How much would it cost me to replace my silicone breast implants? It will be 20 years in a year

Question

I like to know what would happen if the 20 years come up and I haven't replaced them

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

For silicone implants prior to 2006, ruptures occur at rates of approximately 1-2% per year for the first ten years then markedly increases after that time period. A rupture or deflation of the implant may be experienced at any point after the initial augmentation; this complication may be increased by an under-filling or overfilling of saline solution into the implant, excessive compression, trauma, and other causes. (If the implant shell if not filled with the correct amount of saline, there may be a crease or fold in the shell which often leads to a rupture). A silicone implant that has a rupture is usually noted on a routine mammogram or MRI scan. If ruptured that the implant material and surrounding capsule are removed (capsulectomy procedure).The 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 and medical tourism in foreign countries are fraught with added risk both to your health and final outcome.  See link for help in selecting a plastic surgeon.

Michael E. Decherd, MD, FACS · Answer

It ends up being around the cost of an aug, but if the capsule is hard and has to be removed that requires a little more work.  Usually around $6K in San Antonio.  Good Luck!

Bernard Kopchinski, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Pricing is different provider to provider. Implant Exchange for Silicone Implants ranges $6,000-$7,000 at my practice. These procedures can be more difficult than the original augmentation. I recommend scheduling an appointment with a Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon to discuss your options and come up with a plan that
is designed for you.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. When it comes to costs 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 on this website and on individual plastic surgeons' websites 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. I would also suggest that you do not base your selection of plastic surgeon primarily on costs of surgery; keep in mind that revisionary surgery may be more costly in many ways.  I hope this, and the attached link, helps. Best wishes.

Kimball M. Crofts, MD, FACS · Answer

It is recommended that you replace your implants every 15 years.  Price will vary depending on where you live.  Typically re-augmentation can be more complicated that original augmentations and involve breast lifts, pocket adjustments and so forth.  If you do not have any breast ptosis (sagging breast tissue) and it is a straightforward re-augmentation without pocket adjustment you are typically looking at around $5500-$6000 in Utah.  The best thing to do is get a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who will be able to give you an exact quote based off your physical examination.

How much would it cost me to replace my silicone breast implants? It will be 20 years in a year

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