The cost of replacing breast implants will depend on the type of implant you are replacing, the procedure and any additional costs for medications or other treatments. Generally, the cost of replacing breast implants ranges from around $4,000 to $8,000 for standard saline and silicone implants, not including fees for anesthesia, facility or operating room fees.
Additional costs can also include medical-grade garment fees, measuring and sizing fees and postoperative fees. After surgery, you will also need follow-up visits and periodic MRI scans to evaluate the placement of the implant, which can also have associated costs.
Overall, the cost of replacing breast implants can vary greatly depending on the specific procedure and other associated costs.
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Can you replace just one breast implant?
Yes, it is possible to replace just one breast implant. Depending on the situation, the entire implant may need to be removed, but the surgeon can usually replace it with a new one. If the original implant is relatively new and still in good condition, it’s possible to simply replace the other implant to achieve symmetry.
Your surgeon can advise which solution is best for your situation and explain the risks associated with each. Potential risks include hematoma, scarring, infection, rippling, poor positioning, and implant malposition.
It is also important to consider any capsular contracture or other signs of complication before replacing just one implant.
How do I know if my breast implants need replacing?
The best way to determine if your breast implants need replacing is to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who is knowledgeable in breast augmentation. Generally, if your breast implants are more than 10 years old, then it is recommended to have them assessed by a professional to determine if they need to be replaced.
Signs that breast implants may need replacing include changes in the softness or texture of the implant, as well as changes in the shape of the breast. In some cases, the implant may be leaking. You should also monitor your breasts for any unusual or persistent pain, tenderness, swelling or lumping.
In addition, if you experience any leaking or rupturing of your implants, you should immediately seek medical attention from a board certified plastic surgeon.
Is second breast augmentation cheaper?
No, a second breast augmentation procedure is typically not cheaper. The same materials, techniques, and resources are typically required for a second augmentation as would be for the first one, so the overall cost is usually the same.
However, depending on the specific situation, the costs can possibly be reduced. For example, if the same type of implant is used as the first time, the doctor’s costs may be less since they do not need to search for and purchase a new type of implant.
In some cases, if the second surgery is for repair or revision of the first one, the patient may receive a reduced cost. Ultimately, the cost will depend on the individual doctor and patient’s particular case.
Is breast implant replacement covered by insurance?
Typically, insurance does not cover the cost of breast implant replacement. Breast implant replacement is considered a cosmetic procedure, which is typically not covered by insurance companies. However, in some cases, insurance may cover the cost of breast implant replacement if the procedure is deemed medically necessary.
For example, some insurance companies might cover the cost of breast implant replacement if a woman has implants for reconstruction purposes after a mastectomy or injury. Additionally, some insurance companies may also cover the cost of breast implant replacement if a woman’s implants rupture, leading to a medical issue.
If an individual is considering breast implant replacement, they should contact their insurance company directly to inquire if breast implant replacement is a covered procedure.
Can a implant be removed and replaced at the same time?
Yes, implants can be removed and replaced at the same time, depending on the type of implant used. This is a common practice for reconstructive surgery, such as breast reconstruction following a mastectomy.
Under certain circumstances, a surgeon may choose to remove and replace an implant at the same time. This could be done to remove an old implant that has become uncomfortable or to replace an implant that has ruptured or is showing signs of an infection.
It can also be done if the patient wants to change the size or shape of their implant. In any case, the removal and replacement must always be done by a qualified surgeon with the right training and expertise.
Can breast implants be replaced under local anesthesia?
Yes, breast implants can be replaced under local anesthesia. Local anesthesia is a procudure in which medications are injected directly into the specific area(s) of a patient’s body that requires surgery.
This type of anesthesia is typically used for outpatient surgery such as breast augmentation and breast implant replacement because it has a few advantages over general anesthesia.
Local anesthesia keeps the patient awake during the procedure, causes less nausea, has fewer dietary restrictions, and allows for a faster recovery. The drugs are injected directly into the area before the surgery begins, numbing it and making it insensitive to pain.
This means that the patient can remain alert and talk with the surgeon during the operation.
However, local anesthesia is not ideal for all types of operations, such as breast implant removal, breast lift, and breast reconstruction. In such cases, general anesthesia is typically preferred.
Overall, breast implant replacement can be done under local anesthesia as long as the procedure does not involve any significant amount of tissue manipulation or cutting away of tissue. It is always recommended to talk to your surgeon about the most suited type of anesthesia for you and follow the instructions precisely in order to have a safe and successful operation.
What is the recovery time for replacing breast implants?
The recovery time for replacing breast implants can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of procedure, the patient’s health, and any complications that may arise. Generally, the surgery itself should take no longer than a few hours, and most patients will generally be able to return home on the same day.
Following the surgery, patients typically experience bruising and swelling, which can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
It is recommended that you take at least a few days before resuming your usual activities. During this time, you should limit any heavy lifting and strenuous physical activity for at least four to five weeks.
It is also important to use a supportive bra for the first few weeks after the surgery. Your surgeon should give you instructions for taking care of the bandages and showering.
Generally, patients can expect to see the final results from their surgery anywhere between three and six months after the surgery. During this time, the shape and size of your breasts should become fully visible, and any initial discomfort should have subsided.
You should also be able to return to wearing tight clothing, but avoid any activities that may strain your breasts or inhibit the healing time.
