Price (total) for breast explant surgery in Northern Virginia? Does it cost less in Maryland?

Question

I am 40 yo w/ 13 yo gummy silicone sub-muscular breast implants for. Originally A cup, and went to a C/D. No symptoms, but worry of a possible silent leak currently or in the future. Not interested in replacing or reconstruction. I already had a consultation and was quoted $4,900. Broken down: $2,900 Procedure fees $850 Anesthesia $1,150 Facility fees Is this high, low, average? Is it necessary to remove the capsules if no leakage? How much does capsule removal affect the cost?

Bhupesh Vasisht, MD · Answer

The reason you fee seems a bit high is likely due to the planned removal of the capsule. If you are suspecting a leak, then it is a bit harder to remove the old style implants than the newer style implants that we use today.  IMO that price seems reasonable.  As far as removing the capsule, I would suggest that you do.  It makes sense.  If this were saline implants then sometimes you don't need to remove the capsule.  Hope this helps.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Pricing varies by surgeon and region.  If the procedure is performed in a hospital versus a surgery center the facility fees may be higher.  If the capsules are thickened or causing issues it is typically recommended to remove them with the implants.  If they are not, then it is an option to leave them behind. I offer a pricing tool on my website to help my patients get an estimated cost of the procedures that interest them.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the questions.Generally speaking (in my opinion), unless the breast implant capsules have thickened (and/or are otherwise symptomatic), are associated with the ruptured silicone gel breast implants, or if the patient has concerns about "medical conditions" related to the breast implants, capsulectomy is not universally necessary. For these patients, en block removal of breast implants is a good procedure.
***On the contrary, capsulectomy can expose patients to additional risks, such as bleeding, size loss, contour irregularities and other serious complications. In other words, any maneuver performed during surgery exposes patients to additional risk (morbidity). For example, attempting to remove very thin capsule densely adherent to the patient's rib cage may expose the patient to significant bleeding and/or entrance into the thoracic cavity. When it comes to selection of 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.  I think that you will find that any board-certified plastic surgeon who does a lot of breast surgery, will have significant “expertise” with breast implant removal surgery as well.
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.
 I would also suggest that you do not base your selection of plastic surgeon primarily on costs of surgery; keep in mind that additional surgery may be more costly in many ways. You may find the attached link (dedicated to breast implant removal surgery concerns) helpful as you learn more. Best wishes.

Michael J. Brown, MD · Answer

That is a high price for a simple removal in all three fees listed if the implants are just being removed. That is usually all that is required. So yes, you are correct those are high fees.  If for some reason, you would like the capsules removed (generally unnecessary), then that price is a fair price. The prices in Maryland are pretty close to VA. It really depends on the quality and experience of the surgeon. Skilled surgeons are typically faster so you should see those components of the fees go down. The surgical fee may be a bit higher. So some are more expensive in MD and some are cheaper. Just like VA. 
I hope this helps. You are welcome to visit us, the office is in Ashburn.

Morad Tavallali, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Coss for surgery differ in different parts of the country based on several variables. The cost you have been quoted is average for the VA/MD area. Costs in MD for hospital and anesthesia are slightly higher in my experience. The fee you are being charged probably involves removal of the capsule (scar tissue) which would be necessary if you have a silicone rupture.

Price (total) for breast explant surgery in Northern Virginia? Does it cost less in Maryland?

Answers (5)

More Breast Implant Removal Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (5)

More Breast Implant Removal Questions

Recovery time for removal of submuscular implants in a very muscular athlete? Is it possible without cutting muscle? (photo)

Explant better through the areola or inframammary fold?

Do I need to remove my breast implants? (photos)

Is it OK to have an explant, lift and fat transfer at the same time?

Breast implants removal and excess skin?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS