Understanding the True Investment in Your Breast Explantation Journey
Breast implant removal cost is a critical concern for anyone considering explantation surgery. The financial aspect can feel overwhelming, especially when prices seem to vary widely and it’s unclear what you’re actually paying for.
Quick Answer: What Does Breast Implant Removal Cost?
- Surgeon’s Fee Only: $2,641 – $3,437 (ASPS average)
- Realistic Total Cost: $5,000 – $10,000+
- With Breast Lift: Add $5,000 approximately
- En Bloc Removal: Around $8,000 on average
What’s Included in the Total Price:
- Surgeon’s professional fee
- Anesthesia costs
- Operating room/facility fees
- Pre-operative medical tests
- Post-surgery garments and medications
The numbers you see online often represent only the surgeon’s fee—not the complete picture. Many women are surprised to learn that breast implants aren’t lifetime devices, and removal may become medically necessary or personally desired years after your initial augmentation. Whether you’re experiencing complications like capsular contracture, concerned about breast implant illness, or simply ready to return to your natural appearance, understanding the full scope of costs helps you plan confidently.
Cost transparency matters because this decision affects both your health and your budget. The final price depends on multiple factors: the complexity of your specific case, whether you need additional procedures like a breast lift, your surgeon’s experience, and your geographic location. In Scottsdale and the Phoenix area, these variables can significantly impact your investment.
What is the Average Cost of Breast Implant Removal?
When we talk about the average cost of breast implant removal surgery, it’s crucial to understand what that “average” truly includes. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the average surgeon’s fee for breast implant removal surgery has varied. Latest statistics from the ASPS indicate an average cost of $3,437. In 2020, the average surgeon’s fee for removal of breast implants was $3,049. Another ASPS estimate puts the average breast implant removal surgery cost at $2,641.
These ASPS figures typically represent only the surgeon’s fee. This means they do not include essential components such as anesthesia, operating room facilities, or other related expenses. This can be a significant point of confusion for patients researching the procedure.
Our review of various plastic surgery websites, which often provide more comprehensive estimates, reveals that the total average cost for breast implant removal is generally between $5,000 and $8,000. In our Scottsdale practice, we’ve seen costs for breast implant removal range from $3,500 to $10,000, depending on the complexity of the procedure and individual patient needs. Some clinics in Arizona even state that breast implant removal starts at $6,400, with variations based on the extent of surgery.
What’s Not Included in the Average Fee:
The average surgeon’s fee, while a significant portion, doesn’t encompass everything. Here’s what’s typically excluded:
- Anesthesia fees: The cost of the anesthesiologist’s services and the medications used for sedation.
- Operating room facilities: The expenses associated with using a fully equipped surgical suite.
- Pre-operative medical tests: Any necessary blood work, imaging (like an MRI for silicone implants), or medical clearances.
- Prescriptions for medication: Post-surgery pain relievers, antibiotics, or anti-nausea medications.
- Post-surgery garments: Compression bras or binders essential for recovery.
- Follow-up appointments: While some follow-up visits might be included, extensive or long-term care might incur additional charges.
Understanding these distinctions is key to budgeting accurately for your breast implant removal journey. For more detailed insights on the components of cost, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons offers valuable information on their breast implant removal cost page: American Society of Plastic Surgeons cost breakdown.
Deconstructing the Breast Implant Removal Cost: What Are You Paying For?
The overall breast implant removal cost is a mosaic of several distinct charges, each contributing to the total investment in your health and well-being. When we provide a quote, we’re considering a range of factors that ensure a safe, comfortable, and effective procedure.
What Factors Contribute to the Overall Cost of Breast Implant Removal?
The price you pay for breast implant removal is influenced by several key factors:
- Surgeon’s Expertise and Fee: An experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Malek, brings a high level of skill, knowledge, and artistic vision to your procedure. Their fee reflects their qualifications, years of experience, and their team’s dedication to patient safety and exceptional results. In Arizona, as in other regions, highly sought-after surgeons may have fees at the higher end of the spectrum. When choosing a surgeon, we always recommend prioritizing their experience and your comfort level with them, not just the cost.
- Geographic Location: The cost of cosmetic procedures can vary significantly by region. In areas like Scottsdale and Phoenix, where there’s a demand for high-quality aesthetic services, costs might be different compared to other parts of the country.
- Anesthesia Fees: This covers the services of a qualified anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist, as well as the cost of anesthetic agents. The type of anesthesia (local with sedation or general anesthesia) and the duration of the surgery will impact this fee. We ensure continuous monitoring of vital signs throughout the procedure to prioritize your safety.
- Surgical Facility Costs: This fee covers the use of the operating room, medical equipment, nursing staff, and other overhead associated with performing surgery in an accredited facility. Our facilities are designed for patient comfort and safety, contributing to a smooth surgical experience.
- Complexity of the Procedure: Not all breast implant removals are the same. Factors like the type of implant (saline vs. silicone), whether the implant has ruptured, the extent of scar tissue (capsule) formation, and the patient’s anatomy can all increase the complexity and, consequently, the cost.
