I had my augmentation was 2001 and they were saline. How do I find out what kind?

Question

After having multiple mammograms I have dense breasts tissue so I go every 6 months and my legs and feet are swelled my skin is sensitive I am fatigued although I'm a lot older. I'm also noticing big differences with each of them and not sure what I have or if it's related?

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

You should have received a device identifier card at the time of surgery which would specify manufacturer, model number etc.

With regards to your specific concerns, it is highly unlikely that your symptoms are related to your implants. BII is a contentious topic where much research still needs to be done. There is no medical test which can confirm an association let alone a cause or effect relationship.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Did you receive an implant card, also known as a medical device ID card? The card should have the serial numbers of your implants. You can also contact your surgeon's office as they should have that information in your surgical records. You’ll be able to find out the brand, size, and type based on the serial number associated with your implants. However, if you’ve noticed a recent change in size you’ll most likely need to get your implants replaced.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question!
You may have that information with your surgical paperwork. If not, contact your surgeon's office, they should have a record of your implant information. Best wishes!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Trustworthy359353,
you can contact your surgeon and ask for details of your surgery. However, if there is difference in size, there is a chance that you have ruptured implant and implant removal/replaced would probably be the best option. 
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Each implant has a serial number associated with it.  That information should have been shared with you at the time of surgery as well as your surgeon including it in your medical records.  If you are noticing differences in your implants you will want to meet with your surgeon or another board certified plastic surgeon near you for an exam.  She/He can rule out complications such as deflation or capsular contracture.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Since your implants are 23 years old, your medical records may no longer exist. You should have kept for implant formation card. However, if your surgeon is still in practice, he/she may have kept an implant log book and they could look for your name.  The log book may not be the same as the one in 2002, so your information may still not exist.  I would also go to your medical doctor for an examination and complete blood work. You might have some kidney issues, or something else, not related to implants.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

All individuals who get an implant will receive an identification card of the implant that is the patient’s responsibility to keep.
Medical records are kept for a certain number of years depending on local laws.
Some providers and or institutions may keep medical records longer than what is legally required, and some will dispose of them When it is legally possible.
I suggest you contact the provider and or facility where you had your surgery done and see if they still have your medical records.
If not, then you will not know what brand or size implants you have.
It shouldn’t matter what brand or size implant you have.
If you’re content with your implants, then leave them alone and if you’re not then have them removed or exchanged.
I don’t see why knowing the brand or size would make a difference at this point.
I suppose there is the issue of textured implants.
Perhaps you can thank you back and remember if your surgeon mentioned using textured implants or smooth implants.
It may be possible for radiologist to differentiate if implants are smooth or textured.
That is a little bit outside of my scope of practice Since I am not a radiologist.
The question still comes down to what are you going to do with the information.
In medicine, we are usually taught to not order tests unless they are going to change the treatment plan.
We typically do not order tests because of curiosity.
I suggest you have one or more in person consultations with local plastic surgeons to go over your concerns if for no other reason then to get some reassurance.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

I had my augmentation was 2001 and they were saline. How do I find out what kind?

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