The Costs of Getting Breast Implants

If you are thinking about getting breast implants, you should be fully aware of the initial and ongoing costs of breast implants. According to 2020 data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average breast augmentation surgery costs $4,516.¹

That average cost only includes the plastic surgeon’s fee. It does not include fees for anesthesia, the operating room, or other surgical expenses like bandages or stitches. After all the fees, the surgery usually costs between $5,000 to $8,000. This price includes a follow-up visit after the surgery. Silicone gel breast implants usually cost about $1,000 more than saline implants. If you are considering augmentation, you can request an itemized bill before your surgery to see what all of the costs will be.

If you’re wondering whether you can afford breast implants, there are other costs to be aware of. For example, you may need additional funds for any complications from the implant, such as infection, rupture, pain, or asymmetry. Complication rates for breast augmentation surgeries are higher than you might think. The FDA found that between 20-40% of augmentation patients required at least one revision surgery within 10 years.²

The FDA says that all women getting breast implants should assume that they will require additional surgeries.³

Because these additional surgeries can cost as much — if not more — as the initial surgery, we suggest that women considering breast implants make sure they have at least $5,000-8,000 saved in case any problems arise.

It is important to know that most insurance companies will not cover the costs of breast augmentation surgery. In addition, if you have problems with your breast implants, your insurance plan might not cover things like an MRI, consultations with your doctor, antibiotics, etc. If it is medically necessary to get your implants removed, many insurance companies do not cover the costs of removal if your implants were placed for cosmetic reasons. You can read more about the costs of breast implant revision and removal surgeries here.

All articles are reviewed and approved by Dr. Diana Zuckerman and other senior staff.