The true cost of breast implants goes well beyond the price tag. Alongside the considerable expense of surgery, there are potential health issues that can accompany implants, and for some women the drawbacks end up outweighing the benefits of bigger breasts.
However eager you may be, these are possibilities you shouldn't dismiss. Money can be replaced for many women, but health is a form of wealth that isn't so easily restored. Given the options available today, it's wise to consider the non-financial costs before undergoing a breast implant operation.
The Financial Cost
Because breast implants typically do not last a lifetime, you'll need periodic checks to confirm everything is still in place and nothing has ruptured. That usually means MRI scans, which can cost anywhere from $400 to $2,000. While MRIs are often covered in part by health insurance, breast implants are considered cosmetic surgery, so follow-up MRIs are typically not covered. Additional surgeries may also be needed to replace your implants, since both silicone and saline have an expiration date. A replacement surgery is just as expensive as the original, which catches many women off guard.
Health Risks and Other Costs
After surgery, there is normally a 24- to 48-hour recovery period during which you can't do much of anything. You'll be advised to reduce physical activity in the following weeks so the incisions can fully heal and the implants can settle into position. Certain everyday activities, such as household chores or using the computer, can usually resume after about a week. That may mean losing a week's salary on top of the cost of the operation.
Women who have submuscular implants, placed behind the pectoral muscle, may need more time to recuperate. There will also be some swelling for a couple of weeks, which subsides as the incisions heal. Other health risks include nausea, vomiting, bleeding, pain, and infection. Some women experience difficulty breastfeeding, numbness or loss of sensation, skin wrinkling, thinning of breast tissue, and asymmetry. A few even report buzzing, crackling, or gurgling sounds as the implants settle. Learn more.
Alternative Course of Action
The best way to avoid complications and major expense is to consider your alternatives. Surgery is a costly process that can ripple into many other parts of your life, so it's worth thinking things through and exploring other options before scheduling a consultation. One option available to every woman is natural breast enhancement supplements. Beyond being less expensive, they are far less risky than surgery.
We've made your search easier by testing and reviewing the top natural breast enhancement products for you. See the results of our tests here.
