The average cost to have breast implants removed can vary greatly depending on several factors such as the type of breast implants that were used, the type of incision used, and the complexity of the procedure.
In general, the cost of implant removal surgery can range anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000. Some of the costs that are typically associated with breast implant removal include facility fees, anesthesia fees, and the surgeon’s fee.
Costs may also increase if additional treatments such as a breast lift or fat grafting are necessary. It is important to discuss the cost of the procedure with your surgeon prior to undergoing the surgery.
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What happens when breast implants are removed and not replaced?
When breast implants are removed and not replaced, the breasts may return to their previous size and shape or may appear deflated or saggy. This is due to being unsupported after the implants are removed and the body’s natural aging process.
The size of the breasts may be different than before due to changes in weight or pregnancy, or diminishing of skin and muscle tone. There can be contour irregularities and scarring on the skin where the implants were once located.
Depending on the individual, there may be some discomfort associated with the removal of breast implants.
Recovery is similar to the healing process following augmentation, although the amount of time required may vary from person to person. Pain, swelling and bruising should be expected, however these should lessen over time.
It is important for the individual to rest and avoid strenuous activities for several weeks to allow for proper heal and recuperation. Depending on the underlying tissue, some women may need to wear a special compression garment to help reduce swelling, assist with the healing process, and help the breast remain in position.
It is important for individuals to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon when considering the removal and/or replacement of implants. This can help to ensure the proper procedure is done and the individual receives the best outcome.
Will insurance pay for breast implant removal?
Yes, insurance may pay for the removal of breast implants, depending on the coverage terms of the insurance policy. It is important to contact the insurance provider for an overview of what is covered as this can vary from one policy to the next.
Generally, insurance will cover removal if the implants were put in for a medical reason such as reconstruction following an injury or surgery. Insurance may also cover removal if the procedure is deemed medically necessary, such as when the implant has ruptured, is causing symptoms, or has been linked to health issues.
To determine if the procedure is eligible for insurance coverage, the insurance company must review the medical records and speak to the health care provider. In addition, some insurance companies may require pre-authorization prior to the procedure taking place.
What are the risks of removing breast implants?
The primary risk of removing breast implants is that the appearance of the breasts will be different, especially if the surgery is combined with an overly aggressive lift or reduction. The shape, size and feel of the breasts may be altered significantly.
Also, since the breast implant removal process requires the implant pockets to be enlarged or cut, there is a chance that blood vessels and skin may be damaged, leading to bleeding, pain, infection, and even scarring.
In some cases, it can be difficult to properly close the incisions due to excessive tension, leading to wound separation or necrosis. Finally, if the implants were placed under the muscle, there is a chance that the muscle may not return to its original position and may appear lumpy or indented.
How do you know if your breast implants are making you sick?
There are a variety of physical symptoms that may indicate your breast implants are making you sick. These can differ from person to person, but common signs and symptoms associated with breast implant illness include fatigue, joint pain, brain fog and memory issues, rashes and skin sensitivity, hair loss, recurring infections, hair loss, dry eyes, night sweats, headaches, anxiety, and depression.
If you experience any of these symptoms and suspect a possible connection to your implants, it’s important to consult with a qualified professional to help diagnose and treat any conditions associated with breast implants.
Additionally, keep in mind that many of these symptoms can be caused by other unrelated conditions, so speaking with your doctor beforehand is the best way to get to the root cause of any concerning issues you may have.
Can you have breast implants removed and replaced at the same time?
Yes, it is possible to have breast implants removed and replaced at the same time. This procedure is known as simultaneous breast implant exchange and replacement. It is recommended for those who have had their implants for a long time (e.
g. 10+ years) and are now experiencing complications such as capsular contraction, malposition, or rupture. This procedure gives patients the opportunity to change the size, shape, and placement of their implants in order to achieve their desired aesthetic goal.
The process typically involves removing the old implant and making a pocket for the new one. Depending on the patient’s anatomy, the pocket created may be significantly different than the pocket of the previous implant.
This procedure is done under general anesthesia and is slightly more complex than a simple implants exchange, so it should only be done by a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in this area.
Can you remove breast tissue and replace with implants?
Yes, you can remove breast tissue and replace it with breast implants. This is a surgical procedure called breast augmentation. During breast augmentation, the surgeon will make an incision in the area where the implant will be placed.
The surgeon will then remove the natural breast tissue and insert a breast implant, usually a silicone-gel filled or saline-filled implant, into the breast pocket, which is a space created in the breast tissue.
After the procedure, the implant will replace the breast tissue, increasing breast size, improving breast symmetry, and providing a more pleasing shape to the breasts.
Is breast implant removal ever covered by insurance?
In general, breast implant removal is not typically covered by insurance in most cases. However, there are certain circumstances in which implant removal may be covered by insurance. For instance, if the implants have become ruptured or if implant-related complications have occurred, then removal may be covered as part of medically necessary treatments.
Additionally, if the implants have become infected, they will likely be removed and replaced, which may be partially or fully covered by insurance. Additionally, if the implants were part of a medically necessary reconstructive procedure after a mastectomy, then the implant removal may be covered as part of the reconstruction process.
It’s important to note that any insurance coverage for breast implant removal may require prior authorization and will vary by carrier. To find out whether or not breast implant removal is covered by your insurance policy, you should contact your insurance provider directly.
What makes breast implant removal medically necessary?
For example, if the implants are leaking, ruptured or causing infection or other health problems, removal may be necessary. Additional signs of implant failure can include symptoms such as pain, tenderness, swelling, hardening, and decreased sensation in the breast.
In these cases, removing the implant is the best option to help reduce and/or eliminate these symptoms.
