Do surgeons typically charge for breast explant surgery?

Hello, thank you for your question. It usually the case that a small fee is charge to remove the implant. I'm not sure as to why there was no fee even initially. The procedure still requires a team of medical staff, anesthesiologist, medications and medical instruments; not to mention time for the patient in the operating room. So there is a small fee to cover the cost of those items above. In the scenario of a true implant rupture, some instances those are covered but require ssubmission for insurance approval. Hope this helps.

It is very common for this procedure to be an out of pocket expense. Most insurance carriers consider explant a cosmetic procedure.

Dear deedee44,
the price is entirely practice dependent. If it was planned to be staged than the cost may be included. If its a revision, typically surgeons only ask the patient to pay for the surgery center and anesthesia.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

You waited a year to go back to your surgeon so you may have been past the time your surgeon does removal/revision for free. I would suggest discussing this with your surgeon for only he can answer this question.

Yes it is typical that a surgeon would charge for her/his services to remove breast implants. Depending on the situation there are generally fees associated with the surgeon, the facility, and anesthesia. I hope this helps.

Love this question! Usually if doing a revision to a surgery, including explant, within 1 year from the initial surgery most surgeons charge a facility fee/anesthesia fee to cover the expenses. No surgeon's fee. But you hung yourself! by the word "years" later. Do you not think costs have quadrupled since Covid? The supplies, staff, anesthesia and even the surgeon's time has an expense and "years" later you want a free service.... There are no free rides! Good Luck in your search for the Holy Grail....

There is usually a fee for anything performed in the operating room suite. If a patient dislikes her implants immediately after surgery, I first ask them to keep them for 3 months and if still dissatisfied, remove them either free of charge (if under local anesthesia) or a nominal fee for using anesthesia.
Dr. Taranow