Can I use my HSA for breast implant removal?
Asked by: Hugh Walter | Last update: October 31, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (70 votes)
Is breast implant removal HSA eligible?
Breast implant removal reimbursement, if causing a medical issue, may be eligible with a Letter of Medical Necessity from a doctor with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).
What is a medical necessity for breast implant removal?
Medical Necessity
Breast cancer in the implanted breast or remnant, or in the contralateral breast, where implant removal is necessary to excise the breast cancer; or. Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma; or. Extrusion of implant through skin, or. Implants complicated by recurrent infections, or.
Will insurance ever pay for breast implant removal?
Insurance companies typically pay for medically necessary procedures. The rupture of the breast implant in most cases is considered medically necessary. Removal should be covered by your insurance company and you need to work with your plastic surgeon who advocates this on your behalf with your insurance company.
Can I claim breast implant removal on my taxes?
Now what about cosmetic plastic surgery? According to the IRS “you cannot include in your medical expenses the amount you pay for unnecessary cosmetic surgery”.
Do I need a breast lift if I have my breast implants removed?
How do you get breast implant removal covered?
Implant removal may be covered only if it's necessary treatment of a complication which represents a separate medical condition. Implant damage, hardening, leakage, and autoimmune disorder don't qualify as separate medical conditions.
Is breast implant removal considered cosmetic surgery?
(See note under Additional Information.) Reconstruction following removal of a leaking breast implant originally placed for cosmetic purposes is considered cosmetic. Since intact silicone breast implants pose no health risk, removal of an intact implant is considered cosmetic.
Is it expensive to have breast implants removed?
The average cost of breast implant removal surgery is $3,979, according to the latest statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This average cost is only part of the total price – it does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities or other related expenses.
What do breasts look like after implant removal?
After implant removal, your breasts may sag, droop or appear misshapen. Many people choose to have implant removal with a breast lift (mastopexy). During a breast lift, your surgeon removes excess skin and reshapes your breast tissue.
What happens if I never remove my breast implants?
Breast implants, whether filled with saline or silicone, are not intended to last forever. Over time, the implants can experience changes such as ruptures or leaks, hardening, or shifting within the breast pocket.
How painful is breast implant removal?
The pain after breast implant removal can be very minimal. You will likely be able to resume your normal activities right after your procedure. This is a procedure that is not as invasive as an actual enhancement.
At what age should breast implants be removed?
Eventually, the implants will have to be removed. Breast implants generally last 10 to 15 years. It is not unheard of for them to last longer, but the longer you have them, there is an increased risk of rupture and other complications.
Will Allergan pay for my implant removal?
Will Allergan pay for implant removal? Because this recall only affects the sale of implants, implant removal (explant surgery) is not paid for by Allergan. Allergan will, however, provide free implants for anyone wanting their Biocell implants removed and replaced with Allergan smooth implants.
How to pay for breast implant removal?
If your implants were put in after a mastectomy and your doctor believes that removing your implants is “medically necessary,” then your health insurance is legally obligated to cover your breast implant removal under the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 (WHCRA).
What happens if you use your HSA for cosmetic surgery?
What are the downsides of using an HSA to pay for cosmetic surgery? If you use your HSA to pay for nonqualified expenses and you're under age 65, you may have to pay a 20% penalty in addition to income taxes.
What will HSA not cover?
Generally, you can't use your HSA to pay for expenses that don't meaningfully promote the proper function of the body or prevent or treat illness or disease. Nutritional supplements and weight loss programs not prescribed by a physician are examples of expenses that would not be covered by your HSA.
Will I lose weight after breast implant removal?
Some patients may experience weight loss and change in their breast volume after implant removal and wish to replace them. Although it is not that common, some patients miss the fuller volume they had with implants.
Will my breast will be flat after implant removal?
When breast implants are removed, the breast tissue is left behind. However, if the breast tissue was stretched out due to the presence of the implants, it may not return to its original shape and size. This can lead to a flattening of the breasts, known as “implant deflation.”
Should 30 year old breast implants be replaced?
For many people, their breast implants last their entire lives. While these devices can lose some of their strength over time, there is no rule that says breast implants are only ever good for 10 years. Additionally, the breasts will sag and become thinned out in many cases.
Will insurance cover breast implant removal?
Chronic Breast Pain: Pain caused by capsular contracture is often considered justification for insurance coverage of removal. In addition, if the implants are causing extensive pain because of nerve damage or the weight of the implants, it is sometimes possible to get the insurance company to pay for removal.
What happens to your body when you remove breast implants?
One of the primary concerns following explant surgery is the potential for sagging breast tissue and skin laxity. The extent of these issues largely depends on factors such as the size of the implants removed, the duration they were in place, and the natural elasticity of the patient's skin.
Will I need drains after breast implant removal?
Types of breast surgery that require drains during recovery include: implant removal, reconstructive procedures, and. mastectomies (breast removal surgery).
What are the side effects of removing the implant?
There are usually no major side effects from the implant removal procedure itself and in fact, any side effects that you might have had while you had the implant will eventually go away after it's been removed. The most common side effect of the contraceptive is changes to your menstrual bleeding.
How to prepare for implant removal?
Please ensure that you do not have unprotected intercourse 7 days before having your implant removed. It is important that you discuss future contraception prior to the implant removal. If you have had intercourse 7 days prior to your implant removal appointment, please re-arrange your appointment.