Breast Implant Removal Q&A
87%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
150 Reviews
Breast Implant Removalbefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Breast Implant Removal Cost: $3,850

Learn about Breast Implant Removal

777 people and 318 doctors are talking about Breast Implant Removal

Get Free Email Updates

Is It Possible to Have Insurance Cover Implant Explantation?

asked 1 year ago by kale220 in fort smith, arkansas
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 428 times
Tags: saline implants, insurance

I had McGhan saline implants placed subglandularly in 2000. I've developed capsular contracture in my rt breast. Since 2006 I've suffered from terrible hair loss, itching skin, fatigue, joint pain. I've seen 3 doctors with all tests negative. Could the implants be the cause? I'm a RN, and I'm wondering if ins ever pays for explantation, or if there are any programs/studies to offset some of the cost. (The implanting dr is retired, so returning to him isn't possible.)

5 answers to Is It Possible to Have Insurance Cover Implant Explantation?

+1

Insurance Coverage of Breast Implant Explantation?

Unfortunately, it is very unlikely that health insurance companies will cover breast implant removal that were placed for aesthetic purposes. However, there is no way to know for sure without attempting. Best wishes.
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Removing breast implants

Insurance coverage is different for every person, so you'll have to visit with a plastic surgeon for full assessment and insurance verification for this procedure.
Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1

Insurance and implant removal

Insurance companies all have their own specific criteria for approving surgery. You should contact your insurance carrier and ask them what their policies are.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Insurance coverage for breast implant removal (explant)

As stated by Dr. Pelletiere, each policy has its own provisions and do not consider explantation a covered benefit. However, you could contact your insurance carrier or have a plastic surgeon compose a predetermination of benefits letter to your carrier.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Insurance Coverage NOT Likely For Cosmetic Implant

In general, most insurance companies will not cover anything to do with breast implants if they were placed for aestehtic reasons only, even if you are having pain from them now.  It does not hurt to undergo the pre-certifiation process, but I would not hold your breath for a positive response.  The chances of your implants causing your symptoms are extremely small.  The ten year core and adjunct studies done by both implant manufacturers ( Mentor and Allergan) were... more
Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD

Barrington Plastic Surgeon

Ask a question