Breast Implants Cost & Surgery Information

Recent statistical surveys show a dramatic variation in the total breast implants cost between $5,000 and $15,000 with the average being $4,500 and this can be explained by adding up average cost for all stages of the process as described in detail below.

• Surgeons fee — $3,700
• Anesthesiologist’s fee — $700
• Facility fee — $900
• Pre-op tests – mammogram ranging from $35 for insured patients and $120 for uninsured patients, CBC between $15 and $25.
• Post-op including medications — $150

Breast Implants Financing Alternatives

Because this surgery is most often done for cosmetic purposes, most insurance companies do not cover it, however they do make exceptions if it is done for reconstructive purposes after breast cancer treatment. Other financing alternatives include the following:

• Signing a model release form for the healthy facility you choose.
• Installment plans drawn up through the surgeon’s in-house finance program.
• Credit from outside financing companies which have formed partnerships with your surgeon.

General Information:

Over the last few years there has been a surge in the number of breast implant surgeries here in the United States. This cosmetic surgery has become so popular because the cost has decreased dramatically and the results are very predictable. Most surgeons have performed thousands of these procedures which give them the experience needed to confidently give you the look you are going for. Continue reading and you will learn most of the basics about breast implants that will allow you to make a decision if you want to visit a surgeon to learn more.

Benefits and Reasons for Breast Implants:

There are many reasons that women get breast implants. Some women were born with a smaller frame and their cup size isn’t at a size they would desire. This procedure gives them the ability to have larger fuller breasts quickly and safely. Other women are trying to repair the damage to their bodies that happened from child birth. When women are pregnant their breast swell due to the production of milk for the new child. After the child is born many mothers breast feed which give the breasts a saggy and flatter look. This procedure allows the woman to have her breasts reshaped so they are fuller and lifted back to her pre-baby shape. In a society where beauty and image is so highly regarded, having breasts one feels is undesirable takes a toll on confidence. By having a breast implant surgery you can increase your confidence which spills over into other areas of your life. You feel better which in turn will help at work. You look better and feel sexier which makes you more desirable to your partner. All of  these factors are why women decide to get this procedure done.

Saline Vs Silicone Breast Implants:

Breast implants consist of a shell which is created out of a silicone based rubber material. The inside of the implant is filled with either a silicone or a saline (salt water) based solution. In general the silicone based implants are known to be softer than saline. The feel of silicone is compared to the feel of a semi solid gel and the saline more like a water balloon. We are going to discuss information about both of these types so you can have a better idea of which one is best for you.

Silicone Implants - Background Information

Up until 1992 silicone based implants were the predominant breast implant choice. The FDA pulled them from procedures after a lawsuit alleged these implants increased a woman’s chance of contracting autoimmune and connective tissue disease. Laws were made that banished these implants which left only saline based products on the market.  In the years between 1992 and 2005 the FDA allowed surgeons to only use the silicone implants for breast reconstruction surgery and revision breast augmentation. After 2006 the FDA re approved the silicone based implants after no such link between the diseases were found. They are now considered safe, but the governing agencies are keeping an eye on them to ensure that they remain safe and no further long term complications arise.

Silicone Implant Risks

One of the biggest concerns of the FDA is something called a silent rupture. This is where the silicone implant ruptures but the shape stays the same and most of the silicone stays inside the shell. As for the bit that leaks, it can be toxic to your system. The FDA recommends that 3 years after the implant surgery women should get an MRI to check for leaks. After that you should have an MRI every 3 years.

Saline Implants:

The casing for saline implants is the same as the silicone implants, but the fluid inside is a salt water mixture instead of silicone. One of the biggest differences between the two implant types is the size of the incision needed. Saline implants require a much smaller incision because the implant is filled after it is inserted into the body. This also gives the doctor the ability to add or remove liquid after the surgery. Silicone implants are a permanent size so there can be no adjustment. One of the biggest advantages of the saline implant is that if it ruptures it is completely safe. Your body will naturally absorb all the saline solution and it will cause no harm to your body. Also the implant will deflate which will let you know that it has ruptured. Silicone implants do not necessarily deflate which can lead to serious problems. The toxic silicone solution will be in your system and can cause health issues.

Saline Implants: The Downsides

One of the biggest downsides of saline implants is the way they feel. Most people prefer the silicone implant because it feels more like a real breast. Saline implants have been likened to the feel of a water balloon. There are new surgical techniques which include putting the implant behind the chest muscle, then slightly overfilling it, which is giving the saline implant a more natural feel. Another thing to consider is what’s known as rippling. Saline implants are more likely to ripple than its silicone counterpart. This is caused by the saline solution and the silicone shell interact. If you have thin skin or small breast tissue the rippling will be more pronounced.

