What to Do if Implants Break and No Money?

I made alot of money age 32 when I got my Silicone implants. I have had No Problems at all. From what I've read, they will eventually break. I am now struggling on S.S.Disability and cannot forsee EVER having any money for replacing the implants down the road, or to even havethem taken out. What will I do??

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9 Doctor Answers | Asked by kcw17 in Central Florida

Doctor Answers (9)
Community Comments (2)

Implant Rupture in Silicone Implants

If there is a concern of silicone implant rupture, they can be removed or an MRI can be performed to confirm rupture.

Breast implants are fairly durable

Hello, Thank you for the question. You have several options. The good news is that breast implants are durable and carry a lifetime warranty against defects. You could also have them removed early if you are concerned and this can be done fairly easily in the surgeons office under local anesthesia. The cost of doing so is relatively low. All the best, Dr Remus Repta

Breast implant rupture

There are existing breast implant warranties that may cover the partial cost of revision or replacement. You can call the breast implant manufacturer and review your warranty guidelines.

When breast implants rupture?

Thanks for sharing your concerns. Be aware that current breast implants have a warranty that covers rupture in the future. Check with your PS to see what kind of warranty you have. Good luck - Dr. Aldo.

Aldo Guerra, MD

55 reviews

Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon

If Implants Are Doing Well, No Indication For Removal

It is good to hear that your implants have served you well so far. If they are not causing you a problem, there is no reason to remove them as a preventive measure. Many patients go for many years without problems I would recommend that you focus your energy on adjusting to your recent disability. If an issue comes up in the future, you can address it at that time. Best of luck.

Replacement of ruptured implants

I certainly would not live in fear that your implant may rupture in the future. It is always a possibility that an implant can rupture. The current reported rupture rate for silicone gel implants is 1.1 % for the first 10 years. I have patients who have had implants in for greater than 35 years with no problems and others that rupture before 10 years. There are warranties available on both Mentor and Allergan implants that will provide money for replacement and... more

Affording implant replacement surgery in the future

Most women who get breast implants are young, so they will almost certainly require additional surgeries in their lifetime. If the implants were to break or rupture within, you may be eligible for replacement implants and even some cash from the implant company. This depends on your particular implant company, but both major companies offer lifetime warranties on gel implants. Make sure you have registered your implants with the company for this warranty. You may be "lucky" and never have a... more

Implant Guarantee

The implant companies have a lifetime warrantee which includes free replacement of your ruptured implant(s) and a certain amount of money towards your sugical/anesthesia fee(about $1700). Preop, the companies offer even more advanced warrantees for a fee. But don't be so worried because the newer implants are a bit stronger than the old ones and may not rupture. Many patients have had the old implants for 40 years without rupture. Hope this helps.. more

Need to Save for Possible Surgery Down the Line.

Thank you for the thoughtful question. I tell all my patients who are thinking about breast augmentation surgery to remember that further surgery down the line should be considered a certainty. Therefore, it is best to do these procedures when you are financially stable and able to cope with additional expenses that may arise in the short or long term. At this point, I would suggest that you establish a “fund” where you gradually put away money that can be... more

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Comments (2)

kcw17 24 Nov 2012

Hi Everyone! .....And Dr. Robert Centeno...I appreciate how quickly a question is answered on this forum. You answered that I should concentrate more on my disability instead of worrying about my 24 yr.old implants rupturing? Well...I AM CONCENTRATING ON My Disability. It is an unknown Autoimmune Disease quite similar to Lupus! And could be caused by leaky or ruptured silicone breast implants! I know that Plastic surgeons would just love for this problem to go away.... but it is here to stay until the world is 100 percent sure that silicone is safe to be placed into the Human Body.