Do You Need a Removal or Revision?
Breast implant removal and revision procedures are very different surgeries and understanding the differences between them is crucial for making an informed decision. Both procedures do, however, accomplish exactly what it seems they would.
Breast implant removal involves removing the implants but not replacing them. Women tend to pursue removal when health concerns like implant rupture, capsular contracture, or pain make breast implants seem less desirable than they once were. Changing body image ideals can also lead to removal when a woman decides she no longer desires enhanced or larger breasts.
Breast implant revision involves removing the old breast implants and replacing them with new implants. Women and their surgeons choose implant revision when the patient decides she would like a different size or type of implant. Revisions also address issues like asymmetry and implant displacement. They can also improve a patient’s satisfaction if she was displeased with her original implant results for some reason.
Generally, implant removal costs less than replacement or revision as revision surgery can be complicated. Some women choose to have a breast lift along with implant removal, however, and this adds to the cost.
How Long Do Implants Last & How Often Should You Replace Them?
Breast implants are not lifetime devices. Typically, breast implants last between 10 to 20 years. However, some may need replacement sooner due to various complications or aesthetic preferences.
Silicone implants are known for their durability and natural feel but require regular monitoring due to the risk of silent rupture. Saline implants have a higher tendency to rupture and deflate, which makes detection straightforward but may require more frequent replacements. Overall, silicone implants tend to last longer than saline.
While replacement or removal may be necessary, there is no need to replace breast implants if there are no problems with them and you are satisfied with their appearance. Routine replacement without any symptoms or complications is not necessary.
Items That Ultimately Determine the Cost of Breast Implant Revision
The cost of implant revision can vary based on many factors. The more complicated the surgery, the more it will cost. But there are many other factors that play a role.
- Surgeon’s experience: The more experience a surgeon has doing breast implant revisions, the more they are likely to charge for their services.
- Procedure location & facility fees: Location can impact surgical costs just as it does other commodities. There may also be fees associated with using an operating room or other surgical facility.
- Anesthesia: The cost of anesthesia can vary as can the cost of procuring an anesthesiologist.
- Preoperative exams and tests: Before surgery, your surgeon will likely order lab work and other tests to verify that you are healthy enough for surgery. Breast implant revisions may also require imaging tests.
- Postoperative recovery supplies: After your surgery you will likely need to wear a compression bra and may require other supplies.
Be aware that most plastic surgeons give price estimates for their services alone. Anesthesia, facility fees, and other costs are typically not included in their pricing. At Mia Aesthetics, however, the price you are quoted is all-inclusive. Although you shouldn’t compare plastic surgeons based on price alone, make sure you compare apples to apples when you do look at cost. Be sure to check out the surgeon’s financing options as well.
Cost Considerations for Upgrading Existing Implants
If you need to upgrade your implants due to a leak or rupture, expect costs to have changed between your original breast augmentation and your upgrade. Implant technology improves with time, and this impacts their cost. Your new implants will likely cost more than your old ones did, even if you are getting the same type and size of implant.
Sometimes, additional procedures such as a breast lift are performed in conjunction with implant replacement to achieve the desired aesthetic results, especially if there has been significant sagging or loss of skin elasticity. This will add to the total cost. The complexity can also increase if there are complications from the previous implant surgery that need to be addressed, such as scar tissue or implant malposition.
Cost Considerations for Changing Type of Implant
Sometimes women decide that they want a different type of implant than the one they originally selected. For this type of surgery, the type of new implants that you choose will likely be the most significant cost factor. Silicone implants generally cost more than saline implants due to their higher material costs. Prices can change, but silicone generally costs about $1,000 more than saline. Newer, specialized implants like form-stable (gummy bear) or structured saline implants may also come at a premium.
As mentioned above, additional procedures add to the cost of surgery when and if they are necessary.
I Want to Go Bigger – How Much More Will It Cost?
Implant manufacturers charge a set fee per implant pair, and the size of the implants doesn’t matter. While the type of implant you choose will impact costs, the size won’t, so you don’t have to pay more to go larger.
There are, however, surgical considerations that come with going bigger. Upgrading implants isn’t always a straightforward procedure. It is common for a breast lift to be necessary when opting for larger implants, and this adds to the cost.
I Want to Go Smaller – How Much Will It Cost?
Because implants are priced per pair without regard to size, going smaller won’t save you any money. There may be many compelling reasons to opt for smaller implants, but cutting costs isn’t one of them. Your surgeon will need to decrease the size of your implant pockets and deal with any complications caused by your previous implant surgery, if applicable. These complications can impact cost.