Serial numbers on implants

Steven H. Schuster, MD answers: What information will a breast implant serial number give me?

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?


Steven H. Schuster, MD
24 days ago

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 the size of the intact implant by doing a volume displacement test.  In all probability your implants and your body have changed over 20 years and you will probably need different size implants anyhow. You may even need a lift at this point in time.

Discuss your concerns and desires with your surgeon and make sure you are getting saline or silicone, whichever you prefer.  If your implants are over the muscle you may want to have them under to place them in a virgin pocket without scar tissue.  Good luck whichever way you choose to go.

Steven Schuster MD FACS

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