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Why Does Silicone Breast Augmentation Cost More Than Saline Breast Augmentation?

3 Minute Read: 

When looking at your breast augmentation options of silicone or saline implants, one of the factors that will no doubt come into play is the cost. 

You may notice a fairly substantial cost difference between silicone and saline breast implants, with silicone breast augmentation being higher. 
Surgeon holding a breast implant in an operating room.

While many cost factors between saline and silicone augmentation are the same (surgeon, facility, anesthesia, etc.), a primary cost factor is the implant itself. 

So, what exactly makes silicone implants the more expensive option.

Why Are Silicone Breast Implants More Expensive Than Saline?

The price difference between the two implants all comes down to what they are made of. Saline implants have an outer silicone shell. After the empty implant shell is inserted into the chest, the implant is filled with saline water. Unfortunately, the water-filled implant doesn’t always match the feel of breast tissue like silicone does, so many women and surgeons often see saline implants as less natural.

Additionally, some patients complain that you can see the “rippling” of the implant in their chest, resulting in less-than-natural results. This typically happens when the implant is overfilled, or there is not enough natural tissue to cover the implant.

In comparison, silicone implants are made entirely of silicone. The implant is an outer silicone case pre-filled with silicone gel. This gel is comparable to gummy bear candy material and mimics human fat, giving the implant a realistic feel and look. 

This type of implant costs more because it’s made up of more material — and that material is more than simple saline.

Additionally, silicone implants are available in many sizes, shapes, and levels of cohesiveness. This allows for much more customization than saline breast augmentation.

Other Factors to Consider

Your age may prevent you from getting the breast implant option of your choice. Patients have to be at least 22 years old to get silicone implants. The age for saline implants is 18.

While many people feel that silicone implants look and feel more natural, some women desire the rounder, fuller, and more augmented look of saline implants. Saline implants also do not pose any risk if they rupture, as your body will naturally absorb the saline.

Both Options Are Viable

Ultimately, the FDA has approved both sets of implants to use, so that you can feel confident in either choice. Patients have been getting saline and silicone implants for decades now with tremendous success.

Schedule a consultation with the cosmetic surgeons at Westchester Cosmetic Surgical Arts to learn more about which implant is right for you and what your expected breast augmentation cost will be.

What Results Can You Expect for Your Breast Augmentation?

If you are curious about the potential results after your breast enhancement surgery, check out our breast augmentation before and after gallery to see how this surgery has helped our previous patients.
Before and after image showing the results of a breast augmentation performed in Westchester, NY. 

Book Your Breast Augmentation Consultation Today

Westchester Cosmetic Surgical Arts is a boutique New York practice offering patients personalized care and outstanding results. Our cosmetic surgeons are all board-certified and highly experienced in breast augmentation procedures. Book a consultation, and your doctor will go over any questions or concerns you may have, including walking you through the breast implant decision.

Schedule today by calling (646) 559-2854 or by filling out this online form.