Ultimately, your breast implant revision cost will be based on your surgeon’s experience, the scope of the procedure, and where your surgeon’s practice is located. Other factors may influence the cost of breast implant revision as well, and we will discuss these in more detail up ahead.
For now, it’s important to know that scheduling a consultation appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon is the absolute best way to get an accurate quote for your surgery. Just as a roofer will need to come to your home to examine it before quoting you for a new roof or a mechanic will need to see your car before they can quote you for repairs, your plastic surgeon needs to see you before he can quote you for your breast implant revision surgery.
In fact, a consultation appointment for implant revision surgery may be even more important than one for initial breast augmentation. This is because patients may choose to undergo a breast revision surgery for numerous reasons, so these procedures can vary widely in their approach.
Why Get Breast Implant Revision Surgery?
Breast implant revision surgery (also known as breast augmentation revision) is a plastic surgery procedure that involves removing a patient’s current breast implants and (possibly) replacing them with new implants or performing a separate breast procedure.
For example, you could also have your implants removed only to undergo a breast lift instead. With revision surgery, there are a range of options available after breast implant removal.
Some of the top reasons for undergoing breast implant revision surgery include:
- Dissatisfaction with the outcome of the original breast augmentation procedure
- The desire to get new implants of a different size or shape
- Medical issues such as breast implant illness (BII) or capsular contracture
- Implant rupture or leak
- Uneven breasts or breast implants that have moved or “migrated”
- Changes in skin elasticity or overall body weight composition, which have caused breast implants to become visible
Breast Implant Revision Surgery Cost Factors
The following factors may influence your breast revision cost:
Surgeon Experience
The more experienced and talented your surgeon, the more you can expect to pay when undergoing those surgical procedures they are most proficient at and in demand for.
Scope of the Surgery
As stated above, patients may choose to get revision surgery for their implants for a variety of reasons. How your surgery is performed, what equipment and technology is required, and what skill is required by your surgeon will all vary depending on your core motivations for surgery and what you hope to achieve with your procedure (larger breasts, more symmetry, implants that aren’t leaking, a lifted chest, etc.).
Plastic Surgery Practice Location
If you choose to have surgery in a smaller location and in a more rural area, be prepared to pay less. The cost of living is higher in cities, so the cost of plastic surgery is higher in cities as well.
Anesthesia
General anesthesia costs more than local anesthesia, and the longer your surgery is, the more you will be charged for anesthesia. Likewise, if your surgeon only works with anesthesiologists, the cost for these professionals’ care will be higher than for a nurse anesthetist.
Hospital or Surgical Facility Fees
Hospitals and surgical facilities charge their own fees for using their space and equipment. Make sure that your plastic surgeon has practicing privileges at at least one local accredited surgery location.
Aftercare Costs
Lastly, some surgeons will require their patients to pay for aftercare costs such as followup appointments, at-home products to aid with recovery, and medications separately. Other surgeons may lump these items together along with their surgeon’s fee.
How Much Does a Breast Implant Revision Cost With Insurance?
In nearly all cases, insurance will not pay for breast implant revision surgery. Health insurance only covers surgeries that it deems “medically necessary”.
FAQ: Breast Implant Replacement or Removal
What is capsular contracture?
After undergoing breast implant surgery, it is natural and normal for the body to produce a scar tissue pocket around each implant. However, if this pocket or capsule starts to tighten and contract around the implant, it can cause pain and visible changes on the patient’s chest. This is known as capsular contracture.
If I have my implants removed, do I have to have them replaced?
No, you do not have to replace breast implants after implant removal if you don’t want new implants. A breast implant exchange can certainly be performed, but some patients may simply choose to have their original implants removed for good.
What is recovery like after breast implant revision?
Overall, breast implant revision recovery is similar to recovery after breast augmentation. For some, the recovery period following a breast implant revision procedure may be slightly more challenging, however.
Swelling, bruising, and some discomfort are to be expected. But because the breast tissue and skin are being irritated and cut into a second time during revision breast surgery, there may be more painful scar tissue and more downtime.
Call Today to Schedule Your Consultation
To learn more about breast implant revision costs and to see if you qualify for a revision procedure, please call our office today to set up a one-on-one consultation appointment with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Raja Mohan. We look forward to hearing from you!
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-breast-augmentation-revision