Breast augmentation surgery is one of the most common cosmetic procedures women have around the globe, but just like any cosmetic procedure, the price of this surgery is a factor worth considering. When it comes to deciding which procedure will help you feel confident and look your best, the price can sometimes be a determining factor. At eSSe Plastic Surgery in Fort Lauderdale, FL we know that patients prefer to make fully informed decisions about their plastic surgery goals, including knowing how much breast implants cost.
Do Breast Implants Cost More Than a Breast Lift?
So, how much do breast implants cost? On average, the cost of breast implant surgery will be between $6,000 and $12,000 as recently as 2020. While this price may seem like an investment, it’s important to note that the cost of breast implants hasn’t changed very much over the last few decades. You can also generally expect breast implants to be a long-term investment given how long implant results will last.
To compare, the cost of a breast lift usually runs between $9,000 and $16,000. One reason a breast lift can be more costly than breast implants is because of the relative complexity of a breast lift. Because breast lifts involve more time and skill from a surgeon to remove tissue and lift breasts into a higher position, breast lift surgery typically costs a little more than breast implants. The downside of this higher cost is that the results of a breast lift also don’t last as long as breast implants.
What Determines Breast Implants Cost?
Naturally, the average price range for breast implants cost mostly refers to the cost of the surgery itself. It’s common for different types of implants to have different price tags. Specifically, the size of the implant may be a huge factor in the bottom line for breast implant surgery. Another factor that may determine how much breast implants cost will be the method of the surgery, such as putting the implant under or on top of the pectoral muscle; the more complicated the surgery, the more the surgery will cost.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the Difference Between Breast Augmentation and Breast Lift?
While there are many types of breast surgeries, usually these procedures fall under one of two umbrellas – augmentation or lift. Augmentation procedures are by far the larger category of breast surgery and can include breast implants, breast reduction, reconstructive surgery, correcting asymmetry, and even breast revision. Breast augmentation surgery typically focuses on changing the size, shape, or position of the breast.
Breast lifts, on the other hand, are generally age-related procedures that correct the position of the breast by removing skin, fat, and excess breast tissue. Breast lifts are commonly performed after pregnancy or as women age so that breasts remain high and perky. Many mature women face difficulty with their self-confidence when the shape of the breasts changes as a result of the natural aging process. Just like a facelift, a breast lift rejuvenates the appearance of the breast.
Combining Breast Implant and Lift
Those differences are considered it’s important to understand that breast implants and breast lifts are commonly combined into one procedure. Depending on your aesthetic goals, it’s possible to use a breast lift to remove excess loose tissue and also use implants to correct the shape of the breasts. There is no reason why women must choose one or the other to achieve their aesthetic goals. If you want to combine breast implants with a breast lift, please let us know during your consultation.
2. How Do Breast Implants Work?
The principle behind breast implants is simple. Implants are inserted on top of the pectoral muscle or below the pectoral muscle for the purpose of altering the size or shape of the natural breast. Implants are designed to mimic the natural shape and feel of the breasts so that results appear natural. Breast implant surgery involves the use of general anesthesia and can be completed within two to four hours for most people.
3. Are There Different Breast Implant Options?
When breast implants first became popular, there were generally only two options to choose from – saline and silicone implants, with the common shape for implants being round or circular. Today, women have many more options to choose from. For shape, women can choose between round and teardrop-shaped implants; for implant filling, women can choose from saline, silicone, or gummy bear implants.
Saline
Saline implants made with saline water generally mimic the texture of the breasts. Because saline implants use a thinner filling, the movement of the breast tends to appear more natural. Saline implants are usually good options for those who want to achieve subtle results. However, saline implants are also more delicate and can easily rupture under high impact.
Silicone
Silicone implants are made with a silicone filling that has a denser texture than saline. Silicone implants are sometimes preferable for those who want to enhance breast size or those who want to reconstruct their breasts. Silicone is a safe option and is a bit more durable than saline since it is harder to rupture.
Gummy Bear
Gummy bear implants are the newest material for breast implants and are known for retaining their shape and texture better than saline or silicone implants. Gummy bear implants are generally teardrop-shaped and made with a gel formula that mimics the natural texture of the breast. Gummy bear implants are usually good options for those who are having breast reconstruction or other augmentation that requires significant work.