It is important to keep in touch with your surgeon during your recovery, as they should have detailed instructions on how to care for your breasts after the surgery. Overall, the recovery time for replacing breast implants varies depending on the type of surgery, the patient’s health, and any potential complications, but most patients can generally expect final results between three and six months after surgery.
What happens when breast implants get old?
Breast implants have a lifespan of approximately 10-12 years before they need to be replaced due to aging. Over time, the material that makes up the implant may loose its original shape, leading to changes in breast appearance.
Encapsulation (hardening) of the implant can also occur, causing discomfort. The silicone gel inside of the implant may become thin and leak, as it may seep out of the implant’s shell. If a leakage were to occur, it could cause scar tissue to form around the implant, which can lead to pain and a visible change in breast shape.
Breasts implants may also cause other health problems over time, such as the development of an autoimmune condition. Lastly, older implants can tear or rupture, resulting in a need for immediate replacement if the implant has been damaged.
It is important for women to regularly visit their plastic surgeon to ensure their implants remain healthy and intact. A qualified medical professional can monitor the condition of the implants, detect any changes taking place, and recommend the best course of action if they believe replacing the implants is necessary.
What happens if you don’t get your breast implants replaced?
If you don’t get your breast implants replaced, the implants may break down over time and leak, causing discomfort and pain. The leak or rupture can cause a variety of symptoms, such as swelling, rashes, or lumps in the breasts.
Over time, the implant material can spread through the body, potentially causing inflammation and damage to the surrounding tissue, organs, and the immune system. Long-term exposure to the contents of the implant can increase the risk of certain cancers and illnesses, such as autoimmune diseases, connective tissue diseases, breast cancer, and more.
Ultimately, it is important to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon about your options and the potential risks involved with not replacing the implants.
How often should breast implants be checked?
Breast implants should be checked regularly by a board-certified plastic surgeon. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) recommends seeking an evaluation from your plastic surgeon at least once a year to help ensure the longevity of your implant.
Other guidelines for a checkup include:
– Women who previously had a breast implant and now have a new partner should be screened before engaging in intimate relationships.
– Women with any signs or symptoms of a medical condition should seek medical attention immediately.
– Women with a history of cancer or other diseases should seek medical advice before considering breast implants.
If you notice any unusual changes in or around your breasts or body, it is important to contact your surgeon right away. Breast implants should also be checked if an ultrasound or mammogram reveals any changes.
It can also be beneficial to speak to an abdominal imaging radiologist or an independent laboratory performing analysis. While these tests may not be strictly necessary, they can provide an objective analysis of the health of your implants and help to ensure that everything is functioning properly.
Will insurance cover breast implant removal?
Whether or not insurance will cover breast implant removal depends on the policy and the reason for the removal. If there has been a medical complication due to a breast implant, such as pain or infection, most insurance companies will cover the cost of the procedure.
However, if the implant removal is being done for cosmetic reasons, the insurer is unlikely to cover the cost. Some insurance policies may cover removal if you can prove that the implant is causing a health problem, though.
It’s important to review your policy before making any decisions and to contact your insurance company to learn more about what is and is not covered.
Can old breast implants cause problems?
Yes, old breast implants can cause various problems. The most common issue is rupture or deflation, which happens when the saline or silicone shell of the implant tears. If the implant ruptures, it can cause changes in the size and shape of your breast, as well as discomfort, pain, and general dissatisfaction with the cosmetic results.
In some cases, the leaking material from the implant can cause health issues, such as inflammation in the surrounding breast tissue, scarring, and infection. Depending on the type and brand of the implant, other rare issues may occur.
For instance, with the newer generation of implants, a condition known as implant deflation has been seen in some cases. This occurs when a leak in the seal causes the implant to slowly deflate, causing a saggy appearance.
It is important to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine if your breast implants need to be replaced due to age, or for any other reason.
Do breast implants decompose with the body?
No, breast implants do not decompose with the body because they are made of materials that do not naturally break down when exposed to a natural environment, such as the body. Breast implants are typically made of materials such as silicone, saline, and cohesive gel that are designed to be safe and effective in the body, but will not degrade over time like the body’s own tissue.
In some cases, the body can reject a breast implant and cause it to need to be removed, but in general it does not naturally break down with the body.
How serious is breast implant removal?
Breast implant removal is a serious process. It may involve delicate surgery, general anesthesia, and a lengthy recovery process. Depending on the type of implants that have been used, and the severity of the issue needing to be addressed,the removal process can vary greatly.
The surgery itself involves making an incision in the skin. Depending on the location of the implants, the incision can be made in the armpit, around the nipple, near the belly button, or under the breast.
The surgeon will then locate the implant and release it from the surrounding scar tissue. They will then carefully remove the implant, along with any associated sutures.
The risks of breast implant removal include infection, excessive bleeding, adverse reactions to anesthesia, and implant deflation or rupture. It is always recommended that you discuss the potential risks with your surgeon prior to the procedure.
The recovery period for implant removal depends on the individual patient and procedure. Generally, it can take about 4 – 6 weeks before any discomfort begins to dissipate. During this time, it is important to follow the advice of your doctor to ensure proper healing.
Overall, breast implant removal is a serious process and should be taken seriously. It is highly advisable that you discuss the potential risks and recovery timeframes with your doctor and carefully weigh the pros and cons of the procedure before making any decisions.
