Lifetime Cost Analysis of Primary Breast Augmentation
The prevalence of breast augmentation necessitates the understanding of the complications and costs that may arise in both the immediate and delayed post-operative period. It is equally important to address the long term financial costs of breast augmentation. The purpose of this study is to integrate the initial baseline fee and cost of operative complications to calculate the approximate lifetime cost of a primary silicone gel augmentation for the patient and the total cost to society.
Methods/Technique:
Using billing data provided by a local plastic surgery practice, the baseline initial cost of the primary silicone augmentation, cost of operative complications, and imaging surveillance costs were calculated. This data was then used to calculate the cost to the individual patient over a lifetime. The total cost to society was also included the calculations.
Results/Complications:
The average baseline initial cost was first calculated as $6,900. The total cost of primary breast augmentation for the first decade for an individual patient, including possible complications requiring re-operation and recommended imaging surveillance, was calculated at $9,519. Each decade thereafter costs an additional $2,620. If considering the average age of a patient undergoing primary breast augmentation with the average lifespan of a US female, the overall average lifetime cost was $18,700. The total cost to society annually was $2.028 billion.
Conclusion:
Since primary breast silicone augmentation mammoplasty is such a prevalent procedure performed in the US, it is essential to understand the costs to the patient, both initially and long term. Although there are standardized initial packaged costs for primary augmentation, when appreciating the potential complications and maintenance following implantation, the actual life time cost is significantly higher. Limitations to the study include data limited to only silicone prosthesis, variable insurance coverage and surgeon waivers for re-operations. It also assumes the same number of silicone gel augmentation mammoplasties is performed annually and the rates of complications remain unchanged from 10 year follow-up.