Breast augmentation with implants is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures. It involves placing a silicone gel implant behind the breast gland or behind the pectoral muscle, through an incision under the breast, around the areola or in the armpit. The operation takes one to two hours under general anaesthesia. Its price depends mainly on three elements: the implants, whose cost varies with the brand, shape and technology; the facility, with or without an overnight stay; and the surgeon. It is not reimbursed, except for a recognised malformation or reconstruction. For the procedure itself, see our page on breast augmentation.
The price of breast augmentation includes the fees, anaesthesia, the clinic, the implants, the surgical bra and check-ups in the first year. Anatomical or latest-generation implants cost slightly more. The operation is not reimbursed. You should also budget for long-term follow-up and, after many years, possible implant replacement.
Breast implants come in round or anatomical shapes, with different surface textures, different cohesive gels and in many volumes and profiles. Reputable manufacturers offer warranties in case of rupture. The price varies with these characteristics: anatomical implants and certain recent models cost more. Volume in itself changes the price little. The quote should specify the brand, model, shape and volume, which allows comparison and ensures traceability.
| Characteristic | Effect on price |
|---|---|
| Round shape | Standard |
| Anatomical shape | Slightly higher |
| Recent models | Higher |
| Volume | Little effect |
| Extended warranty | Depending on the manufacturer |
The incision under the breast is the most common; the periareolar and axillary approaches are also used. The implant can be placed in front of the muscle, behind the muscle or in a dual-plane position. These choices affect the duration of the operation and therefore slightly the price, but they are decided mainly according to anatomy and the desired result.
| Choice | Options | Effect on price |
|---|---|---|
| Surgical approach | Under the breast, areola, armpit | Low |
| In front of, behind the muscle, dual-plane | Low to moderate | |
| Hospital stay | Outpatient or one night | Moderate |
It includes the surgeon's fees, general anaesthesia, the operating theatre, any overnight stay, the implants, dressings, the surgical bra and check-ups. The consultation with trial sizers or simulation is often included. A prior mammogram or ultrasound may be requested depending on age.
| Line | Content |
|---|---|
| Fees | Operation, follow-up |
| Anaesthesia | General |
| Clinic | Operating theatre, possible night |
| Implants | Brand, model, volume |
| Bra | Medical |
| Checks | First year |
Breast augmentation is not a one-off expense. You need to plan for regular follow-up, with a clinical examination and, according to recommendations, imaging. Implants are not designed to last a lifetime: replacement may become necessary in the event of rupture, capsular contracture or a wish for change, often after many years. This future cost is part of the real budget.
| Element | Time |
|---|---|
| The procedure | Once |
| Checks | First year, included |
| Follow-up imaging | Regularly |
| Possible replacement | After many years |
The following tables show the cost of breast augmentation with round implants by city and canton, compared with the Geneva level.
| Location | Canton | Easy second opinion | Price difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geneva | Geneva | Yes | Geneva benchmark |
| Lausanne | Vaud | Yes | 0 to 6% lower |
| Delémont | Jura | To be arranged | 4 to 12% lower |
| Bern | Bern | Yes | 4 to 6% lower |
| Basel | Basel-City | Yes | 3 to 5% lower |
| Zurich | Zurich | Yes | 1 to 5% lower |
| Winterthur | Zurich | To be arranged | 2 to 4% lower |
| Zug | Zug | Yes | 0 to 5% lower |
| Lucerne | Lucerne | To be arranged | 3 to 6% lower |
| St. Gallen | St. Gallen | To be arranged | 6 to 8% lower |
| Lugano | Ticino | Yes | 2 to 9% lower |
| Chur | Graubünden | To be arranged | 6 to 9% lower |
| Canton | Nearest practitioners | All-inclusive package offered | Price difference | First appointment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aargau | Aarau, Zurich | Frequently | 2 to 5% lower | Two to four weeks |
| Appenzell Ausserrhoden | St. Gallen | Sometimes | 4 to 10% lower | Varies with the season |
| Appenzell Innerrhoden | St. Gallen | Sometimes | 5 to 12% lower | A few weeks |
| Basel-Country | Basel | Frequently | 1 to 7% lower | Varies with the season |
| Basel-City | Basel | Frequently | 3 to 5% lower | Two to three weeks |
| Bern | Bern | Frequently | 1 to 6% lower | A few weeks |
| Fribourg | Fribourg, Lausanne | Sometimes | 5 to 7% lower | A few weeks |
| Geneva | Geneva | Frequently | Geneva benchmark | About one month |
| Glarus | Zurich | Frequently | 2 to 6% lower | A few weeks |
| Graubünden | Chur, Zurich | Sometimes | 6 to 12% lower | One to two weeks |
| Jura | Delémont, Basel | Sometimes | 5 to 12% lower | One to two weeks |
| Lucerne | Lucerne | Sometimes | 4 to 9% lower | A few weeks |
| Neuchâtel | Neuchâtel | Sometimes | 5 to 11% lower | Two to three weeks |
| Nidwalden | Lucerne | Sometimes | 5 to 8% lower | Varies with the season |
| Obwalden | Lucerne | Frequently | 2 to 6% lower | Two to three weeks |
| St. Gallen | St. Gallen | Sometimes | 5 to 7% lower | One to two months |
| Schaffhausen | Zurich | Frequently | 2 to 8% lower | A few weeks |
| Schwyz | Zug, Zurich | Sometimes | 4 to 6% lower | A few weeks |
| Solothurn | Bern, Basel | Sometimes | 4 to 10% lower | Varies with the season |
| Ticino | Lugano | Frequently | 2 to 6% lower | Three to five weeks |
| Thurgau | St. Gallen, Zurich | Frequently | 2 to 6% lower | Two to three weeks |
| Uri | Lucerne | Frequently | 2 to 9% lower | Three to five weeks |
| Valais | Sion, Lausanne | Frequently | 3 to 11% lower | One to two months |
| Vaud | Lausanne | Frequently | 3 to 6% lower | About one month |
| Zug | Zug | Frequently | 0 to 5% lower | Varies with the season |
| Zurich | Zurich | Frequently | 1 to 5% lower | About one month |
Manufacturers offer warranties that generally cover replacement of a ruptured implant and sometimes a contribution to costs. Some surgeons offer their own terms in the event of early complications. It is useful to obtain these documents in writing and to know what remains payable in the event of capsular contracture, displacement or rupture.
