Breast revision surgery involves removing your current breast implants and replacing them with new implants, performing a different plastic surgery procedure such as a breast lift, or doing nothing and simply removing the implants permanently.
Initial breast augmentation surgery typically comes with a long list of questions from patients, but breast revision surgery can sometimes come with even more. Patients have already undergone their primary breast augmentation, and often, revision surgery seems quite daunting.
We’d like to help answer these questions, many of which are related to breast revision surgery cost, revision options, the procedure itself, and breast implant removal recovery.
FAQ: Breast Revision Surgery Cost & Procedure
How much does breast revision surgery cost?
We certainly understand that breast implant revision cost is an important factor to consider when undergoing breast revision surgery. However, Dr. Galanis needs to see you in person to perform a physical exam and talk to you about your goals for surgery before he can make up an accurate cost estimate. This is the case for all types of breast surgery costs, including breast reduction revision surgery cost, breast scar revision surgery cost, etc.
Do keep in mind that sometimes revision surgery is slightly more expensive than primary breast augmentation surgery because when we replace breast implants, it is usually more complex and often requires various challenging techniques that primary breast augmentation does not require.
Will insurance cover breast implant revision surgery?
This depends on why you are undergoing revision surgery. Health insurance rarely covers breast implant revision costs if the primary reason for surgery is cosmetic. For example, insurance does not cover original breast augmentation procedure surgeries.
Health insurance covers medically necessary procedures, so if you’ve had a rupture or a medical illness that requires you to have your breast implants removed, the surgery may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance plan.
Do patients always have to pay for breast revision surgery out-of-pocket?
If your initial implants failed in some way, sometimes a breast implant warranty may cover revision surgery. If the need for revision surgery is the fault of your plastic surgeon who performed your initial surgery, sometimes they will perform a revision surgery for free or give you a discount.
Can I replace my implants with a different size or type during revision surgery?
Yes, absolutely. Many patients end up undergoing breast revision surgery, not for any medical reason, but simply because they want larger, smaller, or differently shaped implants.
What are my options if I want to remove my implants permanently?
Some patients simply don’t want to have breast implants anymore, and we have several options. First, know that after you have your implants removed, your breasts will indeed sag and usually appear smaller and flatter. Some patients don’t mind this, and they simply want their implants out and to be left with natural looking breasts.
Other patients don’t want breast implants, but they still want a bit of lift or added volume. In this case, you have some other options. Many patients will opt for a breast lift, which will remove excess skin and breast tissue and lift the breasts at the same time.
Other patients may consider a breast augmentation fat transfer. This involves removing unwanted fat from other places on the body, such as the upper arms, chin, and abdomen and injecting it into the breasts.
How long will the recovery take after breast revision surgery?
Breast revision surgery typically comes with a one to two week initial recovery. During this time, you should plan to stay home from work and rest. Keep in mind that you’ll need to refrain from heavy lifting and vigorous exercise for up to six weeks.
Will removing my implants without replacement affect the appearance of my breasts?
Yes, if you remove your breast implants and do not replace them or undergo breast lift surgery or a breast fat transfer augmentation, your breasts will naturally appear smaller and may also appear flat and droopy because of the stretched skin after having implants.
The only patient this may vary for are those who may have gained weight while having implants. For these patients, sometimes they are perfectly happy with their breasts after implant removal surgery and they no longer need the added volume that implants can provide.
Can I combine breast revision with other procedures, like a breast lift or fat transfer?
Definitely. Depending on the circumstances of your procedure, if you would like to undergo a breast lift surgery or other procedures like liposuction or a tummy tuck, these can often be combined. You’ll need to meet with your plastic surgeon first to discuss your options as not all procedures can be combined with other procedures within the same surgery.
Can a breast revision procedure fix complications like implant rippling or capsular contracture?
Yes, implant rippling and capsular contracture are both issues that commonly end up in breast revision surgery — particularly, a breast implant exchange to a more appropriate size, shape, or material. Sometimes, there will be different positioning.
If you’re noticing that your implants are visible beneath your breast skin or if you’re feeling pain, tightness, and pulling, it may be capsular contracture. These issues can be corrected by removing the current breast implants you have (and the scar tissue) and replacing your implants with new ones.
How soon can I resume normal activities after breast augmentation revision surgery?
It depends on the activity. Patients typically have to avoid lifting anything over 10 pounds or participating in vigorous exercise for around six weeks. You will, however, be able to walk right away after surgery. You should wait about two days before you can shower, and patients can typically start driving whenever they are able to stop taking their pain medication (which is usually after about one week).
Call to Request a Consultation Appointment
If you think a breast revision surgery may be right for you, get in touch! Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Charles Galanis of Galanis Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills performs breast implant revision and breast implant replacement as well as other breast surgeries (breast augmentation, breast lift surgery, breast reduction surgery, etc.). He is one of the best breast explant surgeons in his field.
Give us a call today to schedule your consultation appointment with Dr. Galanis.
