I’ve had my implants for about 8 years. I’m looking into getting them removed because after having a child they are misshapen and feel uncomfortable. I’m always aware of them “moving around”
Most noticeable is very intense scar tissue pain. The pain takes my breath away like the scar is being ripped open inside of me.
What are the best options for removing them, and what’s they average cost?
Hello, if the implants are causing you discomfort and not enhancing your self esteem, removing them sounds like the right plan. It in Washington DC and would charge about $3000 to remove the implants and capsules, place drains and complete the follow up care. This number will vary widely. Good luck to you.
Thank you for sharing your question and I am sorry to hear of your chest discomfort. It sounds based on your narrative that you have capsular contracture of your implants. This is best remedied by removal of the implants and surrounding scar tissue with either replacement, a lift, or no further surgical intervention. This most depends on your goal results. See a series of providers in your area to get the best recommendation after an in-person evaluation of your tissues.
Emily,
Thank you for your question and doing your homework with ASPS member surgeons. Implant removal is a very hot topic right now and is a very personal choice. It is important to see a board-certified plastic surgeon to develop a comprehensive plan that is customized to your individual features, cosmetic goals, budget, and recovery timeline. The ASPS website has a "Find a Surgeon" feature that can assist you in finding a surgeon in your area. The costs will vary by geographic area of the country and it is important to know what is exactly included in your quote. Surgeon's fees will be around $3000-$6000 for implant removal alone, more if a breast lift is added. There are additional fees for anesthesia and facility use so the total cost may get close to $8000-$10,000.
Hopefully, removal of the implants, also known as explantation, should help alleviate the pain and other symptoms you are experiencing. In many patients, that alone is all that is needed. In other patients whose breasts tend to sag, a lifting procedure can be considered as well. Cost will vary based on the extent of work being done as well as geographic location.
Costs for explant depend on whether you must have your capsule removed or not... as capsulectomy (which includes explant and if your surgeon is charging for both explant and capsulectomy, you have an ethically challenged surgeon and should avoid) requires the OR and general anesthesia. If you can be happy with just an explant, this could be done in the office for much much less... $650 if you were in my office.
You have several options including an enbloccapsulectomy.com. These I do as an outpatient. Simple removal of breast implants I also do under a local anesthetic.
Dr. Edward Jonas Domanskis is Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Newport Beach, San Francisco,Miami, EU, Anguilla
Assistant Clinical Professor of SurgeryWOS-Plastic,University of California (Irvine)
Orange County’s Physician of Excellence/America’s Top Physicians/Top Doctors
Plastic Surgery- 2005-2018
President,American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons
Organoderm Skin care/ScaRxTape
Hello and thank you for your excellent question. I am sorry to hear than your breast shape has changed for the worse. If you are planning on having the implants removed, then I suggest that you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. The process could be as simple as removing the implants under local anesthesia, or could be more complicated. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate you. Preoperative visualization with a surgical simulation program can help you make your decision. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. Good luck!