How Does the Procedure Type Affect the Breast Implant Removal Cost?
The specific technique used to remove your implants, particularly concerning the surrounding scar tissue, can significantly impact the overall breast implant removal cost.
- Simple Explantation (Implant Removal Only): This is the removal of the implant itself without addressing the surrounding capsule. This is generally the least complex and thus least expensive option, but it’s not always medically appropriate.
- Capsulectomy (Implant Removal with Capsule Removal): In many cases, the scar tissue capsule that forms around the implant needs to be removed. This procedure is called a capsulectomy. It can be performed in two ways:
- Total Capsulectomy: The entire capsule is removed, but it may be removed in pieces.
- En Bloc Capsulectomy: This is considered the gold standard for many explant patients, especially those with ruptured silicone implants or concerns about Breast Implant Illness (BII) or BIA-ALCL. In an en bloc removal, the surgeon removes the implant and the entire scar tissue capsule as a single, intact unit, without rupturing the capsule. This technique is more meticulous and technically demanding, often taking longer to perform.
Reasons for En Bloc Removal: En bloc removal is often recommended when:
* A silicone implant has ruptured, to prevent silicone leakage into the surrounding tissues.
* There’s significant capsular contracture.
* The patient is experiencing symptoms of Breast Implant Illness (BII).
* There’s a concern for BIA-ALCL, a rare type of lymphoma associated with textured implants. Removing the capsule intact ensures all potentially affected tissue is removed.
Cost Differences: A simple explantation will be on the lower end of the cost spectrum. A capsulectomy will be more expensive due to the added surgical time and complexity. An en bloc removal is typically the most expensive option within the removal techniques, averaging around $8,000 due to its technical difficulty and the precision required.
We offer comprehensive breast revision options to address your unique needs. You can learn more about these procedures on our dedicated page: More about Breast Revision options.
What is the Cost of Adding a Breast Lift?
After breast implant removal, especially if you had large implants or significant skin laxity, you might find that your breasts appear deflated or saggy. This is a common concern, and many women choose to combine their implant removal with a Breast Lift (mastopexy) to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing outcome.
A breast lift helps to reshape the breast, remove excess skin, and reposition the nipple and areola to a higher, more youthful position. This can significantly improve the overall contour and perkiness of your breasts after explantation.
Average Additional Cost for a Lift: Adding a breast lift to your implant removal procedure will increase the total breast implant removal cost. According to our research and general industry statistics, a breast lift typically costs another $5,000. This additional cost covers the surgeon’s fee for the lift, extended anesthesia time, and increased facility costs. While it’s an additional investment, many of our patients find that the improved aesthetic results and improved confidence are well worth it.
How Does Removal Compare to Implant Replacement?
Some patients decide to remove their implants permanently, while others opt for a breast implant revision, which might involve replacing their existing implants with new ones (either different sizes, types, or positions) or performing a lift without new implants.
- Explantation (Removal Only): As discussed, the cost for removal only, including surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, and facility, typically ranges from $5,000-$10,000+ in our Arizona locations, with en bloc removal often around $8,000.
- Revision with Implant Replacement: If you choose to replace your implants at the time of removal, you can expect to pay an additional $2,500-$3,500 for the new implants themselves, on top of the removal costs. The total cost for a revision procedure can be comparable to, or even exceed, the initial augmentation surgery. This would include the cost of removing the old implants (and capsule if necessary), the cost of the new implants, and the surgeon’s fee for placing them, along with anesthesia and facility fees.
The decision between permanent removal and replacement is a personal one, and we will discuss all your options during your consultation. You can find more information about breast implant revision costs on the ASPS website: ASPS info on revision costs.
Paying for Your Procedure: Insurance and Financing Options
We understand that the breast implant removal cost can be a significant investment, and many patients wonder about insurance coverage and financing options. Our goal is to make your journey as transparent and manageable as possible.
Will Insurance Cover My Breast Implant Removal Cost?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions, and the answer is: it depends. Generally, health insurance does not cover cosmetic procedures. However, if your breast implant removal is deemed medically necessary, your insurance provider might cover a portion or even the full cost.
Medical Necessity vs. Cosmetic Choice:
- Cosmetic Removal: If you’re removing your implants purely for aesthetic reasons, such as desiring a smaller breast size or no longer wanting implants, insurance typically will not cover the procedure.
- Medically Necessary Removal: Insurance may cover removal if it’s due to a health threat or significant medical complications. Common qualifying conditions include:
- Capsular Contracture (Grade III or IV): This occurs when the scar tissue around the implant hardens and tightens, causing pain, discomfort, breast distortion, and firmness. Capsular contracture is not uncommon, affecting about one-sixth of all breast implant patients.
- Implant Rupture or Leakage: If a saline implant leaks, the breast may become softer and smaller. If a silicone implant ruptures, it might take longer to notice, but it can lead to pain, changes in breast shape, or other issues. Imaging (like an MRI for silicone implants) can confirm a rupture.
- BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma): This is a rare but serious type of cancer associated with textured breast implants, particularly those that have been recalled (e.g., Allergan Biocell textured implants). If diagnosed, removal is medically necessary.
- Chronic Pain or Infection: Persistent pain, frequent infections, or other chronic issues directly linked to the implants can also be reasons for medical necessity.
- Severe Scarring Affecting Mammograms: In some cases, capsular contracture or other implant-related issues can interfere with crucial breast cancer screenings.
Documenting Your Case: To increase your chances of insurance coverage, thorough documentation from your surgeon and other medical professionals is essential. This often includes medical records, imaging results, and a letter from your doctor explaining the medical necessity of the removal. We will work with you to provide the necessary documentation to your insurance company. The FDA also provides important information on breast implant complications that can be helpful in these discussions: FDA information on implant complications.
What Financing Options Are Available?
Even if insurance doesn’t cover your procedure, or if you’re seeking it for cosmetic reasons, we believe that financial considerations shouldn’t prevent you from achieving your health and aesthetic goals. We offer various financing options to help make your breast implant removal affordable.
- Patient Financing Plans: Many plastic surgery practices partner with third-party medical financing companies that offer flexible payment plans. These plans can break down the total cost into manageable monthly payments, often with competitive interest rates or even interest-free periods.
- Some popular options include CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit, which are specifically designed for healthcare expenses.
- You can learn more about the financing options available through our practice on our dedicated page: Dr. Malek’s Financing page.
- Personal Loans: Banks and credit unions offer personal loans that can be used for medical procedures.
- Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): If you have an HSA or FSA, you may be able to use these pre-tax funds to pay for medically necessary breast implant removal or other related expenses.
During your consultation, we can discuss these options in detail and help you explore the best financial plan for your individual circumstances.
Don’t Forget These Additional Expenses
Beyond the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, and facility costs, there are several other expenses that contribute to the overall breast implant removal cost. It’s important to factor these into your budget for a comprehensive financial plan.
- Pre-operative Medical Tests: Before your surgery, you’ll likely need medical clearance, blood work, and potentially other diagnostic tests. For patients with silicone implants, an MRI screening is often recommended to check for silent ruptures, typically three years after initial surgery and every other year thereafter. These tests ensure you are a healthy candidate for surgery and can add to the total cost.
- Post-surgery Prescriptions: You’ll receive prescriptions for medications to manage pain, prevent infection (antibiotics), and potentially reduce swelling or nausea during your recovery.
- Recovery Garments: A specialized compression bra or surgical garment is usually required post-surgery. These garments aid in healing, reduce swelling, and provide support to your breasts as they settle into their new shape.
- Time Off From Work: Depending on the nature of your job and the extent of your surgery, you’ll need to take time off work for recovery. While recovery typically takes several weeks, initial pain and discomfort usually improve within a few weeks, and you may need to be off work for about a week. This lost income, if applicable, should be considered part of your overall investment.
- Transportation and Caregiver Support: You will need someone to drive you home after surgery and ideally assist you during the initial days of recovery. If you need to arrange for professional care or lodging for out-of-town patients, these are additional costs.
Planning for these additional expenses upfront will help you avoid any surprises and ensure a smoother, less stressful recovery period.
Conclusion: Getting a Clear and Accurate Quote
Understanding the breast implant removal cost involves looking beyond the initial surgeon’s fee and considering all the contributing factors. From the complexity of the procedure and the type of explantation (simple, capsulectomy, or en bloc) to potential additional procedures like a breast lift, each element plays a role in your total investment. Geographic location, such as our Scottsdale and Phoenix areas, also influences these costs.
At Marc Malek MD, we pride ourselves on providing transparent and personalized care. We know that every patient is unique, and so is their journey. That’s why we emphasize the importance of a personalized consultation to get an accurate quote custom to your specific needs and goals. During this consultation, we will:
- Assess Your Individual Case: We’ll evaluate your medical history, current implant status, desired outcomes, and discuss the most appropriate surgical techniques.
- Provide a Detailed Cost Breakdown: You’ll receive a comprehensive estimate that includes all anticipated fees – surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, facility costs, and any additional procedures.
- Discuss Financing Options: We’ll explore available financing plans and help you understand potential insurance coverage if applicable.
Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Marc Malek, ensures you are entrusting your care to an expert with a proven track record of safety and aesthetic excellence. Dr. Malek uses a personal and artistic approach, focusing on patient comfort and delivering fantastic, long-lasting results. Our philosophy promotes a healthy lifestyle for proportionally balanced bodies, ensuring that your outcome not only meets but exceeds your expectations.
We’re here to guide you through every step of this important decision, from understanding the costs to achieving the natural, confident look you desire. We encourage you to schedule your consultation for Breast Revision surgery to discuss your options and receive a clear, accurate quote for your breast implant removal journey: Schedule your consultation for Breast Revision surgery.