More about silicone breast implants

February 23, 2007


  Women 22 and older can get them for cosmetic reasons. Most women likely will need at least one additional surgery to replace them.

  The implants cost $5,000 to $8,000 for physician and facility fees -- as much as $1,000 more than saline implants. Insurance does not cover implants for cosmetic reasons.

  The federal government recommends women have an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) test 3 years after surgery and every 2 years afterwards. On average, an MRI costs $2,000, though they range from $1,600 to $5,000, according to a survey by the National Research Center for Women and Families.

  Additional information can be found at the center's Web site, www.center4research.org, or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's site at www.fda.gov. For both sites, search under Breast Implants.



Patricia Anstett