Breast implant surgery is a common elective surgery.
Breast implant surgery increases a women's confidence and helps her feel better about her appearance. When electing to get breast implants, you may want to see more than one doctor to assure you are obtaining the best price and services for the money. Surgeons who charge more are typically better qualified. Always seek a surgeon who is board certified with experience in your desired type of augmentation. Also, note that insurance will not cover this as an elective surgery, unless it is a part of a breast reconstruction surgery.
Saline Implants
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, or ASAPS, lists the average price charges for saline implants as $3,583 as of 2005. Saline implants are salt water that are more like water balloons under the surface. There is smaller incision needed for saline implants, as they are inflated once placed under the skin. This eliminates a more extensive cut, also minimizing the cost.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants, according to the ASAPS, ran around $4,005 in 2005. Silicone will leave a softer feel as well as a smoother service on top of the breast than saline. These implants are less likely to fold or ripple, thus being a more popular choice amongst breast augmentation patients. They are available to women ages 22 and older as well as for breast reconstruction patients. Despite being the more popular choice of implant, there are long-term costs associated with silicone implants. You must have a magnetic resonance image (MRI) completed 3 years after your initial implant surgery to assure there are no ruptures. Following that, you must continue to have an MRI every 2 years, adding a lifetime of costs to this elective surgery.
Other Fees
Operation preparation and post-operation care are not included as apart of these prices. Additionally, there are other fees associated with the surgery. The anesthesiologist costs usually run from $600 to $800. The facility fee, which may be an office or hospital, can be anywhere from $800 to $1200. All of this in addition to the pharmacy, medicines and supplies can increase the cost drastically.
Urban Surgeons
Breast augmentation tends to cost more in urban areas due to the high demand for plastic surgeons. This is especially true in areas such as Los Angeles. When looking for a plastic surgeon, this may help you determine where you want to go to get a quote.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that breast augmentation surgeries can range from $5,000 to $15,000. You should check with your doctor to see exactly what is included in the quote you are given, assuring you do not have hidden fees coming your way.
Tags: elective surgery, implant surgery, associated with, being more, being more popular, breast augmentation, Breast implant
