Introduction
Breast implant removal surgery has become a notable procedure for various reasons, whether it's due to the aging of implants, discomfort, or personal preference. In New York City, patients have a plethora of options when it comes to choosing a hospital for this surgery, with both public and private facilities vying for their trust. Understanding the rankings of these hospitals and the associated cost prices is crucial for anyone considering this procedure. This article aims to provide in - depth information on these aspects, backed by research from top Google search results.
What is Breast Implant Removal Surgery?
Breast implant removal surgery, also known as explant surgery, is a procedure with the primary goal of removing breast implants and any scar tissue that has formed around them. It is typically performed by a plastic surgeon under general anesthesia. Before the surgery, anesthesia is administered, and then the plastic surgeon makes an incision, usually along the lower fold of the breast or around the areola, often using the same incision site as the original breast augmentation surgery. After that, the surgeon removes the implant and closes the incision with sutures, tape, or other skin adhesives. A surgical garment and gauze may be placed over the chest to minimize swelling post - surgery.
Cost of Breast Implant Removal in New York
The cost of breast implant removal can vary significantly depending on the type of facility where the procedure is performed. According to Sidecar Health, in New York, the average cash price for breast implant removal care differs between surgery centers and outpatient hospitals.
Cost at Surgery Centers
The average cash price for breast implant removal at a surgery center in New York is approximately $3,412. The breakdown of costs for a common breast implant removal at a surgery center facility in New York includes:
| Category | Details | Units | Avg Cash Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provider - General Surgeon Visit | First time visit, standard | 1 | $144 |
| Provider - Fee to Remove Breast Implant Material | Standard | 1 | $953 |
| Facility - Surgery Center Fee to Remove Breast Implant Material | Standard | 1 | $1,613 |
| Prescriptions - Hydrocodone - Acetaminophen | Standard | 30 | $18 |
| Anesthesia - Anesthesiologist Fee to be "Put Under" for Procedure | Level 2, standard | 1 | $155 |
| Anesthesia - Anesthesiologist Time to be "Put Under" for Procedure | Per minute, standard | 229 | $528 |
Cost at Outpatient Hospitals
The average cash price for breast implant removal at an outpatient hospital in New York is about $6,165. The breakdown for a common breast implant removal at an outpatient hospital facility in New York is as follows:
| Category | Details | Units | Avg Cash Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provider - General Surgeon Visit | First time visit, standard | 1 | $144 |
| Provider - Fee to Remove Breast Implant Material | Standard | 1 | $953 |
| Facility - Outpatient Hospital Fee to Remove Breast Implant Material | Level 1, standard | 1 | $4,367 |
| Prescriptions - Hydrocodone - Acetaminophen | Standard | 30 | $18 |
| Anesthesia - Anesthesiologist Fee to be "Put Under" for Procedure | Level 2, standard | 1 | $155 |
| Anesthesia - Anesthesiologist Time to be "Put Under" for Procedure | Per minute, standard | 229 | $528 |
It's important to note that while an outpatient hospital may offer more complimentary and support services for patients, it costs almost twice as much (45% more) when compared to breast implant removal procedures performed at a surgery center.
Comparing Breast Implant Removal and Replacement Costs
If a patient is considering breast implant removal and replacement, the costs are also different between surgery centers and outpatient hospitals in New York.
Cost at Surgery Centers for Removal and Replacement
The average cash price for breast implant removal and replacement at a surgery center in New York is $9,455. The breakdown includes:
| Category | Details | Units | Avg Cash Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provider - General Surgeon Visit | First time visit, standard | 1 | $144 |
| Provider - Fee to Insert Breast Prosthesis | Standard, bilateral procedure | 1 | $2,162 |
| Provider - Fee for Breast Implant Removal | Standard, bilateral procedure | 1 | $1,128 |
| Facility - Surgery Center Fee for Breast Implant Removal | Standard | 1 | $1,613 |
| Facility - Surgery Center Fee to Insert Breast Prosthesis | Standard | 1 | $3,162 |
| Prescriptions - Hydrocodone - Acetaminophen | Standard | 30 | $18 |
| Anesthesia - Anesthesiologist Fee to be "Put Under" for Procedure | Level 3, standard | 1 | $232 |
| Anesthesia - Anesthesiologist Time to be "Put Under" for Procedure | Per minute, standard | 431 | $994 |
Cost at Outpatient Hospitals for Removal and Replacement
The average cash price for breast implant removal and replacement at an outpatient hospital in New York is $16,596. The breakdown is as follows:
| Category | Details | Units | Avg Cash Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provider - General Surgeon Visit | First time visit, standard | 1 | $144 |
| Provider - Fee to Insert Breast Prosthesis | Standard, bilateral procedure | 1 | $2,162 |
| Provider - Fee for Breast Implant Removal | Standard, bilateral procedure | 1 | $1,128 |
| Facility - Outpatient Hospital Fee for Breast Implant Removal | Level 1, standard | 1 | $4,367 |
| Facility - Outpatient Hospital Fee to Insert Breast Prosthesis | Level 2, standard | 1 | $7,550 |
| Prescriptions - Hydrocodone - Acetaminophen | Standard | 30 | $18 |
| Anesthesia - Anesthesiologist Fee to be "Put Under" for Procedure | Level 3, standard | 1 | $232 |
| Anesthesia - Anesthesiologist Time to be "Put Under" for Procedure | Per minute, standard | 431 | $994 |
Although a surgery center may offer fewer complimentary services and a more limited range of support services compared to an outpatient hospital, it may be worth the 43% savings when comparing the cost of breast implant removal and replacement.
