How long does the breast implant procedure take?

It might seem like a simple procedure, but getting breast implants involves several different preliminary screenings, consultations and appointments. Depending on a woman’s body type, her age, her skin’s elasticity, and overall health, the right implants (silicone or saline breast implants), incision, and position of the implants vary. Perhaps even more complicated for women, is how much having breast implants will cost them. If you are considering getting implants, it is important to know breast implant prices and understand how these costs will impact you over time.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of implants was $3,678 in 2013, though individual surgeons can charge up to $6,000 for augmentation depending on the intricacy of the procedure. Since breast implants are not lifetime devices and only last about a decade, they need to be replaced or refilled, which incurs more cost. Furthermore, the surgery is not typically covered by insurance because it is an elected procedure and not a medical necessity.

But even with all this buzz around breast implant prices, there is no sense in panicking about the amount of money you need to spend. With some careful planning, investing in breast implants will not seem as much of a burden.

  1. Do Your Research. Without knowing enough information about breast implants, you cannot make an informed decision about the procedure you want to have done. There are different options to choose from, such as the type of implants you want, where you want the incision to be, and where you want the implant to be placed. You have to know your body type and also understand how each of these factors will affect your body. Depending on which procedure and incision you choose, the price will vary, because each one comes with its own surgical difficulties.
  2. Find the Right Surgeon. While most plastic surgeons are certified and can perform breast implant surgery, you will want to find one that specializes in breast implants. They will know exactly what to recommend for your body type and skin, and be able to give you a quote fairly quickly. These surgeons are aware of how steep breast implant prices can be and know that insurance does not usually cover the cost of implants. For this reason, many of them accept payment plans and credit card payments that make it easier to pay the bill off monthly.
  3. Save Up. The simple solution to paying for implants is to just save up for the surgery. After an initial consultation, which is sometimes free, you will know just how much the entire process will cost you. You can then start putting away money, asking friends and family for cash on your birthday and during gift giving seasons, and maybe get an extra job on the side to finance your surgery. It might take a little longer to get the implants this way, but you will at least be able to pay for them and not have to deal with monthly payments.

With more than 290,000 women opting for breast augmentation in 2013, you can be sure that not everyone could afford to pay the fee outright. By knowing exactly what procedure you want, saving up, and locating an understanding surgeon, you will be on your way to getting your implants in no time. For more information see this.