs also applies to your choice of plastic surgeon. There are plenty of doctors willing to charge less, but in the long run, revision breast surgery can also be expensive. Choosing a surgeon based on lower costs can lead to unsatisfactory outcomes and additional costs.
A thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is crucial in achieving a harmonious, proportional outcome.
Breast Augmentation in Tempe, AZ
Dr. Jennifer Boll is a double board-certified plastic surgeon providing a range of cosmetic procedures, including breast augmentation, in Tempe, Arizona.
She offers several implant options for her patients, and she allows patients to feel each type. She will review each type and recommend the best for one’s desired results.
Your health, safety, and quality of results should always surpass the excitement of getting a better deal. Dr. Boll is committed to making these aspects of your surgery her priorities but also works hard to make her services as affordable as possible.
For more information about breast augmentation or the variations in cost, contact Dr. Boll by calling (480) 800-8295 or filling out our online contact form.