Implant FAQ

How much does it cost to get breast implants?

The national average ranges from $3,500 to $5,500 depending on the procedure(s), type of implant(s), and other factors (Learn more about the Cost of Implants).

Are breast implants safe?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) put a moratorium on silicone implants for most purposes during the 1990s (saline implants were still available) until additional research could be done.  In 2006, silicone implant manufacturers showed convincing safety data and received FDA approval to put them back on the market with the stipulation that they continue to track the long-term outcomes of patients who receive silicone implants (Read more about Breast Implant Safety).

Should I get saline or silicone implants?

There are pros and cons to both saline and silicone implants, which are discussed in more detail on their respective pages. Statistics from 2010 indicate that women chose saline or silicone in roughly equal numbers. Often it comes down to budget and personal preference, but your doctor can guide you through the options.

Why is the minimum age different for saline vs. silicone implants?

There is no age requirement for women undergoing reconstructive surgery. Women 18 years and older can get saline implants whereas the minimum age for silicone gel implants is 22.  Because silicone implants require regular MRIs to test for silent ruptures that are often not covered by insurance, the Food and Drug Administration wants to ensure that women are old enough to make a mature, informed decision.

How long after surgery can I go back to work?

Many women have no problem returning to work, perhaps with some restrictions on lifting and carrying, about a week after surgery. This assumes that no complications arise, which are possible with any surgery.

How long will my implants last?

No medical device – including breast implants – should be expected to last forever.  Breast implants seem to have average lifespan of about 10 years, which means that most women can expect to have one or more surgeries to remove or replace them within their lifetimes.  Ten years is only an average, however; your implants may last only a few years or as long as 20 or more.

Will my insurance pay for my procedure?

Few insurance companies cover elective cosmetic procedure including breast augmentation and breast lift.  However, many will cover reconstruction if the spread of cancer necessitates mastectomy or if reconstruction is necessary for other medical reasons.  There are a number of options for paying for elective procedures; learn more on the Cost of Implants page.

Should I have a breast lift and breast enlargement done at the same time?

These procedures are commonly combined in the "mommy makeover" - the popular trend of undergoing cosmetic surgery after having children.  Some women may also opt for liposuction, tummy tucks, or other procedures. Ask your surgeon whether you would be a candidate for multiple procedures. One major advantage would be only requiring a single recovery period; however, the price will go up for each procedure you add, but this may be less than undergoing each separately.

How can I find a surgeon?

The recommendations of family and friends are usually a good starting point.  If you don’t feel comfortable asking others, contact The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, The American Academy of Plastic Surgery, or The American Society of Plastic Surgeons for a referral to a surgeon in your area.

Will implants make it harder to detect breast cancer?

Implants can make it more difficult - but not impossible - to detect cancer. Surgeons commonly advise or require patients to have a mammogram done before surgery; this can be compared to future imaging to aid in breast cancer detection. When screening a patient with breast implants (compared to a patient without implants), a mammogram technician may need to take additional images from multiple angles to ensure that the entire area around the implant has received adequate attention for diagnostic purposes.

Will I have trouble nursing a baby if I get implants?

Researchers do not fully understand why some women who have breast implants are able to initiate lactation whereas others are not.  Unfortunately, there is no way to predict whether this will be a problem for a specific woman.  If the woman has received an implant after mastectomy, loss of breast tissue from the mastectomy may make breastfeeding more challenging (Learn more about Nursing with Implants).

Will there be noticeable scars?

There are four options for incisions. All are intended to minimize the appearance of scars. Some physicians feel more comfortable with certain incisions over others; therefore, if you have a strong preference for where the incisions are, you should bring up the topic at your first appointment (Learn more about Incisions).

Will strangers be able to tell that I have implants?

Whether implants look natural usually depends more on the skill of the surgeon and the size of the implant than the implants themselves.  If your goal is a natural look, carefully screen surgeons. Ask about their experience and to see before-and-after pictures of their work (some may try to show general before-and-after images that may not reflect their personal abilities). Once you’ve found the right doctor, discuss your goals for your appearance; “bigger” isn’t always the best option for everyone, and too big (custom implants are available above standard sizes if “big” is the goal), may look unnatural on certain frames.  Some believe that placing the implant under the pectoral muscle creates a more natural look and feel, but there is no objective data to suggest that this is the case. Talk about these concerns with your surgeon.

Will I know if my implant leaks?

When a saline implant breaks, the saline often empties quickly and is absorbed into the body; it is relatively easy to see the difference in most cases, and an MRI is not generally necessary.  By contrast, silicone implants typically produce slow leaks that can go undetected for months or even years.  For this reason, regular MRIs are advised.