Breast Implant Removal Without the Outrageous Cost?

Question

My right breast implant has ruptured for the second time. I want to have them both removed, but do not want to pay the $2500 it will cost for the surgery. I was wanting to deflate/ rupture the left implant myself with a sterilized needle. I understand that surgical removal is most likely advisable, but is there any other option to having both implants gone without paying the outrageous cost?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Good day! I believe it will be too risky for you to do the deflation yourself without the right knowledge and equipment of a licensed medical professional. Also, keeping a deflated implant does not cause serious illness aside from asymmetry, it may cause discomfort in the long run. Breast implant removal average cost starts around $4,500 but the most important part of your surgery is your doctor's experience. The cost varies depending on your area, facility, and years of experience of your surgeon. It is best to have an in-person examination so that costs will be customized according to your needs. You may also ask the manufacturer of your implant if explantation is covered in their warranty or insurance that you paid when you got them. Best of luck! #RealSelf100

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 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.  Puncture of your implant to rupture it and leaving itin vivo is not recommended.  Best wishes!

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Your original surgeon could likely remove your implants under local anesthesia for a lower cost or you could consider a plastic surgery residency training program.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I agree that you SHOULD NOT deflate the implant yourself. Ask your surgeon to check into the stipend from the implant company that is used to go back to the operating room (usually $1200 and sometimes $2400). If you are not eligible for the stipend than discuss having this performed under local anesthesia with your surgeon. If you try to deflate your implant with a needle, you can cause MORE PROBLEMS for yourself.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

The fee for removal of implants will vary. I owuld not recommend deflating your implants on your own, there is great risk to that.

Pat Pazmino, MD, FACS · Answer

Please DO NOT attempt this. You may cause bleeding or a deep infection if you start sticking needles into your breast. Although there is a cost to removing the implants, the cost is for a service and level of sterility and quality to protect you.

	Doing this on your own will NOT turn out well and can create serious problems such as blood collections, deep infections, or severe scarring.

Lavinia K. Chong, MD · Answer

I read your article and empathize with your frustration.  Given that you like your surgeon, I'd approach him one more time and ask wha$t warranty, if any, still exists on your 5 year old right deflated implant.  If your implant was placed in 2004 and if it was manufactured either by Mentor (Johnson & Johnson) or Natrelle (Allergan), there may be some financial assistance available.  I encourage all my saline implant patients to buy "extended warranty" for a one time charge of $100.00, you can get life time coverage.
The rates of deflation of saline implants are 1-3% per 10 years.  Unfortunately you've experienced this twice.  Can you identify any factors which make you more susceptible to deflation?  Some of my policewomen, firewomen and sherrifs insist on saline implants because their occupations predispose them to greater chest trauma. 
Speak with your surgeon.  If you have confidence that you are better off without, then explant under local anesthesia.  Good luck.

Michael C. Edwards, MD, FACS · Answer

Every case is different but it is pobble that your plastic surgeon may be able to perform this under local anesthesia which should decrease the costs. If the implant has deflated and it is under manufacturer's warranty, there should be a monetary part as well, possibly $1,200 (but you need to check with your plastic surgeon and implant manufacturer. Take care.
 
Dr Edwards

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