How Much Does It Cost to Remove Breast Implants?

Breast implant removal and breast implant revision are secondary procedures aimed at removing or correcting breast implants after a primary augmentation. Because these procedures depend on the issues the patient is facing with their current implants, along with their desired goals, pricing varies greatly. This blog discusses average cost ranges for both breast implant removal and revision, as well as what options patients have for each.

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Breast Revision Surgery in Scottsdale, AZ Cost

When a patient undergoes breast augmentation, the hope is that her results will be satisfactory and long-lasting. But unfortunately, that’s not always the case. For patients who no longer like their breast implants, or who are experiencing side effects of breast augmentation, breast implant removal or explantation may be the best option. Alternatively, breast implant revision is best for those who want to upgrade their implants or choose another breast enhancement procedure instead. To simplify: 

• Explantation or breast implant removal is a secondary procedure to remove breast implants entirely. It includes a capsulectomy, the removal of the breast capsule, the naturally occurring pocket of scar tissue that forms around the implants. This approach is ideal for patients who no longer want breast implants.
• Breast revision or breast implant revision surgery is a secondary procedure for patients who want to remove old implants for any reason and then replace them with new ones, and/or have a breast lift or breast reduction procedure. This procedure is very unique to the needs of the patient, but it always involves first removing old or unsatisfactory breast implants.

So, how much do these procedures cost? Rough estimates of explantation in the Scottsdale, AZ, area range from about $3,000 to $5,000+, but these costs vary widely depending on the complexity of the procedure. For breast revision, estimates are even harder to determine because the procedure is highly customized, typically ranging from $5,000 to over $20,000, with an average cost of $10,000 to $15,000. 

What Do Plastic Surgery Costs Mean?

So why the wide range of prices? All cosmetic surgery pricing is determined by several factors, some within the surgeon’s control and some not. What you end up paying covers more than the surgery itself, so we’ll break down what these final costs might mean: 

• The surgeon’s fee: This is the bulk of the cost, and it might be the price you see on a surgeon’s website. The surgeon’s fee is the net amount payable to the surgeon and is determined by the complexity of the procedure. For example, more complex or technically challenging procedures will cost more (breast implant revision vs. breast augmentation, for example). The surgeon’s experience is another factor, as those who specialize in certain procedures or are more prestigiously known will command higher prices. You might see greater variation in surgeons’ fees compared with more fixed fees, such as anesthesia fees.
• Facility fees: These cover the cost of performing the operation and the use of the surgical facility. Some surgeons have access to an ambulatory surgery center, while others use local hospital privileges. It’s rare, but a procedure can sometimes be performed in-office. Generally, the more labor-intensive the procedure and the longer the OR time, the higher the facility fee.
• Anesthesia fees: These cover the cost of administering anesthesia and the medication itself. Additionally, any fees charged by the anesthesiologist are included here. A general rule of thumb is that local anesthesia is cheaper than general anesthesia. General anesthesia is more commonly used; however, the procedure duration also affects cost.
• Recovery materials/Miscellaneous: Some procedures require the patient to purchase recovery materials, such as compression garments or surgical bras. Prescription medications may also be included here. You’ll likely need a surgical bra after explantation and breast revision.

Do I Need Explantation or Breast Implant Revision?

Deciding between explantation and breast implant revision comes down to what your end goals are for your breast appearance, as well as the current issues or concerns with your breast implants. 

Reasons you might want your breast implants removed: 

• Capsular contracture: This is a fairly uncommon breast augmentation complication, and is the result of the pocket of scar tissue around the implant contracting, causing the breasts to look malformed, feel hard to the touch, and cause physical discomfort for the patient.
• Implant rupture or leak: This can occur due to trauma or injury, but it’s more common in breast implants that are more than ten years old. The longer you have your implants, the greater the risk of rupture. Saline implant leaks are obvious, as the affected breast will look uneven. Silicone, however, can result in a silent rupture, which is hard to detect, and many patients will need routine MRIs to determine if a rupture has occurred.
• Unsatisfactory results: In rare cases, a patient will be underwhelmed by their results or their results are unexpected, so they wish to return to their natural breasts.
• Lifestyle changes: Some patients find that they no longer want breast implants due to changes in their lives and interests. Some women who once wanted large implants find that large breasts don’t coincide with an active lifestyle, or they no longer match their desired aesthetic.

Reasons to choose breast implant revision surgery: 

• Breast implant size or material change: Many patients find that they wish to upgrade or alter their implant size, material, or projection. All of these factors affect the look of a breast augmentation, and as you age or change your aesthetic, your breast implants can be updated.
• Address breast sagging: Over time, and especially with large implants, the natural breast tissue sags and loses structure. Patients who wish to address their breast sagging can do so by combining breast implant removal with a breast lift, which would result in natural breasts that are also lifted and perky. Another popular option is to combine a breast lift with a breast augmentation, replacing the old implants with new ones to the patient’s specifications and then lifting the sagging skin and tissue for an enhanced aesthetic.
• Address breast changes/weight fluctuations: We never know what the future holds, and sometimes the body goes through unexpected changes. Some patients have breast augmentation when they are young and have very little natural tissue, only to find that through time, age, hormonal changes, and pregnancies, their natural breasts are much larger than they expected. These are somewhat rarer, but it’s possible to remove old implants and combine the explantation with a breast reduction, which removes redundant breast tissue and fat for a smaller, more comfortable chest appearance. This procedure also addresses the nipple-areolar complex.

Discover the Best Breast Enhancement for You: Call Dr. Spies

The best way to determine which option is for you and how much your procedure will cost is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Robert Spies has over 30 years of experience performing breast enhancement procedures like breast augmentation, breast implant removal, and breast implant revision. Dr. Spies will listen to your goals and concerns before creating a custom surgical plan that is designed to give you the best possible results.

Learn More About Breast Implant Removal in Scottsdale, AZ

Call Dr. Spies today at (480) 359-1019 or complete the contact form to request a breast implant removal consultation.