Why Do Silicone Breast Implants Cost More Than Saline?

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.