How Much Do Breast Implants Cost

Bigger Is Better? Okay... But Really, How Much Do Breast Implants Cost?

One person tells you that breast implants cost $10,000, while someone else may say they're $2,000. Are they crazy or are you hearing things? In fact, they may be right, and no you are not hearing things. Where you live plays a big role in the cost of breast implants. It's a safe bet that whoever paid more than two times the average cost of $4,000 lives in a city that you probably see a lot of in the movies. Places like Southern California and New York city are some of the most expensive when it comes to how much do breast implants cost.

When shopping for implants, many people completely forget to ask the most obvious question, "how much for two?" You have to remember that you're not thinking about buying socks and the first price you are likely to get will be for a single implant. If price is really a big consideration though, you might want to think about a trip down south. The southern states almost always offer a better deal on breast augmentation.

So, why the large disparity in price? What makes the difference between a $2,000 augmentation and one that costs $10,000? What's the difference between whiskey and scotch? Some people will say "nothing" but that's before they pay the bill. Silicone is the scotch of breast implants, costing about twice what saline costs. The cheaper "whiskey" is not actually so cheap, with silicone taking a bite of about $1,000 out of your pocketbook.

Factors to Consider

Any clinic of good repute would tell you that the implants are not the only factor in the equation. With hospital fees running in the neighborhood of $1,000 for this kind of procedure, and tacking on substantially more for recovery costs, you might find yourself wanting more of that anesthesia that goes for between $500 and $800. Of course, a not-so-reputable clinic might not even warn you about any of this until it's too late.

Don't put your wallet back in your pocket, just yet. Sure, the surgery was a smashing success, but a few years later you have to hope not too smashing. Ruptures are not as common as many would have you think, but there's always a risk, and one that shouldn't be taken lightly. An eventual MRI will probably set you back another $2,000 or so, somewhere down the road.

Will my insurance help me out? Breast implants are widely considered to be an aesthetic surgery, so probably not. After a mastectomy, some plans may consider covering the procedure for psychological reasons, but even that benefit may have its drawbacks.

Follow-up appointments are almost never covered, even if the surgery is. Any health issues that arise from your surgery, and especially the expensive treatments that often accompany them, are almost certainly going to fall outside of the coverage of your plan.

Moreover, the fine print that you probably ignored when you signed on with your health service might work against you after augmentation surgery. Many plans actually raise the premiums of their clients after such a procedure, claiming that they are at higher risk to suffer from eventual complications.

You Get What You Pay For

Can I count on quality at a low price? To be honest, you probably can't. As strange as it may seem, if the risks outweigh the costs, you might be knocking on the wrong doors. The old tried and true saying, "you get what you pay for" could not be more correct when it comes to plastic surgery prices, and breast augmentation is certainly no exception to the rule.

There are a number of things to consider when it comes to breast implants. These factors include, but are not limited to aesthetics, your safety, and durability. Remember that breast augmentation surgery is not a one-time deal, and future visits to the doctor may not come cheap. Look for a highly regarded doctor and get the job done right.You may have to pay more, but is it really worth the risk? Obviously not, so if your considering the procedure do your homework, ask for referrals, and don't let the cost of breast implants be a deterrent. You'll have peace of mind, and you can't put a price on that.