How Much Will It Cost to Replace my Breast Implants?

Question

I had saline breast implants, size c about ten years ago placed under the muscle. They now sag and I would like to replace them. I live in Albany, NY and I am wondering what the estimated cost would be? Also, is the procedure more complicated, and can the procedures be done under local anesthesia?

David L. Mobley, MD, FACS · Answer

Breast Implant Replacement Cost is affected by the following:1. Drooping or Sagging of Breasts:  Often with drooping or sagging the cost is higher because of the need for a breast lift or capsulorrhaphy (tightening of the breast pocket)2. Hardening of Previous Implants:  The cost may be higher because of the need for capsulectomy (removal of the hard capsule around the old implants).3. Malposition of the Previous Implants:  Capsulectomy and/or placement of  a supporting mesh or dermal matrix may be needed to improve the implant position4. Desire to Increase Breast Implant Size:  Since a larger pocket is needed capsulotomy is needed which will increase the cost5.  Rippling, Visibility of the Implant, or Thinning of the Implant Pocket:  Adding Galaflex support mesh or Acellular Dermal Matrix (ADM) to thicken pocket and improve decrease visibility may be necessary.  In addition, a using a cohesive gel breast implant will help alleviate this problem.  These implants are more expensive since they are newer.6. Implant Choice:  A large variety of increasingly cohesive gel implants and implants of various shapes and projections are now available.  The newer more advanced cohesive gel implants improve results but also drive up the cost of replacement.7.  If you only need removal of the old implants and replacement in the same plane without modification of the pocket, a breast lift or support mesh then the cost is less Considering all of the above factors I believe it is well worth the time, effort and cost to see a board certified plastic surgeon who will examine you and create a thorough plan for you implant replacement.  Based on this plan the surgeon or his coordinator will discuss the cost in great detail  Indicating expected cost by phone is very inaccurate because of the above factors.  Good luck with your replacement surgery

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear hairyet,the cost of surgery depends on a lot of factors (type of surgery, number of treated areas, anesthesia fee, surgeon, facility fee, city, etc.). It would be the best to visit or call plastic surgery offices and ask for a price.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

The #costs of #BreastAugmentation are contingent on several factors. Such as geographic location, the skill and experience of the surgeon, and operating room and anesthesia fees. Also, different breast implants may have different costs. The approximate costs can be found here on the Real Self website, Surgery.org, or PlasticSurgery.org.Moreover, your procedures should be performed by a #PlasticSurgeon who is board-certified and has a great deal of experience specializing in cosmetic #surgery. You will then greatly improve your chances of getting the result you desire, and, without the need for a revision surgery. I suggest you view before and after photos of the surgeons actual patients, and read patient reviews. Gathering all of this information will help you make a well-informed decision.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Cost to Replace Breast ImplantsThe price varies greatly by geographical location, experience of the surgeon, whether in an outpatient surgery center vs hospital (hospital more expensive), type of breast implant, etc. Make sure you go to the most experience board certified plastic surgeon you can find, look at their reviews, before and after photos, and most important that you feel comfortable after your consultation that you have confidence that you are safe. Cheaper often is not better. If you still have confidence in your original surgeon I would recommend returning to him/her.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It’s virtually impossible to make a specific recommendation
without pictures or a physical examination.In this case, your history suggests that you would benefit not only from
breast augmentation, but breast lift surgery as well. Removal
and replacement of breast implants performed in combination with breast lift is
a commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedure.Prices for this procedure vary widely and
depend upon several variables.It’s
important to make sure that your fee quote includes the surgeon’s fee, facility
fee, anesthesia charge, implant costs and pre and post-operative care.Each of these components may vary widely
depending upon the surgeons practice.Generally,
surgeons who operate in dedicated outpatient cosmetic surgery facilities are
able to offer lower facility fees than those who operate in hospital based
practices.The surgeon’s fee can vary as
well depending upon regional differences and levels of local competition.Anesthesia charges can vary and this may be
related to the use of a nurse anesthetist verses a physician
anesthesiologist.Finally, there may be wide
variations in implant charges, depending upon the type of implant chosen.For instance, silicone implants are more
expensive than saline implants.When
all of these variables are considered, fees in the Midwestern United States
range from $6,500 to $7,500.It’s
important to remember that although price is an important component of your
decision, it’s not the only consideration.Make sure you have a comfort level with the surgeons experience and
reputation and their ability to communicate with you.

