I can't afford to have my implants removed. The left side is ruptured Am I in danger?

Question

my implants are 27 years old. I know the left side is ruptured. I do not have the money to do anything. I had a consultation about 4 years ago and that alone was $100.I am now on SS but have enrolled in Obama care. I do not want to be deformed by removing one side and can not get mamograms because I think a mamogram caused the rupture. Am I in danger? How do you find out if insurance will pay to remove them?

Anita Patel, MD, FACS · Answer

If you have silicone implants that are 27 years old, and one side is ruptured, I would recommend removing the implants. If you feel the rupture was caused by a recent mammogram, please understand that this is because your implants are so old, not because mammograms are not safe. The type of implants used back then had a different type of silicone and different outer "shell", and over time this outer shell breaks down so a rupture is more likely. Almost all of the 20+year old implants I have removed have been ruptured. The good news is implants that are made now are much better, with silicone gel that is form-stable, and outer shell that is more long-lasting. The other good news is that yes, insurance may cover your implant removal if they are silicone and ruptured. I would submit for preauthorization on your behalf to see what your insurance says. Also, I would recommend removing BOTH implants, not just one side, if they are 27 years old. New implants can be placed if you are trying to maintain the same volume, but this portion of the cost will not be covered by insurance as it is a cosmetic procedure.

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

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I can't afford to have my implants removed. The left side is ruptured Am I in danger?

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I can't afford to have my implants removed. The left side is ruptured Am I in danger?

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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.