Breast pocket placement revision - does a quote for $6k seem unfair? (photos)

Question

Thirteen years ago I had a subglandular procedure that left me with rippling in my cleavage. During my revision consultation with a new surgeon, I pointed out the problem as it was the biggest issue to address. Two months post-surgery I saw ripples in the same spot and learned the dr didn’t move the implants under the muscle like we discussed. My pocket is also too big (boob falls into my armpit) though she claims she stitched it… she will redo them but it will still cost me $6k (OR fees, implants, anesthesiologist), which seems unfair since we didn't actually address the issue and do what we discussed… do I have any rights here?

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Although this is not a legal contract, planning and consenting for one surgery (changing pockets) and not performing that surgery is in essence a breach of contract, and a failure in honesty. I would hope that she didn't charge a surgical fee for your revision, but the fact she wants to charge you for a second revision makes it likely she did. In this day and age where it is most common to place implants into a subpectoral position, especially for women with your lean sternal region, the fact that she didn't the first time and then balked on the second attempt makes me concerned not just about her judgement but also her abilities. Moving forward, she is your cheapest option, but one you should think about carefully.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You need the implant placed under the muscle so you don't get rippling in that area. I don't know what you discussed with your surgeon regarding above or below the muscle. Many surgeons charge for revisions at least anesthesia, operating room and implants.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Eclectic208721,
every surgeon has a revision policy. Many involve reduced or even no fees for the surgeon (depending on the situation) while the patient may still be responsible for facility (the use of the operating room, staff, and supplies) and anesthesia fees. Best to go back to your surgeon and have a talk about your concerns again. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Donald R. Revis Jr, MD · Answer

Good evening,
Most plastic surgeons are reasonable people and want the best for their patients. If you discussed moving your implants to under the muscle, this was agreed to, and then your plastic surgeon failed to do so during your revision, then I think the $6K is a little unfair. Why didn't they change your pockets to under the muscle? The problem now of course is that if you change surgeons to a new surgeon it will cost you even more for this revision.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Thirteen years is a very, very long time. Nothing remains static for such an extended period.  I think it is unreasonable to expect a complimentary procedure now. Without knowing the original cost and the surgeon’s side of the story, it’s impossible to come to a conclusion. There may well be OR, anesthesia and implant costs which are substantial here and are adding to the proposed fee.

Breast pocket placement revision - does a quote for $6k seem unfair? (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Implants Not Under The Muscle

Answer: Implants Not Under The Muscle

Answer: Revision costs

Answer: Revision costs

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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Breast pocket placement revision - does a quote for $6k seem unfair? (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Implants Not Under The Muscle

Answer: Implants Not Under The Muscle

Answer: Revision costs

Answer: Revision costs

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.