Breast surgery prices in Switzerland: an overview

Breast surgery covers several procedures with different pricing logic: augmentation with implants or fat, a lift to raise sagging breasts, a reduction to lighten overly heavy breasts, implant replacement or removal, and, in men, correction of gynaecomastia. Some are purely cosmetic and paid by the patient; others, such as breast reduction in the case of symptoms, correction of certain malformations or reconstruction after cancer, may be covered by insurance. This page gives the key benchmarks and links to our detailed price pages. For the procedures themselves, see our guide to breast surgery.

Breast augmentation and lifts are generally paid by the patient. Breast reduction may be covered when the weight of the breasts causes documented problems; reconstruction after cancer is reimbursed. The price depends on the technique, the implants, the anaesthesia and the hospital stay. Differences between regions are moderate.

Implant augmentation is a one- to two-hour procedure; a lift, which takes longer, leaves more extensive scars; combined with implants, it becomes more expensive. Reduction is the longest of the common procedures. Fat transfer includes liposuction. Implant replacement combined with a lift or removal of the capsule is more complex than a first augmentation.

Each procedure has its own price page: breast augmentation, breast lift, breast ptosis, breast reduction, breast fat transfer, implant replacement, gynaecomastia and pectoral implants.

Breast reduction may be reimbursed when very heavy breasts cause back and neck pain, irritation under the breasts or other problems, generally above a certain weight of glandular tissue to be removed and on a case-by-case basis. Recognised malformations, such as certain significant asymmetries or marked tuberous breasts, may be the subject of a claim. Reconstruction after mastectomy is covered, often including symmetrisation of the other breast. In men, significant gynaecomastia may be covered if it is documented.

Implants account for a significant part of the quote for an augmentation. Their price varies according to the manufacturer, the shape (round or anatomical), the texture and the filling. Implants are registered for traceability and often come with a manufacturer's warranty, which may cover replacement in the event of rupture, without always covering surgical costs. It is worth knowing these terms.

The following tables show the cost of breast augmentation with implants by city and canton, compared with Geneva.

You need to compare like with like: the same technique, the same type and brand of implants, the same anaesthesia, the same hospital stay, the same check-ups and the same revision terms. The surgeon's experience in breast surgery and their results at one year are the best criteria.

Breast implants require regular follow-up, with imaging examinations according to guidelines. This follow-up, often charged after the first year, is part of the real long-term cost of an augmentation. An implant replacement may become necessary after many years.

A thirty-year-old woman who wants more volume: implant augmentation, at her own expense. A forty-five-year-old woman with sagging breasts after pregnancies: a lift, possibly with implants, at her own expense. A woman suffering from back pain due to very heavy breasts: breast reduction, possible coverage on a case-by-case basis.

Plan for one or two post-operative bras, scar care, a few days to a few weeks off work and, depending on age, a preliminary mammogram or ultrasound.

Breast surgery is often combined with a tummy tuck or liposuction, particularly after pregnancies. A global quote reduces anaesthesia and clinic costs compared with two separate operations. Our page on combined procedures covers this.

The length of the operation explains much of the price difference. Implant augmentation often takes one to two hours; a lift two to three hours; a lift with implants or a breast reduction three hours or more. Operating theatre, anaesthesia and sometimes hospital costs increase with this time. The technique and the surgeon's experience also play a part: a well-practised team works faster and more safely.

Before an augmentation, it is advisable to wait until the breasts have finished growing. After pregnancies and breastfeeding, the breasts often change in volume and firmness; it is generally better to wait a few months after weaning before considering a lift or augmentation, to avoid having to operate again.

The main implant manufacturers offer warranties in the event of rupture or certain complications. They generally cover replacement of the implant, sometimes a contribution to costs. Their terms vary; it is worth getting a copy.

For a procedure that affects both appearance and comfort for many years, the plastic surgeon's experience in breast surgery matters more than a few percent difference in price. Ask to see comparable results at one year, from the front and in profile.

You will find out how the procedure works on our page Guide to breast surgery in Switzerland.

Compare with related procedures

• Breast reduction: prices in Switzerland
• Breast ptosis: prices in Switzerland
• Breast fat transfer: prices in Switzerland

Our guides

• Cosmetic surgery in Switzerland

The essentials about the bill, in plain terms.

Your questions

Does implant volume change the price? Little; it is mainly the type of implant that matters.

Should I wait after breastfeeding? Yes, a few months, so that the breasts stabilise.

Are anatomical implants more expensive? Often a little.

Does the warranty cover the operation? Rarely in full; check the terms.

Is symmetrisation after reconstruction reimbursed? Often yes, as part of the reconstruction.

Which breast surgery is reimbursed? Breast reduction may be, under certain conditions; reconstruction after cancer is.

Is breast augmentation reimbursed? No, except for a recognised malformation.

Is a breast lift reimbursed? Rarely; it is most often cosmetic.

Is gynaecomastia surgery reimbursed? Sometimes, if it is significant and documented.

Are the implants included in the price? Yes, generally, with a dedicated line.

Is implant replacement covered? Sometimes, in the event of a medical complication; otherwise no.

Is implant rupture covered? Depending on the manufacturer's warranty and the medical situation.

Is the post-operative bra provided? Often.

Are check-ups included? Generally for one year.

Is the follow-up ultrasound charged? It may be, depending on the situation.

Does breast surgery cost less in St. Gallen? Often slightly less than in Geneva.

Can I pay in instalments? Some clinics offer this.

Is the first appointment charged? Often, with possible deduction.

Is a deposit required? Yes, to reserve the date.

Is general anaesthesia included? Check each quote.

Is an overnight stay in the clinic needed? Often one night.

Does fat transfer cost less than implants? Not necessarily, as it includes liposuction.

Is a mammogram required? Depending on age, before the operation.

Is reconstruction after cancer reimbursed? Yes, it is part of the treatment.

Is breast asymmetry reimbursed? Significant asymmetry may be assessed by the insurer.

Are tuberous breasts covered? A recognised malformation may be, on a case-by-case basis.

Is a very low price reliable? Check the implants, the facility and the surgeon.

Should the quote specify the implant brand? Yes, along with the type and volume.

Are complications charged? Depending on the terms and the warranty.

Is transport reimbursed? No.

Is the quote valid for long? A few months.

Is the time off work long? One to three weeks depending on the procedure.

Does supplementary insurance cover cosmetic procedures? Generally not.

Do men pay the same for gynaecomastia? The price depends on the technique.

How long does an implant last? It is not permanent; regular follow-up is recommended.

Are touch-ups charged? Depending on the surgeon's terms.

Are deposits refundable? Depending on the contract.

Is the implant register mandatory? Implants are registered for traceability.

Does the price include photos? Yes.

Can several procedures be combined? Yes, with a global quote.

Is a second opinion useful? Yes, for major surgery.

Tell us your canton: we will send you free quotes from plastic surgeons specialising in breast surgery.