Are surgically implanted breast implant shells labeled?

Question

Just curious, but do the actual implants used for implantation have any labeling on them like manufacturer, where made, etc.? I know the patient receives a card with this info but wanted to know if a surgically implanted implant has this written on it as well.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

All of the brands commercially available here in the US will have manufacturers markings on the posterior surface of the device.

Typically, it will include:
-Manufacturer
-Volume
-Implant model
-Serial number

That being said, these markings fade, in some cases, over time making them illegible (especially in instances of very old devices which have been in place for several years).

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

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

Yes, the implants are all tracked individually as required by the FDA. Each implant has labeling on the posterior shell for identification.

Zeshaan Maan, MD · Answer

Yes, the shell normally has information on the brand, style and volume. You should be able to see this on a sample implant during your consultation with your surgeon.

Robert M. Wald, Jr., MD · Answer

Depending on the manufacturer, there is labeling for the company and the volume on the device. The older implants did not add the labeling. Saline implants also do not always label their devices.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Generally speaking, unique serial numbers are located on the originally packaging of the box the implants come in. Sometimes, the serial number is printed directly on the implant shell.

Jonathan Heistein, MD · Answer

Yes.  Some implants that were used many years ago did not have labels, but the ones that we use now have labels.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I recommend an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and be measured. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size breast implants. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Jordan Kaplan, MD · Answer

Yes, breast implants will say the company or manufacturer, implant style, size, and usually profile.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Many old implants don’t have a label but the ones from the last 20 years all have the size printed on them. Some, but not all have the makers logo as well

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question. Yes implants will have the manufacturer, size, and typically profile of implant on the shell.  This information can wear away with time, however.

Are surgically implanted breast implant shells labeled?

Answers (14)