I am almost 99 percent sure they are the dow textured polyurethane. Is a breast reconstruction Plastic Surgeon a good choice for this surgery. My insurance will cover the expense and this is the only board certified plastic surgeon that my insurance will let me go with. She said she has seen this one time in her career. I will private pay if I am better off going to someone who does Explant surgery like this.
Answer: Removing calcified polyurethane implants With the old polyurethanes, the whole capsule should come out. The product is in the capsule itself and you will have recurrent contracture with your new implants if the PS does not remove the capsule as well. That being said, make sure your PS is very experienced with capsulectomy (doesn't have to be specifically for this type of implant). Often they take some breast tissue with the implant, leaving divots and signs of surgery. The good ones though will be able to remove just the capsule without extra tissue. If you have good insurance, many plastic surgeons will take your insurance even if they are out of network. I know in our center we find that the good group plans often fully cover the OR, surgeon's, and anesthesia fees. The insurance won't cover replacement implants though usually!
Helpful
Answer: Removing calcified polyurethane implants With the old polyurethanes, the whole capsule should come out. The product is in the capsule itself and you will have recurrent contracture with your new implants if the PS does not remove the capsule as well. That being said, make sure your PS is very experienced with capsulectomy (doesn't have to be specifically for this type of implant). Often they take some breast tissue with the implant, leaving divots and signs of surgery. The good ones though will be able to remove just the capsule without extra tissue. If you have good insurance, many plastic surgeons will take your insurance even if they are out of network. I know in our center we find that the good group plans often fully cover the OR, surgeon's, and anesthesia fees. The insurance won't cover replacement implants though usually!
Helpful
April 17, 2018
Answer: Old Gel Implants, Calcified Capsules, Surgeon Experience The long-term fate of many gel implants, including polyurethane covered ones, is hard calcified capsular contracture. This is much less common with saline implants. The treatment is complete capsulectomy and removal of implant shell and silicone fill material. Many insurance companies will only cover treatment if the original implant surgery was done for breast reconstruction rather than a cosmetic procedure. It is nice that your insurance will help you with these expenses. You and your plastic surgeon then need to consider what else you will have done. Will you simply replace the implant? Will you now choose a saline filled implant, or go back to silicone gel? Will the surgeon chose a new pocket (perhaps convert subglandular to subpectoral)? Will you need a mastopexy (breast lift)? How will you plan for the future? After you discuss these and other questions with your recommended plastic surgeon, you should have a better idea whether to proceed or speak with additional out-of-network plastic surgeons. Take you time with your decision. Other consultations may help you decide.
Helpful
April 17, 2018
Answer: Old Gel Implants, Calcified Capsules, Surgeon Experience The long-term fate of many gel implants, including polyurethane covered ones, is hard calcified capsular contracture. This is much less common with saline implants. The treatment is complete capsulectomy and removal of implant shell and silicone fill material. Many insurance companies will only cover treatment if the original implant surgery was done for breast reconstruction rather than a cosmetic procedure. It is nice that your insurance will help you with these expenses. You and your plastic surgeon then need to consider what else you will have done. Will you simply replace the implant? Will you now choose a saline filled implant, or go back to silicone gel? Will the surgeon chose a new pocket (perhaps convert subglandular to subpectoral)? Will you need a mastopexy (breast lift)? How will you plan for the future? After you discuss these and other questions with your recommended plastic surgeon, you should have a better idea whether to proceed or speak with additional out-of-network plastic surgeons. Take you time with your decision. Other consultations may help you decide.
Helpful
