Implant Exchange in Doctor's Office? Cost?

Question

I had breast implants done about two years ago and I am looking to increase my size. Can an implant exchange be done in the dr's office? And what is the approx. cost associated with this?

Matthew Schulman, MD · Answer

Exchanging your implants for a different size is more than simply pulling out the old one and putting in a new one. It requires sterile technique, a bloodless surgical field, and proper anesthesia. It oftentimes requires revision of the old imlant pocket so that the new implant fits well in the space. Different size implants have different dimensions and shapes so adjustments need to be made inside the breast pocket to accomodate this. So the bottom line is that this is still a surgical procedure and still needs appropriate anesthesia - either sedation or general. Make sure your surgeon is a board certified plastic surgeon. If your doctor ahs an accredited operatiing room in his office as many of us do, than this can be done in the office setting.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

Breast implant exchange is a common procedure that can be performed in the office (if the office is licensed appropriately) or in the hospital or surgicenter.  Costs vary greatly between surgeon and between cities, so you really need to get estimates from your local surgeons. 

	 

	Good Luck.

Amy T. Bandy, DO, FACS · Answer

Cost for implant exchage will depend on whether you want saline or silicone, and if you have any scar tissue that will need to be removed. Be sure to choose a physician whose facility is accredited, as this will provide you with the best and safest environment. Good luck!

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

Cost will vary, but any breast surgery especially with implants needs to be done in an accredited surgical facility. This type of facility may very well be in a plastic surgeon's office, but you should ask specifically to be sure. Implant exchange is not usually a complicated or lengthy procedure.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

Implant exchange like other cosmetic surgery varies considerably across the country and even in the same area. South Florida tends to have lower fees then more expensive areas such as New York or Los Angeles. We charge $2800 + MD Anesthesia related costs for implant exchange with saline implants. Implant Exchange with Gel Implants starts at $3500 + MD Anesthesia related costs. Since you can get quality work at lower costs, patients will travel from throughout the state, the country, and internationally to have surgery in South Florida. To ensure that you are receiving quality work at the most cost effective prices, consult with board certified plastic surgeons that own their own nationally accredited facilities. The quality must be maintained at the highest level to maintain accreditation. The surgeons also have incentive to hire and train quality staff (to ensure that surgery is efficient and enjoyable), to ensure comfortable and private facilities (to encourage referral), and to eliminate waste (to ensure that these facilities can compete effectively).

Jay H. Ross, MD, FACS · Answer

Implants can be exchanged.  Choose your plastic surgeon and surgical facility carefully.  Make sure the surgeon is board certified and the facility has AAAASF accreditation.

Bivik Shah, MD · Answer

If you have a soft capsule around the implant and are simply having your implant exchanged, you can have this operation with iv sedation ("twighlight sleep"). If you need your capsule worked on, I would suggest general anesthesia. In my office, implant exchange including the OR fee, anesthesia (IV sedation), silicone implants and my care is about $4800. Good luck!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

An implant exchange is a surgical procedure and I assume you mean that the doctor has an accredited operating room in his office. If not, then I would schedule your surgery in an accredited out-patient facility. If he said it is being done in his office without this facility, I would go somewhere else.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

These days with the increasing expectation of safety all cosmetic surgery should be performed in an accredited facility, and not in a doctor's office. You deserve the best outcome, and the highest safety standards in a facility which is peer reviewed for quality on a regular basis. Nothing short of this will do.

	Best of luck,

	peterejohnsonmd

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

A breast implant exchange is a real surgical procedure and should be treated as such. It is not just a matter of simply taking out 1 implant and putting in another without regards for issues like sterility, pocket condition, capsule, etc. The surgery should be performed in an accredited facility such as an outpatient center (that is accredited) by a board certified plastic surgeon. If you attempt to cut corners, you may ultimately end up paying a lot more - and in many ways.

Implant Exchange in Doctor's Office? Cost?

Answers (13)

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