What is the implant exchange average price?

Question

My surgery was $4,000 with everything included in that price. I got natelle saline implants under general anesthesia in an out patient surgery center. I want to exchange my implants for a smaller size. I live in Michigan. What would the average cost for this revision be? What would you charge? Thank you so much!

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

Average Price for Implant ExchangeThe price varies greatly by geographical location, experience of the surgeon, whether in an outpatient surgery center vs hospital (hospital more expensive), type of breast implant, etc. Make sure you go to the most experience board certified plastic surgeon you can find, look at their reviews, before and after photos, and most important that you feel comfortable after your consultation that you have confidence that you are safe. Cheaper often is not better. If you still have confidence in your original surgeon I would recommend returning to him/her and suspect it might be less expensive.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Implant exchange can be a relatively simple task. The goal of your preop would be to determine whether there are other problems that need to be addressed during your surgery. Simply exchanging size may not improve your results. Best, DR. KaramanoukianSanta Monica, CA

Donald R. Revis Jr, MD · Answer

Good morning!I operate in a full service hospital with board certified MD anesthesiologists in the interest of your safety. My practice is almost 100% breast augmentation and breast augmentation revision. The total cost for a simple exchange would be $4990 for new smaller saline implants or $5840 for new smaller silicone implants!Please find a link to my revision photo gallery below, and hope this helps!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

When it comes to cost 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, type of breast implants… are some of the potential variables involved.  You will find some average costs of surgery listed on this website and on individual plastic surgeons' websites (including attached link) 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 additional revisionary surgery may be more costly in many ways.  Best wishes.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Revision can be more complex than a primary.  The fees will vary from surgeon to surgeon. Best of luck finding someone in your area.

What is the implant exchange average price?

Answers (5)