May 07, 2026 | Breast Surgery
5 minute read
Patients choose to have their breast implants removed for many reasons—whether that’s due to implant age, lifestyle changes, or a simple change in aesthetic preference. Naturally, one of the first questions patients ask revolves around cost. This blog will discuss the average cost of breast implant removal, including the factors that affect cost, insurance coverage, financing options, and more.
- What Is the Average Cost of Breast Implant Removal?
- What’s Included in the Cost?
- Factors Influencing Breast Implant Removal Cost
- Does Insurance Cover Breast Implant Removal?
- Financing Your Breast Implant Removal
- Is Breast Implant Removal Worth the Cost?
What Is the Average Cost of Breast Implant Removal?
The national average cost of a simple breast implant removal (also called explant surgery) ranges from $5,500 to $14,000 or more in the U.S.
This amount varies depending on how the numbers are calculated.
The average surgeon’s fee alone is about $3,979, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons at the time of this writing. However, total costs include anesthesia and facility fees, and typically range from $6,800 to $8,800 or more. Many patients report paying closer to $9,800 on average, with some cases reaching $15,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case.
The takeaway here is that “averages” can only take you so far, as they tend to reflect only part of the total cost, or are location-bound.
What’s Included in the Cost?
Breast implant removal, like any plastic surgery procedure, consists of several components when it comes to pricing.
Your total cost will likely include:
- Surgeon’s fee
- Anesthesia fees
- Surgical facility fees
- Preoperative testing and lab work
- Post-surgical garments and medications
- Follow-up appointments
It’s important to look at the full surgical quote, rather than just a headline price, as these additional expenses can add thousands to the base fee that may be advertised to you.
Factors Influencing Breast Implant Removal Cost
No two breast implant removal or revision procedures are the same. What follows are the most common variables that impact your final price.
Type of Implant Removal
A more straightforward implant removal procedure is typically less expensive than more advanced techniques, such as capsulectomy, which also removes scar tissue, or en bloc capsulectomy, which removes the implant and scar tissue as a single unit and requires extensive training. The more complex procedures will require more expertise and often additional surgical time.
Need for a Breast Lift
Some patients worry that removing their implants will result in sagging breasts. To prevent this, many choose to combine their procedure with a breast lift to restore the breast shape. A lift does not add volume, however later fat grafting can provide a modest increase. Adding a lift or fat grafting increases the total cost, but it is often recommended for patients presenting with stretched skin.
Surgeon’s Experience
Highly qualified surgeons—and especially board-certified plastic surgeons—with greater degrees of experience often charge more. This is because they offer advanced surgical skills through proven, extensive training, which invariably leads to better aesthetic outcomes and a lower risk of complications.
Choosing a highly qualified surgeon is one of the most important factors, often making the difference between an excellent surgical experience and one that’s not.
Geographic Location
As indicated earlier, regional economics affect price. Major metropolitan areas, such as New York and Los Angeles, tend to have higher prices than smaller cities or rural areas. This is due to the cost of living, demand for plastic surgery, and the concentration of qualified professionals in an area.
Surgical Facility
Where your procedure is performed also affects cost. Surgery centers and hospitals are options.
Does Insurance Cover Breast Implant Removal?
Some insurance plans may cover some instances of breast implant removal, but only when it’s considered medically necessary for silicone ruptured implants.
If you experience implant rupture, severe capsular contracture, chronic pain, or other symptoms, it is possible that insurance may help cover costs.
However, cosmetic cases are usually not covered. This refers to a patient who simply has a change in aesthetic preference or wants their implants removed, without any complications. For these cases, patients pay out of pocket or use financing options.
Financing Your Breast Implant Removal
At Burgess Plastic Surgery, we understand that plastic surgery is an investment for many people. To make the procedures you want or need more accessible, we offer flexible financing options.
We work with both CareCredit® and ALPHAEON® CREDIT, popular healthcare credit cards that can be used for elective medical procedures. Low to no-interest options are available.
At your consultation, our team will be happy to discuss your options and answer any questions you may have.
Is Breast Implant Removal Worth the Cost?
Most women would agree that the value of explant surgery goes far beyond financial considerations.
For women who are suffering from implant issues such as capsular contracture or breast implant symptoms, removing their implants can provide relief and restore a sense of the natural state prior to surgery. Some women who aren’t experiencing breast implant issues often report the benefits of improved comfort and increased mobility after having their breast implants removed, as they have aged. For other women, they like the more natural look and feel of their breasts after explant surgery.
Overall, many patients view breast implant removal as a long term outcome and consider it well worth the investment.
Learn More About Breast Implant Removal in Lake Oswego, OR
If you’re considering breast implant removal, it’s important to seek the care of a highly qualified plastic surgeon, as you will receive safer care with higher quality results. The best surgeons tend to value transparent communication with patients and understand that price is an important part of the equation.
To schedule your breast implant removal consultation at Burgess Plastic Surgery, call (503) 699-6464 or use our online contact form.