Women often get breast implants in order to make their breasts fuller and more prominent. The procedure may be done for cosmetic reasons, for reconstructive purposes, or after procedures such as a mastectomy. The pricing will be different depending on the type of implant that you choose.
Silicone and saline implants
There are two main types of implants: silicone gel and saline. Saline-filled implants are shells of silicone that are filled with sterile saltwater. Some will need to be filled during the procedure, and others are already pre-filled. Many women say that silicone gel implants have a more natural feel to them than the saline ones, however they do pose more of a risk if they leak. Either option comes with its own pros and cons; it really just boils down to personal preference for each person. The saline and silicone breast implants both come in the choice of a textured or smooth shell, and come in a range of different sizes.
The cost.
How much your breast implants will cost depends on several factors, including the doctor, the location or city where you are getting the procedure, and the type of implant that is used. Most often, the procedure will range from $5,000 to over $10,000. Depending on the Doctor you choose, some are able to offer breast implant payment plans. Due to the fact that the breast implants are done for cosmetic reasons, most health insurances won’t cover any breast augmentation. Be sure to check if you are covered or partially covered if you are relying on this in order to afford the procedure.
When it comes time to pick your surgeon, it might be wise to look beyond the price and research how much experience that surgeon has. Just because one surgeon has lower prices does not always mean they are the better choice.
How is the procedure done?
Even when a woman reaches their early twenties, the breast is most often still developing. For that reason the FDA has put a restriction that women must be over the age of 18 to get saline implants, and over 23 years old to get the silicone implants.
You will need to pay a consultation fee as you are required to have an evaluation with the surgeon before anything goes ahead. The surgeon will go through your medical history, and what types of medication you are taking. Again depending on what type of breast augmentation you are having some procedures can be done in an outpatients clinic, whilst some procedures require an overnight stay. If you are getting the implants done at a private hospital, check out their fees as you may be required to pay more if you need to stay overnight.
Possible complications that can occur.
As with all procedures, there are risks. Many different complications can occur, which again can see you required to pay more if additional procedures or care is required.
Complications that can occur:
- Changes in nipple and breast sensations
- Breast pain
- Scarring
- Bleeding
- Infections
- Scar tissue forming around the implant
- Breasts may not be symmetrical
- Implants bursting and leaking
It’s also important to know that breast implants are not designed to last forever. Over time you may need them replaced, especially if the breast changes shape or size over time. For those who choose to have silicone-filled implants, they are required to get an MRI scan done every three years after getting the surgery done to check for any ruptures. This is an additional ongoing cost you will be required to pay. If a rupture is found, then you will be required to have the implant replaced which comes at a further cost of around $5,000, so that is certainly something to think about.
