Is It Possible to Check What Type of an Implant You Have when It is Already Inside?

In most cases there is no need to do any type of surgical procedure to find out what types of implants were used for your previous breast augmentation. Typically that information is recorded in your patient’s chart at your surgeon’s office. Every device of this kind comes with a serial and tracking number. The silicone implants are also registered under your name, birth date and social security number with the make company. Maybe you remember the brand name. It can be easily found. It is a little bit harder to track the saline device, but still you should be able to find your medical records. Every patient gets an implant card with all the information that should be kept safe for the future reference.

   Implant records are kept by the surgeon's office in your chart and should be able to sort this out.  Kenneth Hughes, MD breast implants Los Angeles, CA

The implant type has to be kept in the medical record where it was performed. Also the implant company keeps record of implant size. Otherwise an x-ray such as ultrasound mammogram or mri can help.

Unfortunately, as time goes on it is often difficult for patients to remember the specifics of the type of breast augmentation surgery and implants that they had.  Your are not alone!  The easiest way to determine what type of implant you had is to request a copy of the operative report from either the hospital, surgery center or your surgeon's office.  The implant specifics are recorded on this document.  Your office record also includes this information.  If it has been over ten years since your procedure, sometimes these records are no longer available.  Ultrasound or MRI can help to answer this question but it is an expensive way to solve the mystery and not an indication for these procedures.  If you registered your implants with the manufacturer at the time of surgery, the company will have a record of this information.  Fortunately, this inforation is not absoltely critical to your health unless you are having a problem with your implants.  Your surgeon can often develop a reasonable treatment plan even without this information.  I would strongly recommend that you register your implants and purchase the affordable insurance program if you have surgery again.  These programs are helpful in storing vital information regarding your implant type, size, filler, model and lot number.  Should there be a recall or long term problem requiring additional surgery, this information is readily available.  There is often also some fiancial support to offset costs.  Investigate the options available by contacting your surgeon or the implant manufacturer's websites.

If your surgery was performed in the recent past, your surgeon should have that information in your chart. The implant company may have it as well.

Thank you for the question.

A variety of x-ray modalities are available that can differentiate saline versus silicone breast implants.  Ultrasound, mammography, and MRI studies may be helpful.

 Hope this helps.

I am not sure exactly what you mean by type of implant (silicone vs saline?).  Regardless, the best way to find out is to request a copy of your operative report.  I, and most BC plastic surgeons, will dictate the model/serial numbers.  You should also receive a tracking card which contains this information.