I can't afford to have my implants removed. Left side is ruptured Am I in danger? Will insurance pay to replace 1 or remove 2?

Question

My implants are 27 years old. I know the left side is ruptured. I don't have $. I had a consultation 4 yrs ago & it was $100.I am now on SS but have enrolled in Silver BCBS. I can not get mammograms because I think a mammogram caused the rupture. Am I in danger? How do you find out if insurance will pay? I was told they were saline but obviously they were not because it did not go flat when it ruptured.I suspect it may have been a silicone encased in saline?I do not have any records.

Lynn Jeffers, MD · Answer

You may want to check with your insurance company.  Call the 1-800 number on your card and ask the representative.  In my experience, insurance may cover removal of ruptured silicone implants even if it was originally placed for cosmetic reasons.  They will not pay for replacement of the implant or removal of the other side if it is not ruptured.    I would recommend you see a Plastic Surgeon who is Board-certified by the Am Board or Plastic Surgery and he/she can help you figure out the best options for you, but don't ignore it, especially if you are foregoing your mammograms and breast screening as a result of this rupture.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If you have an implant rupture it is a good idea to have it removed.  Insurance companies do not normally cover this because it stems from a cosmetic procedure.  Implant companies now usually partially cover the surgery if their implant ruptures by covering the cost of a new implant, and paying a small fee for the surgical facility.

James C. Grotting, MD, FACS · Answer

When silicone implants rupture, it is generally recommended
that they be removed.  Because this is
the result of a cosmetic procedure, insurance companies generally don’t cover
implant removal.  The implant
manufacturing company usually covers the fee for a replacement implant for up
to 10 years after their placement.  I
would recommend that you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to help
you with your decision.

I can't afford to have my implants removed. Left side is ruptured Am I in danger? Will insurance pay to replace 1 or remove 2?

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I can't afford to have my implants removed. Left side is ruptured Am I in danger? Will insurance pay to replace 1 or remove 2?

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.