4. What Is the Best Implant?
Ultimately, the best type of implant for you will depend on your aesthetic needs and goals. During your consultation, we will help you choose the implant type, shape, and size that is most appropriate for your body frame and appearance goals. That said, there are three factors you will need to consider when you are selecting the implant that is best for you, including:
Texture
For many women, choosing between implant types comes down to texture. How do you want your breast to feel? If you want a firmer breast, then silicone maybe your best option; if you want a more natural-feeling texture, then saline or gummy bear will better mimic the natural texture of the breast. Texture can be an important factor for how you feel about your implants, as well as how potential partners may feel about your implants.
Shape
The shape of the implant is also important to consider. While round implants are very common, it should be noted that round implants produce a distinctly “artificial” shape to the breast. Because most natural breasts are not perfectly round, using round implants can be obvious, particularly if your implants are inserted above the pectoral muscle. However, if round implants are inserted beneath the muscle, then the effect can still appear natural.
If you want to be certain that the results of your breast implants will be natural regardless of whether they are inserted above or below the breast, then you may want to consider teardrop implants. Teardrop implants are designed to mimic the natural shape of the breast, which means that the top of the implant is thinner than the bottom of the implant. Just like a teardrop, the majority of the volume in a teardrop implant is at the bottom.
Movement
You may also want to consider the way your breast implants will move after you have healed. Most implants are made with materials that can affect how the implant will move. For example, smooth implants tend to have free movement on the breast, particularly when you are laying down. Textured implants, on the other hand, are meant to bond with your body tissues as you heal, which can ultimately make the movement of the breastless free and more static.
5. What Are Common Reasons for Breast Implants?
There are many reasons why women may want to have breast implants. For one thing, many women have an easier time buying clothes and bras when they correct asymmetry in the breasts. Other reasons to get breast implants include:
Post-Pregnancy
Pregnancy has a way of radically changing a woman’s body. not only do women have to contend with post-baby weight and stretch marks, but pregnancy and subsequent breastfeeding can also permanently alter the shape and size of the breasts. Many women view breast implants as a restorative treatment that helps them return to their pre-baby body shape.
Self-Esteem
Perhaps the most common reason for breast implants is to boost self-esteem and body image. When a woman feels confident about the way her body looks, she is more likely to make good health choices and have a happier outlook in life. For women who have been self-conscious about the shape of their breasts, breast implant surgery can be a welcome solution for increasing overall confidence.
6. What Will Your Recovery Be Like?
Your recovery from breast implant surgery will take several weeks. Most women will have very restricted activity for at least four to six weeks after implant surgery. Your recovery time will be dependent on the size and shape of your implants, your health, and your age. During your recovery, you will be instructed to avoid strenuous exercise and activity, and you will also need to sleep on your back. You will be given specific recovery instructions after your surgery to help you recover.
7. How Long Do Implants Last?
In general, breast implants are designed to last for at least a decade or more. Many women can enjoy the results of breast implants for well over 20 years, particularly if their weight remains the same and the integrity of the implants is not compromised.
8. Can You Combine This Procedure?
Yes, you can combine breast implants with other procedures. Aside from combining this surgery with a breast lift, it’s also common to combine breast implants with tummy tucks, liposuction, arm lift, thigh lifts, and even vaginal rejuvenation. If you want to combine breast implant surgery with other plastic surgery procedures, please let us know during your consultation.
9. Are You a Good Candidate?
Women who are medically healthy enough for surgery tend to be good candidates. As long as you are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding, you are probably eligible for this procedure. The best candidates for this procedure have realistic expectations, fully developed breasts, and good physical health.
Invest in Your Self-Image With Breast Implants
What does Breast augmentation cost? In the big picture, there really isn’t a price that can be placed on your self-esteem. Breast implant surgery is an investment in how you feel about yourself and the way you look. If you believe breast implant surgery is a good option for you, contact eSSe Plastic Surgery in Fort Lauderdale, FL to schedule your consultation today.