What Information Will a Breast Implant Serial Number Give Me?

asked 2 years ago by anon
Latest answer by Enrique Etxeberria, MD
Question viewed 783 times
Tags: breasts, female, saline implants, silicone implant, leak

I got implants about 20 years ago (asked for saline, got silicone) and now one is leaking. I don't have any info. about my original surgery. I can't even remember the name of the doctor. Will the serial number of my breast implants help me find this out?

10 answers to What Information Will a Breast Implant Serial Number Give Me?

Serial number is important

In Spain, and in Europe (Euroepean Union) from 2006 is a higher demand on assuring a reliable "PROSTHESE DATABASE". We consider that i'ts very important to record all data concerming an implant surgery in the berast. Prosthese "STYLE" (or model), MANUFACTURER, SIZE, MEASUREMENTS. SERIAL NUMBER and LOT NUMBER will give us exact information oh where, who and why this surgery was performed, apart from the fact of when and where those implants had been... more

Enrique Etxeberria, MD
Spain Plastic Surgeon

No serial numbers on breast implants

There are no serial numbers on breast implants. If you are considering having another surgery on your breasts, it is helpful to know what size your original implants are. You may go to the ASPS website and use the physician locator to try and find your surgeon. Put in the zip code of the city where you had your surgery and see if you recognize the name of any of the physicians listed, assuming that your surgeon was board certified. If you keep good financial records, you could also look at... more

James McMahan, MD
Columbus Plastic Surgeon

Breast implant serial number

If the implant manufacturer maintains data, you would be able to determine the size and type of implant. Generally, if you had the serial number, you would have all the other pertinent information. The manufacturers told patients and physicians that they were creating a database on silicone implants. However, I learned earlier this year that they stopped maintaining this information and did not notify doctors. There has recently been a demand that they forward data to the FDA. Physicians... more

Robert L. Kraft, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Breast Implant Serial Number

I do not think implants were assigned serial numbers twenty years ago and there were no long term warranty on your implants so I am afraid you are out of luck. With current implants, a serial number is assigned and tracked by the manufacturers and a lifetime warranty is provided.

Richard Linderman, MD
Indianapolis Plastic Surgeon

Implants and serial numbers

I am not sure if 20 years ago they had serial numbers. But, without that information at the minimum, I don ot know how you would get the information. Now, patients are usually logged in with the manufacturer for tracking purposes.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Serial numbers on implants

I was never asked about this until the horrific murder of the model out in LA who was identified by the serial numbers on her implants. Serial numbers have not been used for that long and I would doubt even if you know the manufacturer and the doctor who performed the surgery you would be able to know what type of implant you had and the size of the implants. If one implant is leaking the other one may be intact. If this is the case when you have your surgery the doctor can determine... more

Steven Schuster, MD
Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

www.schusterplasticsurgery.com

Breast Implant Serial Number

If you have a record of the serial number, then your surgeon will be able to match the size of the implant more easily. If you do not have a wriiten record or access to an op report (can you recall where the procedure was performed?), then it is very unlikely that you will be able to identify the size, etc.

John Whitt, MD
Louisville Plastic Surgeon

Serial Number on Implants

Depending on the manufacturer, you can obtain alot of information about the implant. This includes size, shape, volume, dimensions, fabrication, etc. This allows us to select a new implant that more closely represents the same shape if that is desired or to change specific contours that you desire. In some instanes, this may allow for replacement of the implant under the provisions of the warranty. see video

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Serial numbers on implants

We often face your situation where there are no records on an old implant that now has problems. I am surprised that you even know the serial number! If your manufacturer is still in business, it can help with knowing what size you have and that company will usually provide new replacement implants for free.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Breast implant serial number

In most states, the hospital and doctors are required to keep records for 10 years. It is always helpful to know what implant we are dealing with before going in. Around 1989 when you had your breast augmentation there were MUCH more breast implant producers selling their products in the USA than there are now. This all changed in 1992 when the FDA stopped the general use of silicone filled implants for everyone, restricting it to a handful of categories. (This was done due to political... more