Last year, about 40,000 women choose to undergo breast implant removal surgery. There are a number of situations in which you find yourself requiring or wanting a breast implant removal. For example, implant rupture is one of the leading causes of breast implant removals. Two other common reasons for the procedure include a change in the size or shape of the breast and capsular contracture, which is a hardening of the implant. If you're considering this procedure it's important to get all the facts before you reach a decision. The good news is breast implant removal procedures are usually very fast, lasting less than an hour. Recovery is also fast and you'll probably be back to normal within a few days.

The cost is even much lower than you may think, ranging from $1,000 to $4,000. Possible side effects and complications do exist, however, and can include loss of nipple sensation, loose skin and even scarring. No surgical procedure is without possible complications though so make sure you weigh your decision appropriately.

The breast implant removal procedure is relatively straight-forward. It's performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation. To begin the procedure, the surgeon will make a small incision under the fold of the breast or near the areola. The capsule, or scar tissue, around the implant is sliced and the implant is removed by the surgeon. If the implant is saline-filled, the doctor may choose to deflate it before removal to make the process less damaging to the breast tissue.

Next, the scar tissue that surrounded the implant may also be removed under a few circumstances, such as if the patient will not receive a new implant, if it will be placed in a new position, if a new and larger implant will be placed or if a different type of implant is going to be used. This procedure is called capsulectomy. Capsulectomies are also done if there is any silicone implant leakage or any infection in the breast tissue. If no capsulectomy is performed you can expect the breast implant removal procedure to last about half an hour. Included, the procedure may take up to an hour.

Afterward, recovery is quick and the patient will probably be back to their everyday life within a couple of days. Breast implant removal surgery may sound frightening but it's a relatively risk-free and common procedure.

By far the most common side effect from this surgery is the psychological effect that a woman experiences after the size of her breasts is dramatically reduced. Potential physical complications include breast sagging, loose skin, infection, scarring and loss of nipple sensation. Sagging and loose skin on the breast are fairly common and may improve on their own within a few months. Some women opt to have a breast lift after removal of breast implants to improve the appearance of their breasts.

The cost of breast implants removal ranges from $1,000 to $4,000 and usually depends on how complicated the procedure, along with the doctor. Surgery that requires a capsulectomy will usually be higher on the price range. Your breast implant removal surgery may be covered by your insurance, provided it's necessary because of pain, serious infection, leakage or cancer of the breast. Your insurance will not, however, pay for cosmetic re-insertion of new implants.

Also, although breast implant makers guarantee their products, they never cover the cost you'll need to pay if you require or just desire the removal of the breast implants. If you're considering removing breast implants, don't be afraid to try financing the surgery. You may be able to do this directly with the medical facility, or on your own. Because the cost of the surgery is relatively low, the affordability of financing is an appealing option.

Breast implant removal is an important decision in anyone's life. It brings drastic changes and can be a positive or negative thing to the patient, depending on the necessity and reason for the procedure. Remember to approach the subject with all the facts you need and get a consultation with a surgeon you trust to see if you're a good candidate for the surgery. Afterward, consider the cost and recovery to decide if it's something you want to follow through with.