How much will it cost for a breast explant? What if I have a lift done with it? (Photo)

Question

In May 2014, I had 400cc saline implant sub pec. I didn't like them as soon as I woke up from surgery And have been uncomfortable since. I was told by my PS that the implants would drop and lift up my breasts. They are still as low as before just bigger. I now realize I needed a lift. I don't want implants at all. How much will it cost with only the explant? Can it be combined with a lift and how much would that be?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question and picture. I think that your plan is a good one; removal of breast implants mastopexy can usually be done in the same stage. I think that you should also consider in office deflation of the breast implants; allow for several months to pass before proceeding with removal of the deflated breast implants and mastopexy surgery. 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… 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.  I hope this, and the attached link, helps. Best wishes.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Costs for breast implant removal will certainly vary depending on your geographic location. Things to factor in for the procedure standpoint will be the facility fee, anesthesia fee, surgeon fee, other fees (e.g., fat grafting, breast lift, capsule removal, surgical garment, implant replacement, etc.). A range in price from $4-8k is reasonable for a standard explanation -expect an additional 2-4K if a lift is added.   A consultation with a plastic surgeon will help you in determining which procedure(s) would be the right one for you. Cost also depends on the complexity of your case, presence of rupture, and how much work would need to be done to achieve an aesthetically-pleasing result for you.  Best wishes!

Clark Schierle, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Our surgical fee for breast implant removal is typically half that of insertion. That being said, if you were to proceed with a lift, we would most likely waive the removal fee and include in the cost of the lift. A deflation of your implants with a simple office procedure would allow your tissues time to recover and make the results of the lift more reliable. The deflated implant removal and breast lift could then be safely performed together in about four weeks.

Jason Brett Lichten, MD · Answer

I think you are at a good place in realizing what you need to do.  I think you should have your saline implants deflated in the office, allow the skin to retract and then have a breast lift when the implants are removed.  This is something you should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to figure out the right sequence of events for you.

Robert Najera, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear that the original surgery was not what you expected. From your picture, the breasts have an elongated appearance with bottoming out of the implants. You are an excellent candidate for breast implant removal with simultaneous breast lift. Since you have saline implants, I will sometimes percutaneously deflate the implants in the office to allow some of the breast skin to retract. This may decrease the overall length of your breast lift incisions. I would consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to have him explain what type of lift would be ideal for you.

How much will it cost for a breast explant? What if I have a lift done with it? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Explant with Lift

Answer: Explant with Lift

Answer: How much to have a breast implant removed with lift

Answer: How much to have a breast implant removed with lift

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How much will it cost for a breast explant? What if I have a lift done with it? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Explant with Lift

Answer: Explant with Lift

Answer: How much to have a breast implant removed with lift

Answer: How much to have a breast implant removed with lift

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.