Rankings of Hospitals for Breast Implant Removal in New York City
While there isn't a clear - cut ranking provided in the top Google search results, we can analyze factors that might contribute to a hospital's standing. Some aspects to consider include the experience of the surgeons, the quality of facilities, patient satisfaction rates, and the range of services offered.
Public hospitals in New York City often have a large patient base and may offer a more comprehensive range of services due to their connections with the public healthcare system. They may also be more affordable for some patients, especially those with certain insurance plans. On the other hand, private hospitals may offer more personalized care, state - of - the - art facilities, and shorter wait times. However, they generally come with a higher price tag.
Patients looking for a hospital for breast implant removal should research and perhaps consider seeking recommendations from other patients who have undergone the procedure. They can also check online reviews and ratings to get an idea of the quality of care at different hospitals.
What to Expect During and After the Surgery
During the Surgery
During breast implant removal surgery, the patient will be under general anesthesia, so they will not feel any pain. The surgeon will make an incision either around the nipple or under the lower fold of the breast to remove the old implant and any scar tissue that has formed. If the patient is having a replacement, new implants will be inserted. After that, the surgeon will close the incisions using stitches, adhesive glue, or surgical tape.
After the Surgery
Recovery from breast implant removal surgery takes several weeks. Immediately following the surgery, patients will experience swelling and pain in the chest area. They may also feel more discomfort in their arms or upper body for several weeks after. The doctor will place small thin tubes under the skin to help drain blood and other fluid that accumulates, which may cause slight discomfort. Patients will be prescribed medication to reduce pain.
Patients may be instructed to wear a special support or compression bra for a few weeks after surgery to decrease swelling. If drain tubes were placed, they will be removed a few days after the surgery. Full recovery usually takes several weeks, and patients should follow their doctor's instructions on how to care for their incision sites to prevent infection and promote faster healing.
After the implants are removed, the breasts will return to the shape they were before. However, the breasts may droop more and have slight irregularities in shape from scar tissue inside the breast. Larger implants may distort the shape of the breast more and leave the skin saggy once they are removed. In some cases, patients may want a breast lift if their breasts are extremely saggy or their nipples droop extremely low.
Is It Painful to Have Breast Implants Removed?
Patients will not feel any pain during the procedure since they are under general anesthesia. However, during the recovery period, they may experience some discomfort due to swelling and inflammation as the tissue and incisions heal. The doctor will prescribe medication to manage the pain. The small thin tubes placed under the skin to drain fluid may also cause slight discomfort.
What Happens If You Don’t Replace Breast Implants?
Breast implants are typically only made to last 10 - 15 years. Eventually, the implant will wear out, and it may develop leaks or even rupture. If a saline implant leaks or ruptures, the breast will deflate quickly, and the body will absorb the saline. Silicone implants leak more slowly, and since the body does not absorb the gel, it accumulates in the surrounding tissues. Leaks can cause the scar tissue around the implant to harden, resulting in more discomfort in the area.
After breast implants are removed, the skin that had previously stretched to accommodate the implants may sag. If the patient chooses not to have implants replaced, a breast lift or mastopexy can reshape the breast.
Other Related Costs and Considerations
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of breast implant removal surgery is $3,979, but this only includes part of the total price. It does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities, or other related expenses. Other costs that may be associated with breast implant removal include:
- Surgeon's fee
- Hospital or surgical facility costs
- Anesthesia fees
- Prescriptions for medication
- Post - surgery garments
- Medical tests and x - rays
Many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans for breast implant removal in instances where health insurance does not cover it. Patients should consult with their plastic surgeon's office to determine their final fee.
Conclusion
Breast implant removal surgery is a significant decision, and patients in New York City have many options when it comes to choosing a hospital. The cost of the procedure varies depending on whether it is performed at a surgery center or an outpatient hospital, with outpatient hospitals generally being more expensive but offering more services. The recovery process takes several weeks, and patients should expect some discomfort during this time. After the surgery, the appearance of the breasts may change, and in some cases, a breast lift may be desired.
If you are considering breast implant removal surgery, we encourage you to do thorough research, consult with multiple doctors, and consider all the associated costs and factors. Share this article with others who may be interested in this topic, and explore further resources to make an informed decision.
