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10+ Yr Breast Implants Need to Be Checked but my Doctor is MIA, What Should I Do?

I'm going on 11 years with my implants and they feel okay but I would feel much better if I could get a doctors opinion. My problem is that my original doctor has been disbarred from the medical field and I don't know who to turn to or what to expect at my consultation(s).

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19 Doctor Answers | Asked by Deet78 in Moreno Valley, CA

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Need a new plastic surgeon for breast implant issues

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons website can assist you with finding a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area. plasticsurgery.org Go to "Find a Surgeon" and search. You can also ask friends and family who they trust. Word-of-mouth referrals are powerful and usually a testimony to the reputation and skill of the surgeon. Make sure whoever is recommended is board-certified. Best of Luck.

Longevity of breast implants

The breast implants do not need to be replaced every 10 years. In my practice I see some patients that were operated by me much longer that 10 years ago, and we leave the implants in. If you are not having any issues with breast discomfort or with the appearance of the breasts, then a routine examination and mammogram is all you need. Get evaluated by a board certified plastic surgeon to make sure all is well. If you are advised to replace the implants, do not be afraid to... more

Doctor Shopping

Hello, Sorry to hear of your troubles. Hopefully you kept your breast implant data card to let your new doctor know what your implants were exactly. Pick a new board-certified plastic surgeon. Ask your primary care doctor for a referral. Best Regards, John Di Saia MD see video

Finding a plastic surgeon

Dear Deet78, the best way to find a new local plastic surgeon is to go on the American Board of Plastic Surgery website. By using this site you are assured that your surgeon is board certified in plastic surgery. Hopefully the new surgeon can ease your concerns. Good luck!

Checking breast implants

Go onto the website of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and follow instructions on its find a doctor link. I also recommend that you contact your state's bureau of medical licensure. When a physician stops practicing, for whatever reason, patients should be notified and given the opportunity to obtain their medical records. For augment surgery, in particular, you would want to know the size, manufacturer and profile of the implants as well as the placement of the implant, above or... more

Breast implant follow up

If you know which company implants you have you can contact the company. contact a board certified plastic surgeon and have a consult to determine your best follow up

No need to change out >10yr old breast implants if all is well

I'm not sure where the misconception of 'having to change out' breast implants after 10years came from. Bottom line: there is no need to replace them if you are not having any issues with them. The warranty on implants expires after 10yrs, but that's it. The impant itself is safe after 10 years- no studies suggesting the contrary. I hope this helps, Dr. H

10+ Yr Breast Implants Need to Be Checked but my Doctor is MIA, What Should I Do?

Dear Deet78, Consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. You can locate a plastic surgeon in your area through the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Warmest wishes, Larry Fan, MD

Who to see when your first plastic surgeon is no longer in practice?

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons can help you find a board certified Plastic surgeon in your area. If you still have the implant cards, typically given to you post op, these can be helpful for your next surgeon. Good luck

Finding a plastic surgeon for breast implants

We feel the best place to start when looking for a plastic surgeon to check up on 'old' breast implants, or to see about breast augmentation, is the American Society of Plastic Surgeons for a list of board certified plastic surgeons in your area. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd

Choosing a Plastic Surgeon

It takes a lot to remove a doctor's medical license so this is probably a good oportunity to establish a more trustworthy relationship. Board csertification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and membership in The American Society of Plastic Surgeons are MINIMAL credentials. Acccept nothing less. Check with your state medical quality assurance board to make sure the sugeon you select has no sanctions against them. Ask your primary care... more

Look For ASPS Surgeon

This is a very simple question. Go to the ASPS (American Society Plastic Surgeons) patient Web site at ths ASPS Web SIte and go on to "Find a Surgeon." Unless you live in a very remote area you will find many qualified surgeons to talk to. Glad to hear all is well. There is no urgency to be checked.

If saline breast implants look and feel fine, they do not need to be replaced.

Hi. 1) If a saline implant leaks, you go flat on that side and so you know right away that there is a problem. If they look fine, they are fine. 2) If you have silicone implants, they might leak and you would not know, because the silicone is thick and stays in place. That is why for silicone implants, we recommend an MRI of the breasts every three years. The MRI will pick up a "silent" leak. 3) You would feel more comfortable... more

11 year old implants

I agree it is a good time to think about changing the implants out. If you are not having any problems currently, you do not need to do it right away, but an exam by a plastic surgeon is a good idea. In terms of choosing a surgeon, I have a few recommendations for you. First, choose a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. It's not enough that the doctor is board certified. Check what board did the certifying. You can look up doctors on the Board's... more

10+ Yr Breast Implants Need to Be Checked but my Doctor is MIA, What Should I Do?

Call the ASPS or goggle them to find boarded PSs in your area of CA. American Society of Plastic Surgeons Plastic Surgery Foundation 847-228-9900 444 E. Algonquin Rd. Arlington Heights, IL 60005

10+ yr Implants

That is a very frequent question. You can start by checking out the Find a Surgeon at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Going to see a plastic surgeon about your implants can give you up to date information and an opportunity to have a conversation about any concerns you may have.

Breast Implant Check?

Thank you for the question. Please check with the American Board of Plastic Surgery to find a well qualified board-certified plastic surgeon to consult with. You may gain some insight into the experience level of the surgeon by checking his/her website. Best wishes.

Followup for breast implants

Your doctor was disbarred from practicing? That should give you some concern, frankly. In regard to your implants, are they saline or silicone? Has your body changed due to weight change or or pregnancies? Have you had any mammograms? Seek out the consult of a board certified plastic surgeon and expect to pay a couple of hundred dollars for the consult as a new patient. The criteria for checking the implants and follow-up will depend on all of the above... more

Talmage J. Raine, MD

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Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Consultation for Breast Augmentation Follow-up

Firstly, if you are not having any sort of issues, then there is nothing that says you have to do anything at all. It is a myth that you have to change them every ten years. Only if there is some sort of issue or you electively want to change them do you need to. That being said, the easiest way to find a new surgeon is to go to the american society of plastic surgery website ( plasticsurgery.org) and search for a board-certifed plastic surgeon in your area. It... more