22/05/2025
Breast implants have a significant impact on both the economy and women’s ability to care for themselves—often in ways that are hidden or underestimated.
Economic Impact
Big Business for Manufacturers and Surgeons:
The breast implant industry is worth billions. For example, Allergan made nearly $400 million from implants in 2017, and the global market is valued at almost $3 billion. Surgeons and clinics also benefit from recurring revenue, since implants usually need to be replaced every 10–15 years, each surgery costing up to $12,000.
Ongoing and Repeated Costs for Women:
Breast implants are not lifetime devices. Most women will need at least one additional surgery, and some need several. Each surgery adds thousands to tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills. For example, repeated surgeries can increase healthcare costs by $11,000–$26,000 over two years, and complications are much more likely with each additional operation.
Insurance Gaps:
Most insurance does not cover cosmetic breast implants. If implants cause health problems, removal (“explant”) is also rarely covered unless it’s for cancer or a life-threatening disease. Many women must pay out of pocket or go into debt for removal, even when their health is at risk.
How This Makes It Hard for Women to Care for Themselves
Financial Hardship:
Many women take out loans, use credit cards, or deplete savings to pay for implant surgery or removal. Some go into debt or even bankruptcy trying to save their health. High costs can force women to delay or forgo needed care, risking their well-being.
Barriers to Medical Help:
Because breast implant illness (BII) is not officially recognized by all doctors or insurers, women often struggle to get their symptoms taken seriously. They may see multiple doctors, pay for extra tests (like MRIs, which cost about $2,000 each), and still not get answers or coverage.
Mental and Physical Toll:
Many women with BII report debilitating symptoms—fatigue, pain, brain fog, anxiety, depression, and more—that make daily life and work difficult. The stress of not being believed, facing criticism, and dealing with ongoing illness can worsen mental health and self-esteem.
Impact on Work and Family:
Health complications can mean missed work, lost income, and difficulty caring for children or family. Some women have had to step down from high-powered jobs or change careers due to surgery and recovery time.
Stigma and Blame:
Women often face judgment for getting implants, especially if they become ill. Some are told their health problems are their own fault, which adds to the emotional burden and can make it even harder to seek help or support.
Real-Life Example
“I was severely sick for eight years and almost died twice… I had to borrow money, rack up credit card debt, and pay $190 a month for years just to get my implants removed. But I feel so much better now.”
—Woman with BII, as reported by Cosmopolitan
Summary Table
Economic Effect How It Hurts Women’s Self-Care
High surgery/removal costs Debt, delayed care, financial stress
Lack of insurance coverage Out-of-pocket expenses, barriers to treatment
Repeated surgeries/complications More time off work, increased health risks
Mental health burden Anxiety, depression, stigma
Physical symptoms Fatigue, pain, trouble working or parenting
In summary:
Breast implants are a big business, but the costs—financial, physical, and emotional—fall hardest on women. Many struggle to afford care, face insurance barriers, and deal with serious health and mental challenges, making it much harder to take care of themselves and their families.
