Q: How Much Do Breast Implants Cost?Women considering implant surgery must look at costs beyond the initial procedure. The price of breast augmentation surgery costs about $6,000. When the FDA approved silicone gel breast implants in November 2006, it stated that women with these implants should have a breast MRI three years after getting silicone implants and every two years after that. MRI exams cost about $2,000 each visit. Because almost half of silicone implants rupture by 10 years, they need to be replaced every seven years or so. A woman in her twenties getting her first implants is looking at perhaps an additional seven surgeries over the course of her lifetime and about 25 MRI screenings. This is a financial investment of at least $99,000, but likely more since replacement surgery is often more expensive. Potential implant recipients must also keep in mind that cosmetic implant surgery is not covered by insurance, and treatment for complications from implants may not be covered either. In fact, once a woman becomes an implant recipient, her overall health coverage may change drastically: premiums may rise, and future coverage may be denied for breast cancer or other illnesses. It is critical for women to contact their insurance providers before undergoing the implant procedure to understand how implant surgery could impact their health coverage. | |
