How Much Do Saline Breast Implants Cost?

Question

I know saline breast implants are less expensive than silicone implants - what is the approximate price difference?

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Breast
augmentation is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery
procedures.Prices for this procedure
vary widely and depend upon several variables.It’s important to make sure that your fee quote includes the surgeon’s
fee, facility fee, anesthesia charges, implant costs, and pre- and postoperative
care.Each of these components may vary
widely, depending upon the surgeon’s practice.Generally, surgeons who operate in
dedicated outpatient cosmetic surgery facilities are able to offer lower
facility fees than those who operate in hospital-based practices.The surgeon’s fee can vary, as well,
depending upon regional differences and levels of local competition.Anesthetic fees can vary and this may be
related to the use of a nurse anesthetist, versus a physician
anesthesiologist.Finally, there may be
wide variations in implant charges, depending upon the type of implant
chosen.For instance, silicone implants
cost $1,000 to $1,500 more than saline implants.When all of these variables are
considered, fees in the Midwestern United States vary between $4,800 and
$8,500.It’s important to remember that
although price is an important component of your decision, it’s not the only
consideration.Make sure you have a
comfort level with your surgeon’s experience and reputation and their ability
to communicate with you.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Many patients find it surprising, but the price difference between saline and silicone implants is only about $1000.  If you are considering a breast augmentation, I would recommend scheduling a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss all of the options available to you.  While I can appreciate that price is an important consideration for patients when it comes to a cosmetic surgery procedure, I think it is important to stress that surgeon expertise is critical.  I hope you find this helpful and best of luck!

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Costs of the procedures you are inquiring will depend on several factors. Such include the geographic location, the skill and experience of the surgeon, and operating room and anesthesia fees.Different implants may have different costs. Approximate costs can be found on the Real Self website, Surgery.org, or PlasticSurgery.org.

David Tauber, MD · Answer

Breast augmentation is often performed to replace volume lost from weight loss, breast-feeding, or age or to increase the size of the breast for aesthetic reasons. The cost is variable and is based on what is done, the type of implant, and geographic variability. An estimate of the costs for a breast augmentation surgery in the Kent, WA area can be found below. Quoted fees may or may not include facility, anesthesia, and implant costs. The difference between saline and silicone is negligible - about $500.A detailed examination will help delineate the best surgical option and provide you a custom quote for your situation. Consultation with a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery would be the next best step.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Pricing really depends on the surgeon and city in which your surgeon is located. In Toronto, this can range from $7000 to $8600. Note that the cost of your implant is determined by type (saline or silicone, with silicone being more expensive) and brand (Mentor or Allergan) but size does not really affect the cost. Other factors that affect price include the anesthesia, surgical centre fees and your surgeon's fees.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Costs for a breast augmentation with implants will certainly vary depending on your location.  Things to factor in for the augmentation procedure standpoint will be the facility fee, anesthesia fee, surgeon fee, other fees (e.g., liposuction, surgical garment, implants, etc.).   A range in price  ~$3000-10000 is not unreasonable.  $4-6K would be a reasonable cost on average.  A consultation with a plastic surgeon will help you in determining which procedure(s) would be the right one for you.  Cost also depends on the complexity of your case and how much work would need to be done to achieve an aesthetically-pleasing breast for you.  Saline implants will be cheaper than silicone implants.  Good luck!

Michael Law, MD · Answer

As the other physicians indicated, the prices for breast augmentation can vary, sometimes significantly.

	If possible, visit many plastic surgery websites and select a few physicians based on their training, experience, results (including mamny nefore and after photos), reputation. and philosophy. The most expensive surgeon may or may not be the ideal surgeon for you. "Lowball" pricing may often be an attempt to fill an empty O.R. schedule, or may not be the inclusive cost of surgery.

	In my practice, the price for breast augmentation is $6800.00 for Saline and $7500.00 for Silicone. This price includes all pre and post-operative visits, pain control pump, a body garment, board certified anesthesiologist, operating room charges, and no aditional change for an overnight hospital visit if the patient elects to do so. We insist that out of town patients stay in the hospital overnight.

	In order not have any surprises, ask if there are additional potential chages for pre or post-operative visits, pain control devices,or garments. Be sure that there are no additional charges for office visits. There should never be a charge for an office visit if a patient has a concern. In fact, most plastic surgeons want to see you if you have a concern.

	Ask if the fee you have been given includes the O.R. staff , equipment and supplies including pain pumps, garments, and of course a board certified anesthesiologist.

	Please do not make your decision on the plastic surgeon based on who has the lowest price without looking at the whole picture and taking your time researching to find the right plastic surgeon for you. Always, ask to see many photographs, speak to patients and ask your own physician about any plastic surgeon you are considering.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

While saline implants cost 1/2 as much as silicone implants, that is only for the actual implant cost. So, the difference in final price is within $1000. It is the same cost for surgical fee, anesthesia fee, etc. So, the cost savings for saline really is not that great in the long run. Good luck.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Generally speaking from what information is available to me, the cost differential between a saline and silicone gel augmentation mammoplasty varies from $500-$3000.
In our practice this is estimated to be approximately $1000.

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

The prices of Breast Augmentation, Lift, or full mommy make overs as well as revisions can vary widely from city to city. For example, a breast augmentation can cost 3-4 times in LA and New York what it costs in Montana. In looking at the a price quote for breast augmentation, you should consider many variables. 1. The Surgeon's Fee. This can vary widely depending on the experience and results and thus demand for that surgeon. This also sometimes depends on technique. For example, a sub-muscular placement of an implant is much faster and thus takes less work for the surgeon than a sub-fascial placement of the implant that takes twice as long.2. The Implant. The breast implant price depends on using a saline, memory gel, or highly cohesive (gummybear) implants. Usually saline implants cost about $1,000 for a pair, memory gel $2,000, and highly cohesive $3,000. If fat is used instead of an implant, then usually a fat harvest charge is used instead of implant fee as liposuction supplies are used and the fat purified in a variety of methods. The size of the implant does not matter, only the type of implant. If a dermal matrix is needed then there is an additional charge (usually about $1,000). In revisions, often the same implant can be used which saves on the implant costs. If a breast lift alone is performed, then obviously there is no implant cost.3. Anesthesia. This can vary as well. If a board certified anesthesiologist is used then the price is higher. If a CRNA (nurse anesthetist) then the price is lower. It is even lower when a doctor just uses a non-certified anesthetist nurse, or just a medical assistant to push the anesthetic drugs (yes, this actually does happen).4. Facility Fee. This can vary if the surgeon is using a certified surgery center or hospital vs. his non-certified office.These four components make the total price, so it is best to break these down so the patient knows exactly what she is getting.Realself has an average cost for each city.Best wishes,Pablo Prichard, MD

How Much Do Saline Breast Implants Cost?

Answers (18)

More Breast Implants Questions

Under the Muscle Saline Implants Rippling?

Concerns with over the Muscle Breast Implants After Pregnancy

Recommended Breast Implant Size for Tall Athletic Build?

Does Milk Thistle Help Soften Breast?

Ultrasound for Ruptured Breast Implants?

How and when does capsular contracture happen?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS