Cost for Replacing Encapsulated Breast After 11 Years of Implants? (photo)

Question

Hi... I awoke the other morning to an encapsulated breast.... maybe I'm oblivious but I truly had no warning signs. I went to see the doctor who originally did the surgery and am shocked at the cost. He wants to replace with high profile... I now have low profile 360cc filled to 395cc. He wants to re-do my breast lift as well. Can someone please tell me what the estimated cost would be in Orange County, Ca. Encapsulated breast is the left one. Thank you so much.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,

	The cost can vary from doctor to doctor, and from community to community.  It is legal and appropriate to bill insurance for the capsulectomy portion of the surgery, which might reduce the cost of the rest of the surgery, as well.  But the bottom line is you have a very common, but complex problem to fix. Looking for the lowest price is begging for a subsequent problem, or just general dissatisfaction with your surgical result.

	Data is very clear when looking at complications after complex surgeries of other types: Good outcome is more likely and directly linked to the surgeon/hospital that does many of those procedures. The reality is that those of us that do these revision surgeries all the time are likely to be better trained, properly certified, and highly experienced in doing these surgeries, and that we will also likely not be inexpensive.

	There are a number of options that can be entertained that will have an effect on your overall cost, and this can be discussed during a consultation.  Just one note, high profile implants will perpetuate the 'ball in sock' appearance you have now, and not provide any potential benefit to shape or 'perkiness', as so many (patients and surgeons) believe it does.

	Best of luck.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Costs for a breast capsulectomy/implant exchange 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., liposuction/fat grafting, surgical garment, 
addition of a breast lift, and replacement type of implant, if used, 
use of a dermal matrix, capsule removal, etc.).   A range in price ~$8-12K would be a reasonable cost on average 
for a standard capsulectomy/exchange, more 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 and 
how much work would need to be done to achieve an aesthetically-pleasing
 result for you.  Good luck!

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

The price varies greatly by geographical location, experience of the surgeon, whether in an outpatient surgery center vis hospital (hospital more expensive), type of breast implant,  whether in addtion to capsulectomy if conversion to a different location (e.g. submuscular converstion), type of lift and so on. High profile implants may not be the best for you and an exam and measurements are required before an opinion can be made. Make sure you go to the most experience board certified plastic surgeon you can find as breast revisional surgery can be complex, look at their reviews, before and after photos, and most important that you feel comfortalble after your consultation that you have confidence that you are safe. The cost range in Orange County for the surgeon's fee can range from $10,000 to $20,000.Our practice specializes in Breast Revisional surgery and would recommend that you make sure that whomever you select that they also have a similar focus.

Amy T. Bandy, DO, FACS · Answer

If your breasts were soft until you just woke up this morning with a firm breast, I would try saving surgery as a last resort.  I would recommend ultrasound treatments and Accolate as well as compression and Vit E for a few weeks to see if you could get some softening.  Have you had a recent illness? Sometimes a bacterial infection can get in your blood stream and settle around the implant.  The charges for capsulectomy & implant exchange will vary depending on whether you choose saline or silicone and if you re-do your lift- and that would be discussed at a consultation.  However the ranges quoted thus far are pretty typical.  Good luck!

Leo Lapuerta, MD · Answer

Looking at your photos, I think that you would probably need a bilateral implant exchange with the left capsulectomy along with a full breast lift. Every area of the country is different in terms of pricing. At my practice, a surgery like this would range from $7000 to $9000 depending on the type of implant.

Robert W. Kessler, MD, FACS · Answer

Revision surgery of the breast is more involved than the primary surgery.  This requires more time in surgery and generally speaking a more experienced surgeon. Operating room and anesthesia costs are time dependent.
	Although we all have to deal with economic realities bargain shopping for a revision surgery is a mistake. Seek out a board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience in revision breast surgery when making your decision. The Realself portal has a link which can tell you the pricing for this type of surgery.

	Good luck and I hope this was helpful

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Cost for Replacing Encapsulated Breast After 11 Years of Implants? (photo)

Answers (12)

Answer: Cost for implant replacement with capsular contracture

Answer: Cost for implant replacement with capsular contracture

Answer: Breast Surgery Costs

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