Breast augmentation record retention?

Question

I had breast augmentation back in 2010. Since then, one of my implants has deflated. I called the manufacturer of them implant and they said I had options but it was all dependent on if my surgeons office has the serial numbers and could confirm the manufacturer. How long does the surgeons office have to keep their records and would they have the serial number and manufacturer of the implants?

Eric Schaffer, MD, FACS · Answer

I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing a deflated implant.  To answer your question regarding how long Doctors are required to keep your chart information is 7 years from your last visit.  Many surgeons will keep the serial number and implant information for patients longer, you would have to check with your implanting surgeon.  If you may be able to contact the surgical facility you used for your surgery to obtain a copy of your operative report which will have the implant information.  Lastly, you could have your surgery to replace the deflated implant and once it is removed it can be identified by the manufacturer which can then be sent in for evaluation and hopefully some reimbursement for you.  Good luck.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

My practice documents in each patient record the implant manufacturer name, number of CCs, date of implant insertion, and serial number. This information is used should an implant require removal and replacement.  The staff at the plastic surgeon's office that performed your breast augmentation should be able to give you a copy of this information.Records are generally archived for seven years from the date of surgery, but this policy may vary from surgeon to surgeon.   Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

In general doctors offices are required to keep the health information for 7 years from the last date of the medical service.  However, usually implant information is given to the patient the day of surgery in the form of a card resembling a credit card.If your doctor doesn't have the information, any other physician you see can get the information for you from the implant manufacturer.Hope that helps.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear jenny_1980,your record should contain the serial number of your implants and manufacturer. But every plastic surgery office has a different policy so it would be the best to get in touch with your plastic surgeon and check it. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Francisco Canales, MD · Answer

In general, 7 years is about right. However, we do a lot of secondary surgery where the patient does not have access to their records or their surgery was 20 + years ago. We use the remaining intact saline implant as a guide in surgery.  Does the patient want to be the same, smaller or bigger.  Choose your board-certified plastic surgeon carefully and make sure they have plenty of experience with replacment of deflated implants. Best wishes.

Breast augmentation record retention?

Answers (6)

Answer: Serial number of breast implant

Answer: Serial number of breast implant

Answer: Records of Breast augmentation

Answer: Records of Breast augmentation

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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Breast augmentation record retention?

Answers (6)

Answer: Serial number of breast implant

Answer: Serial number of breast implant

Answer: Records of Breast augmentation

Answer: Records of Breast augmentation

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.