Methods: Which Incision Type?

When you have your consultation with a surgeon, one of the topics you will cover is the incision type. There are many factors which will determine which of the incisions you will have. It will depend upon your body composition, anatomy, and the size and shape of the implant. Here are the four major incision types you will be deciding between:

• Inframmamary Incision (Crease or fold incision)- This incision is underneath the breast, just above where the breast and rib cage meet.
• Periareolar Incision (Nipple Incision)- This is where the incision is between your areola and breast skin. The areola is the area that surrounds the nipple.
• Transaxillary Incision (Armpit Incision)- Just as it sounds, this incision is where they insert the breast implant through your armpit.
• TUBA Insicion (Belly button Incision)- This is where your belly button is the incision point for the surgery.

Each of these methods have different advantages and disadvantages. All of these can be gone over with your surgeon to determine which will be the best for your particular situation.

Implant Placement:

Another choice when it comes to your implants is where they will be placed in your body. Again you will go over these choices with your surgeon and together you will make the best decision for you. The 3 different placement areas are:

• Subglandular Placement- This is where the implant is placed under your skin above your pectoral muscles. They are regularly called “overs” because they are inserted over your chest muscle.
• Partial Submuscular Placement- This placement is where it is inserted partially under your pectoral muscles. These are called “unders” or “partial unders”.
• Full Submuscular Placement- Just like the name says, your implants will be fully placed under your pectoral muscles.

Breast Implants Recovery:

Most patients need a solid week after the surgery to recover. In a short period of time  you can get back to your day to day life, but it is highly recommended that you spend the first 2 days after the surgery in bed resting. This will allow your body to recuperate faster which is obviously a good thing. You will notice that your breasts are very firm, swollen and are riding high on your chest. This is not a reason to freak out because the breast will become less firm and they will rest lower on your chest once they are healed. About a week after your surgery you will go back to the office to have your sutures removed and have the surgeon examine you. They will also be giving you a detailed guide on what to do post surgery to ensure quick recovery and exercises to make your breasts less firm. It is important to note that your breast can experience swelling for a solid 3 to 5 weeks.

Are You an Ideal Candidate for Breast Implants?:

One of the biggest factors in getting any elective surgery is your health. You must be a healthy person, and in the case of breast implants you also must be over the age of 18. There are exceptions to the rule, but generally most surgeons will not perform the procedure on teenage girls because their breast tissue is not fully developed. Also you have any medical problems be very transparent with your surgeon. There could be complications that they must be made aware of before performing the operation.

Those Who Aren’t Right for Breast Implants:

This procedure definitely is not for every woman. There are a few situations where breast implants should be avoided. These situations are:

• Pregnant or currently breast-feeding women
• A woman with any infection in her body
• A woman who has cancer that has not been treated

Breast Implants Risks and Side Effects:

As with any elective surgery there are always risks and potential for side effects. While this procedure is considered very safe there are a few things that you need to take into consideration when making a decision to get breast implants. Here are a few of the risks:

• Mammography- Once you have breast implants it is harder to read the mammogram. Now this by no means should dissuade you from get your annual mammogram. This is the best way to detect breast cancer at its earliest stages which is also its most treatable stages. If you have breast implants it does not exempt you from the risk of breast cancer.  You will probably need additional views known as Eklund displacement views. Tell the staff at the examination center that you have implants so that they can schedule more time for the extra views. Also you can ask your surgeon to refer you to a center that sees a large number of women who have breast implants. 
• Breast Feeding- Most women are still able to breast feed after having their breast implant surgery. Before having your surgery you will need to inform your surgeon of your choice to breast feed. This will have an effect on which incision choice you and your doctor make. Some of the incision methods can interfere with the milk ducts and that could lead to issues when breast feeding. Just be very open with your surgeon so that together you can make the decision that will be beast for your lifestyle.
• Loss of Sensation- After getting implants some women experience a loss of sensation in their breast and nipple areas. This can sometimes be temporary and other times permanent. Each technique comes with its risks so speak with your surgeon about this topic.
• Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma- Right now there are people studying the possible link of breast implants and Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma known as ALCL. This is a very rare Lymphoma or blood cancer which attacks your T-cells. Right now there are approximately 60 cases worldwide out of 5 to 10 million implant patients.  Treatment requires the removal of the implants and some women need more aggressive treatment.
• Double Bubble- From time to time the breast implant shifts below the fold where the implant meets the chest. This area is known as the inframammary crease. This creates a line or indentation across the bottom of the breast and can be corrected by surgery.
• Leaking Implant- If you have saline implants then your body will naturally absorb the saltwater solution. There can be major issues if you have a silicone based implant which can lead to something called systemic disease.
• Implant Rupture- If your implant ruptures you will have a change in shape of your breast. This generally happens with a large trauma to the chest area. The fix is to have the implant removed and another to replace it.
• Capsular Contracture- This is a capsule that is created out of scar tissue which puts pressure or compresses the implant. It causes the implant to be hard and misshapen and is one of the side effects that can happen at any time after your surgery.  There are certain risk factors of having this which include trauma to the breast as well as there being insufficient skin to cover your implant. Surgery is required to fix this side effect.

