Patients considering breast augmentation often ask a simple but essential question: How much does a reasonable breast implant cost? The answer depends on more than the implant itself. The total investment reflects implant quality, surgeon expertise, surgical setting, and long-term outcomes. For patients in Beverly Hills seeking refined, natural-looking results, understanding cost factors helps set realistic expectations before meeting with Dr. Gabriel Chiu.
Table of Contents
- Average Cost of Breast Implants in the United States
- What Defines a “Good” Breast Implant?
- Key Factors That Affect Breast Implant Cost
- Typical Breast Augmentation Cost in Beverly Hills
- Why Quality Matters More Than Price
- Are Breast Implants a Long-Term Investment?
Average Cost of Breast Implants in the United States
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average surgeon’s fee for breast augmentation is about $4,875. That number does not include anesthesia, operating facility fees, implants, or post-operative care. When patients account for all components, national totals typically range from $8,000 to $14,000.
Most health insurance policies do not cover cosmetic breast implant procedures, as these are considered elective surgeries. Patients should review their health insurance policy carefully to understand what is and isn’t covered and to confirm eligibility for medically necessary procedures.
What Defines a “Good” Breast Implant?
A good breast implant meets three criteria: safety, longevity, and aesthetic outcome. The most commonly used FDA-approved implants are silicone-gel and saline options from trusted manufacturers such as Mentor®, Allergan™, and Sientra®. Both silicone gel and saline implants have an outer silicone shell that contains either saline solution or silicone gel, providing structure and containment. Saline implants are filled with sterile saline during surgery and are known for their safety profile, as any rupture results in immediate deflation and absorption by the body. Structured implants are a newer option that feature internal structures or nested shells, designed to provide a more natural feel and appearance compared to traditional saline implants.
Silicone vs. Saline Cost Differences
Silicone implants cost more than saline implants due to their composition and feel. Silicone gel implants closely mimic natural breast tissue and remain the preferred option for many patients seeking subtle enhancement. Gummy bear implants, a type of silicone gel implant, are known for their form stability and ability to maintain a natural shape even if the shell breaks. Some patients may also consider fat grafting or fat transfer as an alternative or complementary method to implants for breast augmentation, which can also affect overall costs.
Implant pricing alone typically ranges from $1,200 to $2,500, depending on type, size, and manufacturer. That figure represents only one portion of the total cost.
Key Factors That Affect Breast Implant Cost
Surgeon Experience and Technique
Breast augmentation requires more than placing implants. Dr. Chiu evaluates chest anatomy, tissue quality, symmetry, and body proportions before designing a surgical plan.
Surgical Facility and Anesthesia
Accredited surgical centers offer advanced safety protocols, experienced staff, and specialized equipment. Facility fees and anesthesia costs often range from $2,000 to $4,000, depending on procedure length and complexity.
Implant Placement and Incision Type
Implant placement above or below the muscle affects surgical time and recovery. Submuscular placement often requires more precision and operating time. Incision location also influences complexity. These details impact pricing and long-term outcomes.
Customization and Implant Selection
A good breast implant matches the patient’s anatomy and goals. Some patients may benefit from combining breast augmentation with a breast lift to correct sagging or a breast reduction to address physical discomfort, depending on their individual goals. Size, profile, projection, and shape all matter. Custom planning avoids complications and supports long-term satisfaction, making proper selection more valuable than choosing the lowest-cost option.
Post-Operative Care and Follow-Up
Quality care continues after surgery. Follow-up visits, surgical garments, medications, and monitoring all contribute to the final cost. Practices that include comprehensive aftercare help reduce the risk of complications and improve healing.
Typical Breast Augmentation Cost in Beverly Hills
Patients seeking breast augmentation with a highly experienced surgeon in Beverly Hills should expect total costs to range from $12,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on implant choice and surgical complexity.
Revision surgery, asymmetry correction, or combined procedures may increase pricing. Additional costs may also arise if breast implant removal is required due to complications or patient preference. The total cost can vary depending on the type of breast surgery performed, including augmentation, revision, or reconstruction. Patients receive a personalized quote after consultation rather than a flat rate.
Why Quality Matters More Than Price
Breast implants remain in the body for many years. An exemplary implant, when paired with precise surgical technique, reduces the risk of complications such as capsular contracture, asymmetry, and early revision. Lower-cost procedures often sacrifice customization, follow-up care, or surgical experience.
When patients invest in quality from the start, they often avoid additional surgeries and unexpected expenses later.
Are Breast Implants a Long-Term Investment?
Modern breast implants do not require automatic replacement at a fixed interval. Many patients keep their implants for 10–20 years or longer with proper monitoring. Regular exams help ensure implant integrity and breast health over time.
Over time, patients should be aware of the risk of breast implant rupture, which may require monitoring through imaging techniques and possible intervention if detected. Breastfeeding is generally possible after breast augmentation, but specific surgical techniques or implant placement may affect breastfeeding.
Patients who choose high-quality implants and an experienced surgeon often enjoy long-term satisfaction and confidence.
Schedule a Breast Augmentation Consultation in Beverly Hills
The cost of a good breast implant reflects safety, aesthetics, and expertise. During a consultation, Dr. Gabriel Chiu evaluates your anatomy, listens to your goals, and designs a personalized surgical plan. You receive a transparent cost breakdown that supports informed decision-making.
If you want natural-looking enhancement with long-term value, schedule a breast augmentation consultation at Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery® to explore your options. Call us at (310) 888-8087 or fill out our online consultation form.