Compare like-for-like implants: brand, model, shape, volume. Check the planned pocket, the hospital stay, check-ups, warranties and revision terms. A large price gap often hides a difference in implant or facility.
A woman who wants a moderate volume, with round implants as day surgery: the most contained budget. A woman who wants a very natural result with anatomical implants and a night in the clinic: higher budget. A woman with sagging breasts: augmentation combined with a lift, the highest budget.
A second surgical bra, painkillers, one to two weeks off work and a few weeks without sport. In the longer term, follow-up imaging examinations.
Combining implants and fat softens the contours, especially in slim women. It costs more, as it includes liposuction. See our page on hybrid breast augmentation.
The volume is chosen during the consultation, using sizers, breast measurements and sometimes a three-dimensional simulation. A volume too large for the width of the chest and the quality of the skin carries a greater risk of complications, faster descent and, eventually, revision surgery, and therefore additional costs. An implant proportionate to the body shape ages better. The surgeon explains the maximum reasonable volume, which protects both the result and the long-term budget.
| Choice | Possible consequence |
|---|---|
| Suitable volume | Long-lasting result |
| Excessive volume | Descent, capsular contracture, revision |
| High-profile implant | To be discussed depending on the skin |
Breast augmentation can often be performed as day surgery, with a return home the same evening. A night in the clinic increases the cost, but some patients prefer it for comfort and monitoring. The surgeon suggests the most suitable option.
Tuberous breasts are a malformation resulting in a narrow base and a protruding areola. Their correction, more complex than a simple augmentation, may be the subject of a coverage request on a case-by-case basis when the condition is pronounced.
You will find out how the procedure works on our page Breast augmentation in Switzerland.
The essentials about the bill, in plain terms.
Does a night in the clinic increase the price much? It adds a moderate cost.
Does 3D simulation guarantee the result? It helps you visualise it, without any guarantee.
Does the implant profile change the price? Little, for an equivalent model.
How much does breast augmentation cost in Switzerland? The price depends mainly on the implants, the facility and the surgeon; see our tables.
Do implants account for a large share of the price? A significant share, varying with the brand and type.
Are anatomical implants more expensive? Often slightly more than round ones.
Does implant texture change the price? Slightly, depending on the model.
Does the incision site affect the price? Little; it is mainly the duration that counts.
Does a submuscular pocket cost more? It may lengthen the operation slightly.
Is breast augmentation reimbursed? No, except for a recognised malformation or reconstruction.
Are tuberous breasts covered? A request can be made on a case-by-case basis.
Is an overnight stay in the clinic needed? Sometimes one night; day surgery is possible.
Is the bra provided? Often.
Are check-ups included? Generally for the first year.
Is follow-up ultrasound charged? Often, after the first year.
Do implants need to be replaced? They are not permanent; replacement may be necessary after many years.
Does the warranty cover everything? It often covers the implant, rarely all the surgical costs.
Is capsular contracture covered? Depending on the warranty and the situation.
Is an implant card provided? Yes, for traceability.
Does the price vary between cantons? Moderately.
Can payment be spread out? Depending on the clinic.
Is the deposit refundable? Depending on the contractual terms.
Is the first appointment charged? Often, with possible deduction.
Are 3D simulations charged? Often included in the consultation.
Are trial sizers provided? Yes, during the consultation.
Is a prior mammogram necessary? Depending on age and medical history.
Should a very low price be a concern? Yes, check the implant brand and the facility.
Does a larger volume cost more? Rarely; the price depends mainly on the model.
How long is time off work? One to two weeks, depending on your job.
Is sport possible quickly? After several weeks.
Is transport reimbursed? No.
Should the quote state the brand? Yes, along with the model and volume.
Can a lift be combined? Yes, with a higher budget.
Can liposuction be combined? Yes, in an overall quote.
Does hybrid augmentation cost more? Yes, as it combines implants and fat.
Are complications charged? Depending on the warranty and the surgeon's terms.
Is the quote valid for long? A few months.
Is breastfeeding still possible? Often; this does not change the price.
Can implants rupture? It is possible; the warranty applies according to its terms.
Is later implant removal expensive? It is an operation to plan for in the long-term budget.
Is there a minimum age? You must be an adult with fully developed breasts.
Are implants registered? Yes, in a traceability register.
Tell us your canton: we will send you quotes from plastic surgeons near you, free of charge.
Feel free to contact us for relevant information about your medical project and payment options.
Benefit from a personalised assessment and significant discounts from the second procedure onwards. Save up to 60% on the total cost of your operations.