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How Much Does Breast Explantation Cost?

asked 3 years ago by Opal in camano island, WA
Latest answer by Curtis Wong, MD
Question viewed 26,574 times
Tags: costs

I am now 63 and am beginning to realize that no other woman my age has such full and perky breasts as I do. I am beginning to feel self-conscious and expect that as I grow older, this will become more of a problem for me. I want to know if breast explantation is an option, what could be done to ensure my breasts would become much smaller and how much this would cost.

17 answers to How Much Does Breast Explantation Cost?

Breast Implant Explantation Costs

Plastic surgery fees depend on the geographic location and the expertise of the surgeon. With breast implant revision, you can choose to remove the implants completely or move to a smaller size. Removal of the implants tends to range from $2500 to $5000. Breast implant exchenge tends to be between $4000 and $7000.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS
West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon

Breast Explantation Can Be Done Inexpensively

Breast implants can be done with local anesthesia using your existing breast augmentation scars. Do discuss with your surgeon whether use of a drain and capsule removal is recommended for you.

Paul C. Zwiebel, MD
Denver Plastic Surgeon

Simple Breast explantation can be done for $300 under local anesthesia.

By simple, I mean that the capsule can be left in place and no adjustment to the shape of the breast will be made. This is very easy to do but patients need to be aware of the aesthetic consequences of removal. I think some time with a good plastic surgeon will keep you from making an unwise decision.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Insurance will cover explantation

I'm a bit suprised this hasn't been mentioned yet... If you're looking for just explantation most medical insurance covers this, meaning that the cost to you would be your co-pay. I would definitely look into this option first. But keep in mind that insurance companies will NOT cover things like replacing implants, performing a breast lift or other cosmetic procedures. Some people can be disappointed with the look of their breasts after explantation without additional procedures. In my San... more

Steven H. Williams, MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

Explant and more

I hope your implants served you well and that you were pleased with them. As for removing them, why do you feel more self conscious? If you are in excellent shape, you shouldn't. But if you're really done with them and want them removed, several issues come in to consideration. As mentioned by my colleagues, you could have droopy breasts and should have a plan to either have a lift or live natural. If you do not have thick capsules, simple removal can be... more

Curtis Wong, MD
Redding Plastic Surgeon

Appearance of Breasts after Breast Implant Removal?

Thank you for the question. What your breasts will look like after explantation depends on several factors such as: the quality of skin elasticity (the better the elasticity the better the skin will bounce back), the size of the implants used (the larger the implant the more trouble you may have with redundant skin), and the amount of breast tissue present at this time (which may have changed since the time of your breast augmentation). Life experience since your... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Breast Implant Removal

Implant explantation (removal) is an option. Your first step is to consult with an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon in your area. Upon examination, your surgeon will be able to recommend the best treatment option for you. The risks, benefits, and expected outcome will all be discussed during your consultation. This will allow you to make an informed decision as to what is best for you. Best of luck!

Christine Sullivan, MD
Columbus Plastic Surgeon

Breast implant removal is quick and easy.

Removing a breast implant is quick and easy, less than 30 minutes for both sides. The old incision is used for the removal and it can be done through a very small incision. The capsule does not have to be removed and shrinks down to almost nothing in about 1 to 2 months. The body is very resilient and the remaining capsule which does not have to be removed will shrink to nothing. Similar to the uterus after delivering a baby. Cost ranges from $500 to... more

Gary H. Manchester, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.manchesterclinic.com

You don't have to feel self conscious about your breasts as you age.

You don't have to feel self conscious about your breasts as you age. Helping you to feel confident about your appearance may require different procedures depending on what your expectations are. These procedures may include 1) implant removal or downsizing 2) implant removal or downsizing with a lift 3) a lift alone. Obviously, each of these procedures carries a different cost, so answering the cost question is difficult. Most importantly you need to be... more

Richard H. Fryer, MD
Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon

Cost of breast implant explantation

Hi Opal, Your implants can definitely be removed. The plastic surgeon will most likely perform some work to shape and lift your breasts during the procedure to optimize the aesthetic result. I suggest at least 2 consultations with plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery to discuss your options and get an idea about cost. Hope this helps.

Tracy Pfeifer, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Removal and breast lift

You could choose to have smaller breast implants or get them out completely. If this is done for a medical reason e.g capsule, rupture etc., your insurance will cover the removal part. I have done many removal and the best option is to remove them or remove and perform a breast lift. Hope that helps!

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Changing breast implants as one ages

Some women as they age do feel subconscious about their implants and some have them removed and others just decrease the size so they tend to look more natural for their age. As for cost, if only reducing the size is needed, then the cost can be as low as $3000. But if more is needed, the cost can go up.

William J. Hedden, MD
Birmingham Plastic Surgeon

www.heddenmd.com

Will you need a lift after explantation?

Removing existing breast implants is easy to do and relatively inexpensive. The real question is: what will your breasts look like afterward? Most patients will require a breast lift following explantation, which is another procedure and an additional cost.

Kevin Brenner, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Breast Explantation

Hello, Explantation is of course an option. You might need the "scar capsules" taken away as well plus or minus a breast lift depending upon where things are after removal and your preferences. Depending upon your location in the country and how much surgery you elect to have, this will probably run you at least $4000 unless your insurance covers things.

John P. Di Saia, MD
Orange Plastic Surgeon

Explantation of implants

Explantation of implants is a very easy procedure, but can be affected by the amount of breast tissue left over. If you do not have alot of tissue, the breast may shrink and contract into a shape that you may not be happy with. This is almost impossible to completely control. A lift of tissue may be helpful or placing a smaller implant.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Explantation is easy to do

Removal of breast implants is an easy procedure to perform and from which to recover. Your breasts will certainly get smaller, depending on what size implants you have. The more your current size is from the implants, the smaller you will look when they are out. The other issue to consider before proceeding is that almost certainly, most or all of your upper pole fullness will be lost and your tissues may look lax and loose without the implants underneath. Prices are relative low for... more

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Implant explantation is an option, but you need to consider the loose skin

Implant explantation is a definite option, but is will require a surgical procedure. The exact procedure depends on how the implants were placed during the original surgery. Most likely, your surgeon can access your implants through your original incision. This can be done under conscious sedation or general anesthesia. However, once you remove the implant, your breast will become significantly ptotic (loose and hanging) since the implant is no longer there to support the tissue. Often... more