In some cases, breast implants may be removed due to aesthetic concerns. The most common aesthetic issues that may result in implant removal include rippling and capsular contracture, where the breast tissue hardens and contracts around the implant and causes deformity of the implant and the breast.
Still other cases may warrant a breast implant removal due to changes in weight, lifestyle, or personal taste. Whatever the reason, removing a breast implant is considered a surgical procedure and should be handled by a qualified, experienced physician to avoid potential complications.
Will Medicare pay for removal of painful breast implants?
It depends. If the removal of painful breast implants is deemed medically necessary, depending on the specific situation, Medicare may cover the procedure to some degree. Medicare Part B typically covers medically necessary surgery and other treatments such as implants, prosthetics, and corrective devices.
However, it does not always cover the removal of implants. Coverage for the removal of implants is often determined on a case-by-case basis based on the determination of medical necessity. In addition to this, the patient must meet certain coverage criteria, such as age and location restrictions.
Generally, Medicare only covers the removal of breast implants if they are causing certain symptoms, such as pain, infection, disfigurement, or swelling. In these cases, the removal of a breast implant would be considered medically necessary and potentially covered by Medicare.
It is important to note that certain circumstances may limit the amount of coverage that Medicare will provide, depending on the specific situation. If you are considering having your breast implants removed and would like to know if Medicare will cover it, you should contact your local Medicare carrier to determine coverage eligibility.
How painful is breast explant surgery?
Breast explant surgery is considered to be a fairly painful procedure, especially if you are opting for a type that involves an incision. Generally, the pain associated with breast explant surgery is similar to the sensation of pulling a muscle.
Additionally, the pain may vary depending on the type of breast explant you are having and the amount of tissue that is being removed. Generally, the more tissue that is being removed during the procedure, the more pain the patient may experience.
The most common type of breast explant surgery is called an “en bloc capsulotomy,” which involves attempts to remove the entire breast implant in one piece, along with the surrounding scar tissue. This type of procedure can potentially cause more pain than a typical explantation, as it requires larger incisions and more tissue manipulation.
Additionally, the anesthesia used during these procedures may also contribute to some of the pain.
Aside from the actual physical pain of the procedure, patients may also experience emotional discomfort for several weeks post-surgery. Many women opt for breast explant surgery in an effort to restore the self-confidence that was lost due to the breast implants.
As such, results can vary widely, which may lead to disappointment in some patients.
How long does it take to heal from breast explant surgery?
The amount of time it takes to heal from breast explant surgery will vary from person to person and depends on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure and the individual’s general health and recovery progress.
Generally, it will take between two to four weeks to fully recover from breast explant surgery.
Immediately after the surgery, patients will experience swelling and soreness, which will last for a few days and slowly improve by about one week post-surgery. During this period, pain medication may be prescribed in order to ease any discomfort.
At approximately two weeks post-surgery, the healing process will be at its peak. Depending on the individual, some patients may begin to feel slight discomfort in the area, mostly due to scar tissue formation and the stitches in the incision sites.
Most people will be back to their normal routine at this point, albeit with slight restrictions, such as avoiding lifting any heavy objects or strenuous activity.
After the four-week mark, all swelling, bruising and any remaining discomfort should have subsided. At this point, the incision sites should have fully healed and all of the stitches should have been removed or dissolved.
However, even at this point, patients are advised to continue to take precautions in order to avoid any further irritation or infection in the affected area. This includes avoiding all strenuous activities, wearing a supportive bra and regularly cleaning and caring for the incision sites.
Once all of these steps have been taken, patients should have fully recovered and be able to return to their normal routine.
How long does explant surgery take?
Explant surgery typically takes a few hours, depending on the patient’s individual situation. During this procedure, the breast implants and any surrounding scar tissue are removed, so the exact time may vary.
Additionally, depending on the patient, the surgeon may also perform a capsulectomy, which is the removal of the capsule surrounding the implant. This procedure can add additional time and will vary in complexity depending on variables such as the type of implants and their placement.
After the surgery, the patient may need to stay in the hospital for one to three days for monitoring.
Will I feel better after explant surgery?
Explant surgery is the removal of previously inserted breast implants, and the results vary from person to person. Generally speaking, however, many people report feeling better after explant surgery.
Some women feel a sense of relief or freedom after having their implants removed, or they see it as a positive change to their body. Others may feel some grief over losing the physical look they achieved with their implants, or have emotion resentments about the underlying reasons for needing explant surgery.
A successful explant surgery can also provide desired health benefits. Some women report feeling physical side effects such as headaches, chest pain, joint pain, fatigue and anxiety improve after explantation.
In addition, some women find breast explantation helps them to gradually restore their hormonal balance, which can have positive effects emotionally and physically.
It is important to remember that everyone’s experiences are different and there is no guarantee that you will feel better after explant surgery. Be sure to discuss specific expectations with your surgeon and keep up a dialogue about any changes that you experience or are concerned about.
Do breasts fill out after explant?
Yes, breasts can fill out after explant. This is because the body can go through both a physiological and psychological adjustment period. The breasts may take some time to re-establish their size and shape after the implants are removed.
The amount of time this may take depends on the individual and can vary greatly. Factors that can affect this include the size and composition of the implants, the age of the individual, their diet and exercise habits, their overall health, and the amount of time the implants were in place.
During the recovery period, there may be some changes in shape, size and overall appearance. If the breasts have been shaped through surgery and the breasts are not restored to their original shape and size, breast massage, exercise, diet and lifestyle modifications can help to restore them.
If necessary, a silicone implant can also be inserted to improve the fullness, shape and size of the breasts.
