Should I Pay for Breast Augmentation Redo?

Question

I had breast augmentation approximately 3 months ago to correct asymmetry. The breast are still noticeably different in size by more than 30 CCs. 300 cc implants were used. The doctor used 300 cc on large breast and 380 cc max on small breast. I don't understand why he used the same size implant after telling me that the difference could possibly be up to 100 ccs.

	He gave me a quote to redo of $2,600 and then changed it to $3,200. I don't understand why I should have to pay for it. He did not fix the problem. I am very unhappy because I paid total of $5,010 and pretty much threw my money in the garbage. I also asked other surgeons for a quote and they said that the doctor who worked on me should redo it for free, and that surgery should have warranty. Should I pay for the redo or insist that he do it for free?

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Every surgeon's policy varies and although you may be upset with the result, the surgeon may feel that they got the best possible result given the circumstances.
There may be many logical reasons for why your breasts remain uneven.
Going in to correct your problem is an opportunity to improve on the outcome but it also is an opportunity to make it worse. Every operation has a new risk of infection, scarring, etc. How badly does it bother you? Only you know. Given your desire to re-operate, I can surmise that it remains a significant concern but you need to be willing to undertake the risk of this new surgery. I am assuming that because the surgeon is charging you, they do not feel that it is worth the risk. In my opinion, I would have to agree that a 30cc difference is relatively minor and not advise a patient to seek correction.

Michael S. Beckenstein, MD · Answer

When you enter into the informed consent for a procedure and sign the consent it IS a contract between you and your surgeon. I am sure there is something in writing stating revisional procdures will entail additional costs to you. There is most likely wording about the lack of warranty and the possibility of the need for additional procedures. These clauses in the consent would make it legal and ethical for your surgeon to ask for a fee. I personally would not chrge a fee in this situation, but there still would be facility and anesthesia fees. This is well known to my patients prior to surgery!
Correction of asymmetry is challenging and a "homerun" may not be hit on the first attempt.An implant change in this situation is not uncommon. I suggest you discuss this issue with your surgeon to see if he would waive or reduce his fee. Keep in mind, if the consent you signed has what I listed above, he legally does NOT have to. Good Luck!

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

One thing we all have to keep in mind is that surgery is an Art and a Science. It is impossible to predict with 100% certainty how a surgery will turn out. With that said, if something was done differently that what you discussed preoperatively then you may have cause for concern. From you question you say that one side had 300 cc and the other 380 cc. If you and your doctor estimated a 100 cc difference, then there would only be a 20 cc difference now. Studies have shown that the eye cannot perceive a 30 cc difference between breasts, so you are within the margin of error. If you provide before and after pictures, then we may be able to give you better advice. As for the money, in most cases if there is a true technical error by the surgeon, then they should waive their surgical fee for any correction. You would still be responsible for any operating room or anesthesia fees. If you only paid $5000 for your initial surgery (I am assuming this does not include the price of the implants) you got a very good deal to start with. Third, why are you having saline implants placed? If you are going back for surgery, then you may want to consider having them switched to silicone. Good luck.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Every office operates differently in terms of  redoing a breast augmentation. Talk to your doctor's office again and see what they can do for you.

John P. Di Saia, MD · Answer

Hello,
If a correction seems like it would work out, I usually do them for actual "hard" costs (surgery center, anesthesia, new implants) if they are done soon after the original surgery. Each practice has its own philosophy on this issue however.
Be nice to your surgeon and he should be nice to you. I really don't offer any kind of discount to rude patients. Fortunately, I don't have many of these and these problems are not common.

Should I Pay for Breast Augmentation Redo?

Answers (5)