Breast Implant Replacement After Surgeon Retired - What Info Do I Need?

Hi,
Thank you for your question.
It would be best if you could get the operative report with all of you information about the procedure on it or if you still have the stickers from the manufacturer of the implants. This will give you the size and type of implant. You can also contact the two breast implant.
Most states only require physicians to keep medical records for 10 years so this may be a little difficult. If you can't remember and can’t get the information, be sure to choose a surgeon who has a great level of experience. It also sounds as if you are developing capsular contracture. This will need to be addressed as well. Find a surgeon you feel comfortable with and that is board certified.
Best regards,
Dr. Speron

Hi there-

Because I do a great deal of Breast Implant Revision surgery, I come across your problem often...Ideally, we would be able to obtain the records of your implants from your surgeon's office, the facility the procedure was performed in, or the manufacturer of the implants.

In many cases, this is not possible.

With a careful examination, the critical factors can be understood even in the abscence of these records.

The most important thing to realize here is that we as plastic surgeons are NOT all created equal, nor is our training, experience, and practice style....

You need to find a surgeon certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery who has a LOT of experience doing complicated and revision breast surgery and can show you lots of photos of beautiful outcomes.

In cases like yours, I believe 99% of surgeons could successfully complete the operation you need, but only a much smaller fraction could reliably achieve beautiful breasts that were consistent with your goal.

Please choose carefully.

For help finding a surgeon you like and can trust, read this:

It would be preferable to obtain a copy of your medical records. You have a few options. If the surgery was performed at a hospital, you may be able to get the records through the medical records department. If you can recall the manufacturer and in 1996 there were essentially only two: McGhan (=Inamed = Allergan) and Mentor  (now J&J), you may be able to call and see if they have any record of your implants. Sometimes neighboring practices take over the records and I would call around to local practices to ask. They may have some knowledge about who may have your records.
Ultimately, although it is helpful, it is not crucial. You need to review your goals prior to scheduling a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon:

Do you want to be bigger/smaller?
Do you want to remove them altogether?
Do you want saline or silicone?
Do you want to correct the mild nipple asymmetry with a crescent lift on the right?

In a perfect world, it would be great to have the data: Previous operative report, implant registration with manufacturer, type, style, and size/fill of implant. Unfortunately, we often can not get this information.
We need to start with adressing the main concerns of the patient. What do they not like about their previous result - size change, shape, feel, ripples. Based on the changes we need to attempt to correct one can guide you to where you want to be. Choose an experienced board certified plastic surgeon that you feel comfortable with and talk about your options.

Hello - I would recommend obtaining your chart from the plastic surgeon who placed your implants. This record will have what kind of implants you have and what size. It will also have the operative notes which are very helpful for the surgeon doing your revision. If you can't get your chart, contact the hospital where your surgery was performed for your records. Finally, if you have the plastic identification card that came with your implants this will also have some helpful information.

From your descriptions, it sounds as if you are developing or have developed some degree of capsular contractrure.  This is contracture and tightening of the capsule that surrounds your implant.  It can result in breast asymmetry following displacement of the implant.  If this continues, you may need a procedure known as capsulectomy and implant exchange.

It is nice to have previous surgical information but it is not necessary. Go see a board certified plastic surgeon who has experience with revisionary breast surgery and most likely they can discuss options with you even without your previous  surgical information.

From looking at the photo and reading your description you most likely have a capsular contracture which is changing the shape of your breast and making it harder.
What I recommend is to find a board-certified plastic surgeon in your community and go in for a consultation. You may even want to get several opinions. The key is to feel comfortable with your surgeon as you want a good long term relationship in case you need more surgery down the line.

Hope that helps and good luck!

Dr. Babak Dadvand

When receiving a breast implant exchange by another plastic surgeon, ideally you should have the operative report of the original plastic surgeon as well as the model and serial number of your implants. At the time of your original breast augmentation, you should have received a card that listed the model number and serial number of your implants. If it is still available you should contact your original plastic surgeon and see if you can obtain an operative report of this surgery. Although it is not critical it will provide helpful information to your second plastic surgeon
 

It si always helpful to have the prior surgeon's notes if that is possible. Most likely at 14 years they are not available. Find a good plastic surgeon who will do a thorough exam and review the options with you.