Does Breast Implant Size Affect Price? What Actually Determines Cost
One of the most common questions I hear from breast augmentation patients is:
“If I choose a larger implant, will it cost more?”
It’s a reasonable assumption—but in most cases, it’s not how pricing works.
I’m Dr. Victoria Aimé, a plastic surgeon in Scottsdale, Arizona, and here’s how breast implant pricing actually breaks down.
Does implant size or volume (cc's) change the cost?
No.
The number of cubic centimeters (cc's)—or the volume of the implant—typically does not affect the price of your breast augmentation. Not in my practice and not in most practices.
Whether you choose a smaller implant or a larger one, the cost of the implant itself is generally the same. And that is because the manufacturer doesn't change the pricing on their end based on size.
If you’re seeing pricing that varies based on implant size, that’s not standard—and it may be worth getting a second opinion.
What actually affects breast implant pricing?
While size doesn’t usually matter for cost, there are several factors that do.
1. Implant manufacturer
Your surgeon purchases implants from medical device companies such as:
- Allergan
- Mentor
- Motiva
- Sientra
Each manufacturer sets its own pricing, which is completely outside of the surgeon’s control.
That cost is then built into your overall surgical quote because your plastic surgeon will purchase implants (and sometimes sizers) for you and then has to pay the manufacturer back for those implants.
2. Saline vs. silicone implants
This is one of the biggest pricing differences.
- Saline implants are typically less expensive because they are simpler to make
- Silicone implants generally cost more because they are more advanced and simulate natural breast tissue more closely
This trend is consistent across most manufacturers and practices.
3. Silicone implant characteristics
Within silicone implants, there are additional nuances that can influence cost:
Cohesivity (gel firmness) and form stability (gummy bear-ness)
More cohesive and form stable (“gummy bear”) implants tend to be priced higher in many cases. They are more likely to hold their shape if they rupture and that advanced design comes at a higher cost from the manufacturer.
Silicone Gel Fill level
“Optimally filled” implants—those that are filled to the ideal amount and are designed to minimize wrinkling—often come at a higher cost from the manufacturer. Silicone implants that are filled as much won't expand out the implant shell and that that extra room allows the implant to wrinkle more easily.
In my practice, I exclusively use optimally filled implants because they tend to produce more reliable, aesthetically favorable results.
Does implant profile affect price?
No.
Choosing between:
- Low profile
- Demi profile
- Moderate profile
- Moderate high profile
- Full profile
- Corsé profile
- Extra/full projection options
should not change the cost.
Profile is about shape and how far the implant projects—not price.
What this means for you as a patient
You should choose your implants based on:
- Your anatomy (chest wall, tissue characteristics)
- Your aesthetic goals (what you want your implant to look like and feel like)
- Your surgeon’s recommendations
Not based on price differences tied to size or projection—because those differences shouldn’t exist.
If they do, it’s reasonable to ask questions or seek another opinion.
Bottom line
- Implant size (ccs) → does not affect cost
- Implant profile → does not affect cost
- Implant type, manufacturer, and material characteristics → can affect cost
The goal is to select the implant that best fits your body—not one that fits a pricing tier.
Have questions about breast augmentation?
If you’re considering breast implants and want guidance tailored to your anatomy and goals, a consultation is the best place to start.
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Does Breast Implant Size Affect Price? What Actually Determines Cost
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