Does it cost more to get breast revision implants?

Question

Robert M. Lowen, MD · Answer

This is a very broad question, because the reasons for revision are many.  Time can allow the breasts to change, so sometimes a lift is needed as well. Sometimes the pocket enlarges and the implants are displaced to the side or downward. This requires particular correction of the pocket which can be time consuming. There is the problem of hardening or capsular contracture. When the capsules are removed and new implants are placed, this is also time consuming and adds the cost of new implants.
   Probably the least expensive revision is simply a change from saline to gel, or a change of size.  In this case there my be no need to do anything with the pocket or capsule, just open the previous incision, remove the implants and place new ones. This is the quickest kind of revision surgery.  However, some women also want considerably larger implants than they started with, e.g, 250 to 425.  In this case, the pocket needs enlargement and this can take time. Generally I would release the capsule and use sizers to make sure there is no restriction to the new pocket when the larger implants are placed.  All of these variables mean a revision can be a brief straightforward implant exchange, or a complicated many hour procedure to repair an enlarged pocket,  remove capsules and change implants from above to below the muscle or vice versa, use acellular dermal matrix (800/sheet) to reconstruct the pocket and prevent recurrent capsular contracture, and possibly a mastopexy or lift as well. Costs could vary between 4,000 to 10,000 or more.  The answer to this question entirely depends on the clinical details, so an in-person consultation with a board-certified plastric surgeon is essential.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Revision breast surgery cost really depends on what needs to be accomplished and the reason for the revision.  Some revisions are unite minor while others are quite involved.  It also depends on whether you need the implants replaced.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

This will depend upon the surgeon 
performing the surgery and what procedures are performed. Usually a revision costs more if there is something that needs to be fixed, as the fix is often more difficult and time-consuming.Find a plastic surgeon
 with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds of breast augmentations 
and breast augmentation revisions each year.  Then look at the plastic 
surgeon's website before and after photo galleries to get a sense of who
 can deliver the results.	Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

There are several different problems that may require revision surgery, some of which are more difficult than it may seem. If the revision is not successful the first time then it becomes even more challenging so it is important to get it right. Depending on the circumstance, revision may also require additional materials such as Strattice or SERI scaffold mesh. Bottom line is don't try to do revision on the cheap or it may end up costing more in the long run.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Breast implant revision uses many different techniques and usually costs more than a primary breast augmentation done for the first time. Raffy Karamanoukian Los Angeles

Does it cost more to get breast revision implants?

Answers (9)

Answer: Breast implant revision surgery requires special expertise

Answer: Breast implant revision surgery requires special expertise

Answer: Breast implant revision in Los Angeles

Answer: Breast implant revision in Los Angeles

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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Does it cost more to get breast revision implants?

Answers (9)

Answer: Breast implant revision surgery requires special expertise

Answer: Breast implant revision surgery requires special expertise

Answer: Breast implant revision in Los Angeles

Answer: Breast implant revision in Los Angeles

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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