The decision to remove breast implants and undergo a breast lift is a personal one, influenced by various factors such as health concerns, changes in appearance, or the desire for a new aesthetic. Whether you’re dealing with breast implant illness, capsular contracture, or simply no longer wish to maintain your implants, the breast implant removal procedure combined with a breast lift can help restore the appearance and health of your breasts.

However, understanding the financial aspects of this procedure is crucial. Breast implant removal and a breast lift require careful consideration, as they involve surgery, recovery, and costs that can vary significantly depending on factors like location, surgeon experience, and the complexity of the procedure. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the cost of breast implant removal, the associated expenses of getting a lift, and other essential factors to consider before surgery.

What are Breast Implant Removal and Breast Lift Surgery?

Before discussing the costs, it’s essential to understand what breast implant removal and a breast lift involve.

Breast Implant Removal

Breast implant removal is a procedure that involves removing the implants that were previously placed in the breasts. There are several reasons for choosing this procedure, including complications like capsular contracture (scar tissue around the implants), breast implant illness, or simply a change in personal preference. Breast implant removal may involve removing the implant and, in some cases, the surrounding scar tissue capsule, which can result in a more natural look or help resolve medical complications.

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that lifts and reshapes sagging breasts. It involves removing excess skin and tightening the breast tissue to restore a youthful, firmer appearance. It’s commonly performed in conjunction with breast implant removal for patients who want to achieve a perkier, more youthful breast appearance after removing implants.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Breast Implant Removal and a Breast Lift

The cost of breast implant removal and a breast lift varies based on several factors, including the surgeon’s expertise, the complexity of the procedure, the location, and whether additional procedures are required. Let’s break down the elements that contribute to the final price:

1. Surgeon’s Experience and Credentials

One of the most important factors affecting the cost of any plastic surgery is the surgeon’s experience and board certification. Board-certified plastic surgeons are highly trained in cosmetic procedures, ensuring a higher quality of care and a more aesthetically pleasing outcome. However, surgeon fees for highly experienced professionals are typically higher, as their expertise can reduce the risk of complications and improve the final result.

While cost is certainly a factor to consider, it’s critical to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon to minimize the risks associated with breast implant removal and a breast lift.

2. Location

The cost of breast implant removal and a breast lift can vary depending on where the surgery is performed. Urban areas or major cities often have higher prices for cosmetic surgery due to increased demand and overhead costs. In contrast, rural areas or smaller towns may offer lower prices, but it is important to ensure that the surgeon is highly qualified.

3. Complexity of the Procedure

The complexity of the procedure also plays a significant role in determining the final cost. If the breast implant removal surgery requires the removal of scar tissue capsules or if the implants are large or difficult to remove, the procedure may take longer and involve more intensive steps. This can increase both surgeon fees and operation time.

For patients who wish to undergo a breast lift and implant removal, the complexity may increase further due to the additional work of reshaping the breast tissue, removing excess skin, and possibly performing fat grafting to restore volume.

4. Type of Anesthesia

Anesthesia costs are typically included in the total cost of breast implant removal and a breast lift, but the type of anesthesia used will also affect the final price. For example, general anesthesia may be required for more extensive procedures, which tends to be more expensive than local anesthesia or twilight sedation.

5. Additional Procedures

If additional procedures are required, the cost of breast implant removal and breast lift may increase. Fat grafting or breast reconstruction techniques can be performed if the breasts appear too deflated or if the skin quality has changed. These additional procedures can add to the overall cost, requiring more time, expertise, and materials.

6. Consultation and Pre-Surgery Tests

Before the surgery, most plastic surgeons will charge a fee for the initial consultation and any required medical tests. During the consultation, the surgeon will assess your health, discuss your aesthetic goals, and recommend the best approach for breast implant removal and a breast lift. This step ensures you are a good candidate for the procedure and minimizes risks.

Depending on your medical history and any potential underlying conditions, you may also be required to undergo pre-surgery medical tests, such as blood work or a physical exam, which can add to the total cost.

7. Post-Surgery Care and Recovery

Post-surgery care, such as follow-up appointments, medications for pain management, or eye drops, will also contribute to the overall cost of the procedure. These costs can vary depending on the complexity of your surgery, recovery time, and the type of care you need during healing.

8. Insurance Coverage

In most cases, breast implant removal and a breast lift are considered elective cosmetic procedures and are not covered by health insurance. However, some patients may qualify for partial coverage if the surgery is medically necessary. For example, suppose breast implant removal is required due to complications like capsular contracture, breast implant illness, or other medical conditions related to the implants. In that case, insurance may cover part of the costs.

You must check with your insurance provider to determine whether you qualify for reimbursement or coverage. Remember that health insurance plans vary; not all policies cover cosmetic or elective procedures.

9. Financing Options

For those concerned about the cost of breast implant removal and a breast lift, many plastic surgeons offer financing options to help patients manage their expenses. These options may include monthly payment plans, low-interest loans, or credit programs that allow you to break down the final price into more manageable payments.

What is the Cost of Breast Implant Removal and a Breast Lift?

While the cost of breast implant removal and a breast lift varies depending on the factors mentioned above, here is an estimated breakdown of prices:

• Breast Implant Removal: Breast implant removal costs generally range from $2,000 to $5,000. The exact cost depends on the complexity of the removal and whether additional treatments, such as scar tissue removal, are necessary.
• Breast Lift: A breast lift can range from $4,000 to $8,000, depending on the degree of lift required and whether additional procedures like fat grafting are included.
• Combined Procedure: When both breast implant removal and a breast lift are performed together, the total cost typically ranges from $5,000 to $12,000. The final price will depend on factors such as the surgeon’s experience, the complexity of the procedure, and geographic location.

It’s important to remember that these prices are rough estimates and may vary depending on the individual surgeon, the clinic, and the specifics of the procedure.

Risks and Considerations

While breast implant removal and a breast lift are generally safe procedures, there are some risks and considerations to keep in mind:

• Scarring: Both breast lift and implant removal procedures involve incisions, which will result in some degree of scarring. However, an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon will make strategic incisions to minimize visible scarring.
• Post-Surgery Pain: As with any surgery, recovery will involve some pain. Your surgeon will provide pain management options, and it’s important to follow their recovery guidelines to minimize discomfort and complications.
• Potential Complications: Any surgery carries risks, including infection, blood clots, and anesthesia complications. Discussing these risks with your surgeon before undergoing the procedure is important.
• Realistic Expectations: It’s important to have realistic expectations about the outcome of your surgery. While a breast lift can improve the appearance of the breasts, the results will depend on factors like skin elasticity, implant size, and overall health.

Conclusion

The decision to remove breast implants and undergo a breast lift is a significant one that requires careful consideration of both the cost and potential outcomes. While the cost of breast implant removal and a breast lift can range from $5,000 to $12,000, it is important to choose an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon to ensure the best results. Financing options are available for those who need assistance covering the cost of the procedure.

Before surgery, consult with your surgeon to discuss your desired outcome, recovery expectations, and any potential risks associated with the procedure. With the right surgeon and a clear understanding of the costs and benefits, you can achieve the aesthetic results you’re hoping for and feel confident in your decision.

References

https://www.healthline.com/health/breast-implant-removal

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-implant-removal/cost

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21799-breast-implant-removal