When having a consultation with your surgeon, feel very comfortable speaking with him/her about all the possible risks and side effects that can occur. The more questions you ask and the more you know you will be better prepared going into surgery and knowing what to expect after the procedure.

Breast Implants Cost:

Since Breast implants are known as an elective surgery it is not something that insurance companies cover. This means that you will have to spend your own money on the procedure. This is one area where cost should not be the deciding point on where you get the surgery. Getting a quality breast implant is far more important than the actual cost of the procedure. A growing trend among patients is to travel abroad to other countries for their surgeries.  As you can imagine, by substituting cost for lesser surgeons abroad there are more horror stories. You should find a surgeon that makes you feel comfortable and that has a great reputation. Find a price that is doable for your budget, but do not substitute cost for quality. By doing this there can be a number of serious repercussions. These repercussions are the same as the ones mentioned in the risks category. Also symmetry is something that can be off. This is where one of your breasts looks dramatically different than the other which can be emotionally traumatizing.

Needless to say most people would rather pay more than have any of the above issues. The cost of your breast implants will vary depending upon different variables.

• Silicone vs Saline- Silicone implants are more expensive than their saline counterpart. The average cost difference is approximately $1,000 more.
• Warranties- you can purchase a warranty on your breast implants which cover damages for certain period of time
• Geographical Location- The city you get your implant surgery performed in will definitely change the price of the procedure.
• Surgeon Expertise- The more well known a surgeon the more you are going to pay. These surgeons can command a higher rate because they have performed thousands upon thousands of procedures. They are considered the best in the industry so many consider the extra money worth it

If you are shopping around by calling surgeons offices you need to be aware of all the cost associated with this surgery. There is the cost of the implants, hospital or surgical facility fees, anesthesia fees, prescriptions for post surgery, post surgery garments, and other miscellaneous costs. Make sure you have a written estimate from your surgeon so you know what you will be paying.

Payment Methods:

If you are one of the fortunate individuals with large bank accounts or savings you can pay for your surgery with cash or a check. We understand that very few individuals can do this so there are a couple other methods available. First you can use a credit card, or multiple if needed to finance the procedure. We recommend finding one with the lowest available balance so that your cost doesn’t increase dramatically due to interest being accrued. Also many surgeons work directly with medical financing companies that help patients get the money they need. Just ask your doctor for a referral and they will gladly give you one.

Choosing a Surgeon:

Now it is time to find a surgeon to complete your breast implant procedure. If you live in a rural area you are probably going to want to find a doctor in a larger city since they generally see more patients or have done more procedures. You can look in the phone book or even on an internet search engine to find a limitless number of doctors at your fingertips.  You can schedule consultations with multiple surgeons and most of them are free of charge. When looking for a surgeon there are a few very important factors that you must take into consideration.

• Location- this can be local or across country if you are seeking out a more experienced surgeon
• Comfort- make sure you feel comfortable with the surgeon and the way they explain everything to you
• Cost- also you must make sure that this is a procedure you can afford
• Expertise- the more expertise the surgeon has then generally the better chances of great work. Ask the surgeon how many procedures they have done and ask if you can see before and after pictures of some clients.

Remember that it is incredibly important to have the right expectations after visiting your surgeon. A good surgeon will show you pictures of women with similar breasts and bodies to yours to give you an accurate picture of the achievable results. If there are concerns about your situation make sure that you raise them immediately. Your doctor should be able to ease your concerns with logical, fact based information. Find a surgeon who has done a large amount of breast implant surgeries. An even better idea is to find one that specializes in breast implant surgeries so that way you can feel more comfortable with the results you will get.

Conclusion:

After completing this guide you are ready to contact surgeons to have your consultation. Remember it is important to get any questions answered during this time. Do not feel bashful or timid when it comes to getting all the information you need. If the person does not give you the information you need then you can always choose another surgeon. This is an exciting step for many women who are looking to enhance their look and increase their self confidence as well.