Gangnam Station Breast Revision Surgery: Reasons for Varying Costs

Gangnam Station Breast Revision Surgery: Reasons for Varying Costs

Hello. I’m Dr. Kim Joo-won, the head director of Melon Plastic Surgery, your breast specialist.

Breast augmentation is often said to be one of the most satisfying plastic surgeries. However, even if you were satisfied with the initial surgery, over time, if you experience changes in breast shape, altered sensation, pain, or asymmetry, you might consider revision surgery.

Changes in the breasts can also affect self-confidence. I often hear stories from patients who were happy shopping and dressing after their first surgery, but after considering revision surgery, they became anxious about their breast shape being noticeable.

Another common feedback I hear during consultations is that patients were confused about what to do and what was right because different medical institutions quoted different prices.

‘It’s the same revision surgery, so why do costs vary between institutions?’‘Will it be better if it’s more expensive?’

These are natural questions to ask.

Today, I will explain why breast revision surgery costs differ among medical institutions. I hope this helps those considering breast revision surgery.

Breast Revision Surgery | Cost Differences Based on Surgical Difficulty

While it varies by case, breast revision surgery often involves more complex cases that require more intricate skills and experience than the initial surgery.

In many revision surgeries, it’s necessary to remove the abnormally formed capsule from the first surgery or to recreate the space within the breast for a new implant. Revision surgery to remove a hardened capsule due to capsular contracture and adhered tissues is a highly difficult procedure that requires more time and precise techniques than general breast augmentation.

Revision surgeries that correct asymmetry or differences in the inframammary fold in different ways for each breast also require delicate surgical skills. This is because one breast might need surgery to raise the implant position, while the other might need surgery to reduce the space where the implant is inserted.

Ultimately, the patient's condition, the complexity of their breast situation, and the difference in surgical difficulty for each individual affect the cost of revision surgery.

Breast Revision Surgery | Cost Differences Based on Implant Type

‘I’m just replacing the implant, so why is the cost different?’‘It’s the same breast revision surgery, so why do prices vary between medical institutions?’

These are questions I frequently hear.

The cost is influenced by the difficulty of the surgery, but also by the choice of implant. There are various types and sizes of implants, including Motiva, Mentor Boost, Mentor Xtra, and Mentor Smooth.

Premium implants are often preferred for revision surgery due to their natural feel and high safety, but their more intricate manufacturing process can lead to higher costs.

Additionally, concomitant procedures also affect the cost. If there is an accessory breast (axillary breast), revision surgery and accessory breast removal might be performed together. Depending on the breast condition, additional surgeries such as a lift or nipple/areola correction may also be required, so the cost varies depending on the patient's condition and the chosen procedures.

Ultimately, the cost is determined by your current condition and how much correction you desire. As revision surgery should ideally be the final surgery, it’s best to have a thorough consultation with an experienced surgeon to assess your condition, receive diagnosis, and discuss the plan.

Breast Revision Surgery | Necessity of Additional Corrective Surgery

As mentioned above, many revision surgeries are performed in conjunction with other procedures.

This might include a mastopexy to correct breast ptosis or a capsulectomy. If breast lift surgery is performed to correct sagging breasts due to physical changes after childbirth or breastfeeding, the surgical scope becomes wider, and more meticulous care is required during the recovery period.

The same applies to capsulectomy. The extent of resection and the difficulty of the surgery vary depending on how complexly the capsular tissue surrounding the implant is intertwined, which also affects the surgery time and post-operative care.

These are points we discuss during consultations. Even though it’s all grouped under the term ‘revision surgery,’ the scope of correction, surgical method, and preparation process all differ depending on your individual condition.

Therefore, for revision surgery, a detailed diagnosis and precise surgical plan from the surgeon before the operation are key. Since there are more variables and risks compared to the first surgery, the surgeon's clear judgment greatly influences the satisfaction with the outcome.

A surgeon with extensive experience in various revision surgery cases tends to have more stable processes and results, and sometimes this can lead to a difference in cost.

Breast Revision Surgery | Guide to a Rational Choice

When choosing an institution, considering the cost, and deciding on surgery, you naturally think about what factors make up the cost.

At this point, it helps to remember what your criteria are. Everyone has their most important 'criteria,' whether it's the surgeon's expertise, the institution's management system, post-operative recovery programs, your comfort level, or actual patient reviews.

One thing I want to emphasize is that revision surgery can involve complex conditions, and some cases require sensitive monitoring of tissue recovery. If you decide based solely on cost, it could lead to another surgery. While it varies by case, meticulous observation and management after revision surgery are essential.

The surgeon's experience and the hospital's post-operative management system are paramount. If you decide on revision surgery, you must thoroughly consult with the institution to understand your condition and clearly identify the necessary procedures. You should also verify if the surgeon has extensive experience and personally manages your progress after surgery.

Melon Plastic Surgery will address each individual's concerns to ensure that revision surgery can be the final chapter.

Thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do breast revision surgery costs differ?

Yes, breast revision surgery costs vary depending on several factors. Primarily, the difficulty of the surgery, the patient's current breast condition, the type of implant chosen, and whether additional corrective surgeries are needed all influence the cost. It often requires more intricate techniques as cases are frequently more complex than the first surgery.

How does the difficulty of revision surgery affect the cost?

The difficulty of revision surgery significantly impacts the cost. Complex cases, such as removing an abnormally formed capsule after the first surgery or recreating space for a new implant, require more time and precise techniques, leading to higher costs. Removing capsular contracture, in particular, is considered a highly difficult procedure.

Does the type of implant affect breast revision surgery costs?

Yes, breast revision surgery costs can vary depending on the type of implant. There are various implants such as Motiva, Mentor Boost, and Mentor Xtra. Premium implants are preferred for their natural feel and high safety, but their intricate manufacturing process can result in higher costs.

Can additional surgeries be necessary during breast revision?

Yes, additional corrective surgeries may be necessary during breast revision. These can include accessory breast removal, mastopexy to correct breast sagging, or nipple/areola correction. Such additional procedures increase the scope and difficulty of the surgery, affecting the overall cost.

What should be considered besides cost when choosing a clinic for revision surgery?

When choosing a clinic for revision surgery, the surgeon's expertise and experience, as well as the hospital's post-operative management system, are extremely important. Revision surgery is complex and requires meticulous observation, so it's best to choose a place with an experienced surgeon and a stable recovery program.