Why Do Silicone Breast Implants Cost More Than Saline?

Hi there-
There are many reasons why silicone implants cost more than saline implants, but the primary reason is that production of medical grade silicone (which is very pure and of course sterile) is expensive.
Saline is simply salt water- very cheap.

Thank you for your question. Silicone implants cost more than saline implants because they are more safe to use. I would advise you to schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon for a detailed examination to discuss all possible treatment options and what your expectations are.

It is not the surgeon who determines the cost of saline or silicone implants-it's the manufacturer. Higher costs are probably incurred when manufacturing silicone implants, and that's why they tend to cost more for the consumer.

A pair of silicone gel implants costs the surgeon APPROXIMATELY $1000 more than a pair of saline implants.  These costs are passed on to the patient.  The higher cost of silicone gel implants is due to:

1. higher manufacturing costs. 

2. greater perceived liability with silicone gel implants

3. higher research and development costs with silicone implants

 

Ask the trial lawyers. Due to all the litigation following the silicone breast implant moratorium in 1991, most of the manufacturers of silicone implants stopped distributing in the United States. The largest manufacturer, Dow-Corning was dissolved in order to contain liability claims by the parent companies Dow and Corning. Over the subsequent 16 years multiple studies, performed at great expense, were requested by the FDA prior to their subsequent acceptance for widespread use in 2007. The limited supply, payouts, and research costs have resulted in an increased cost.