American Society of Plastic Surgeons
For Medical Professionals
 
John Smith
one month ago
Answered

Infected Implant and Misaligned Nipple

Wife had an infected implant and threatened extrusion which required removal. After removal surgeon wanted $$ to reinstall implant 6 weeks later which we paid. Now nipples are misaligned 4 month postop and surgeon wants more to align nipples. It seems unethical to charge to correct a mistake with the align nipple and hold patient hostage for more $$ who has only one implant due to infection?

Procedure: Breast Augmentation
Location: orange park, FL

Replies 3

Jaime Caloca Valenzuela
ASPS Int. Surgeon

Would be able to advise with front and two side view photos. From what you describe, additional surgery/surgeries would be necessary.

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Mert Demirel
ASPS Int. Surgeon
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There must be understood that there is no term as a “ mistake” . These complications are common with breast operations. There is also no perfect symmetry , due to different characteristics of Breast tissues. However, surgeons prefer only charge for operation expenses not for themselves .

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Alfred Antonetti
ASPS Surgeon

Not possible to advise without pre and postoperative pictures and knowing exactly what kind of surgery she had. Complications can happen even if we do everything correctly. Infections with an implant are rare but they do happen even if we do everything correctly. Most implant manufacturers will give you a new set of implants for free if they are needed and some may even pay for part of the surgical facility costs. The surgeon is not required to pay for the costs of a revision but many would not charge and your cost would be only the surgical facility costs. I would try everything I could to minimize the expenditures of my patients. Talk to the surgeon to see in what ways they can help.

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