Jeff Angobaldo, MD · Answer

Thank ypu for submitting ypur question. Your question can not be answered without a photo.  Cost varies depending on the type of implant you desire, if the capsule needs to be removed and or if will be needing a breast lift.  Consult with a Board Certfed Plastic Surgeon in ypur area. Best Wishes

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You state that you are size C and are concerned about the sagging.  If you are happy with the size then you do not need to replace the implants but you need a lift.  This can be done through a circumareola incision avoiding any vertical scars.  The lift will also increase your upper pole fullness, increase your cleavage and reshape your breasts.  This may be the more appropriate alternative for you if you are satisfied with your size.  The cost of this is approximately $5,000 to $7,000.  If you want implant exchange at the same time, the additional cost for the implants would be approximately $1,800 (silicone gel) and $800 (saline).  The surgeon's fee and facility time would bring the total of between $8,000 and $9,000.  I place my implants retro-pectoral and that is not practical to do under local.

	Best Wishes,

	Gary Horndeski, M.D.

William Aiello, MD · Answer

Hi hairyet, The cost of a revision surgery will vary a great deal depending on what part of the country you live in, the type of implants used, how experienced your surgeon is, what type of anesthesia is used and more. There are just too many variables. Every surgeon has determined what they feel is appropriate for their expertise and time performing this procedure and taking care of you following the procedure. Whatever you decide it's important to check every surgeon's credentials and experience. You have to stay in budget, but there are MANY other factors to consider! 
Once you meet with a surgeon, they will explain things in detail, but you need to understand that if your breasts are sagging, you will likely need a breast lift (mastopexy), this has little to do with the implant and more to do with the natural aging of your breasts over the last ten years. You can exchange your implants at this time, but also keep in mind depending on a variety of factors there can be more to that surgery as well (Especially if you decide to downsize). Simply exchanging implants can sometimes be done under IV or local anesthesia, but the procedure(s) it sounds like you need and want are going to require general anesthesia. It would be a good idea to do some research and understand implant sizing (they are measured in volume, not cup size letters) and breast lifts to have a better grasps of the procedures you may be needed to achieve the outcome you desire.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. When it comes to costs of surgery, there may be many “variables” involved. The specific surgeon's credentials/experience level (or lack thereof), the specific geographic area you are looking at, the different operations available, the location of the procedure (quality of surgery facility), type/quality of anesthesia provider,  type of breast implants… are some of the potential variables involved.  You will find some average costs of surgery on this website and on individual plastic surgeons' websites as well.
In regards to outcome of the planned procedure, more important than costs of the procedures will be careful selection of your plastic surgeon. I would suggest starting with the American Society of Plastic Surgery and/or the Aesthetic Society of Plastic Surgery to obtain a list of well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons.
Then, I would suggest you visit a few surgeons whose practices concentrate on aesthetic surgery. Ask to SEE lots of examples of their work AND preferably speak/see patients who have had similar procedures done.
Be very careful with your decision-making. You will find, while doing your due diligence, that there are many different “specialties” who will offer their services to you; again, I strongly recommend you concentrate on surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Again, I would also suggest that you do not base your selection of plastic surgeon primarily on costs of surgery; keep in mind that revisionary surgery may be more costly in many ways.  Best wishes.

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

In general, Breast revision, if it is merely replacing an implant and no major revision or lifting of the implant needs to be done, then the replacement fee is far simpler than the actual primary surgery and is thus less expensive.  However, in patients that have implants that sag, a revision is necessary, as well as probable breast lift.  The prices of Breast Augmentation, Lift, or full mommy make overs as well as revisions can vary widely from city to city. For example, a breast augmentation can cost 3-4 times in LA and New York what it costs in Montana. In looking at the a price quote for breast augmentation, you should consider many variables. 1. The Surgeon's Fee. This can vary widely depending on the experience and results and thus demand for that surgeon. This also sometimes depends on technique. For example, a sub-muscular placement of an implant is much faster and thus takes less work for the surgeon than a sub-fascial placement of the implant that takes twice as long.2. The Implant. The breast implant price depends on using a saline, memory gel, or highly cohesive (gummybear) implants. Usually saline implants cost about $1,000 for a pair, memory gel $2,000, and highly cohesive $3,000. If fat is used instead of an implant, then usually a fat harvest charge is used instead of implant fee as liposuction supplies are used and the fat purified in a variety of methods. The size of the implant does not matter, only the type of implant. If a dermal matrix is needed then there is an additional charge (usually about $1,000). In revisions, often the same implant can be used which saves on the implant costs. If a breast lift alone is performed, then obviously there is no implant cost.3. Anesthesia. This can vary as well. If a board certified anesthesiologist is used then the price is higher. If a CRNA (nurse anesthetist) then the price is lower. It is even lower when a doctor just uses a non-certified anesthetist nurse, or just a medical assistant to push the anesthetic drugs (yes, this actually does happen).4. Facility Fee. This can vary if the surgeon is using a certified surgery center or hospital vs. his non-certified office.These four components make the total price, so it is best to break these down so the patient knows exactly what she is getting.Realself has an average cost for each city.Best wishes,Pablo Prichard, MD

How Much Will It Cost to Replace my Breast Implants?

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