Anyway to find out what implant I have 17/18 years ago? (Photo)

Question

My implants were put in 17 to 18 years ago my surgeon no longer has my file. I really would like to know what type of implant is in my body before I can commit to a different implant shape or size. But my surgery was so long ago and my surgeons office said they would no longer have my file she did list two or three companies or manufacturers that the doctor was using at that time. Is there anyway to find out what is in me currently and possibly the CC amount?

Vinod Chopra, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question! The plastic surgeon should have given you a patient identification card. A patient identification card contains information such as the manufacturer of the implant, the style and the serial number. If you do not have this card in your possession, another option you may have is to directly reach out to each company that was given to you. Silicone and saline implants are typically registered under your name, birth date, and social security with the make of the company. Unfortunately without this card, there is not much that one can do to find out which implant was used on you 17/18 years ago. The only option you would have at this point is to have your plastic surgeon remove your breast implants during surgery. I hope this information is useful! Thank you!

Donald R. Revis Jr, MD · Answer

If your augmentation was just a straight first time augmentation prior to November 2006, then you have saline implants- could be Mentor or McGhan (aka Inamed aka Allergan). I can usually guess within 50cc or so by examining a patient. If your surgery was done at a hospital there may be an op note. If your surgery was in someone's private office, then the records sound like they are gone. This comes up with regularity because I perform so many revisions. When we don't know, and I can guess pretty close, we come up with an algorithm like this- let's add 200cc, so if you have 400cc I'm going to put in 600cc. Then I being a wide array of options to the O.R., remove your old implants, measure them, and then select your new implants. I would say this occurs in 20% of my patients who cannot find their old records.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

It is possible that the implant manufacturer will have a record if your surgeon registered them for the warranty. Another simple thing to do is to have an ultrasound to determine whether they are saline or silicone; it is likely that they are saline because silicone implants were approved in 2006. If they are saline, then you could have a percutaneous deflation which would determine the volume.

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

Your surgeon probably only keeps records for the required 7 years.  You might try the surgery center where your implants were done.  In most of these cases, the volume will be on the implant when it is removed.  If not your surgeon could do a water displacement test to determine the volume.  For the removal and replacement you can change your implant volume and/or type and make any necessary adjustment to the implant pocket.

Kristen Aliano Messina, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! You may need to contact the surgery center or hospital at which the procedure was performed. They may have the records. I would also recommend reaching out to the manufacturers.

Anyway to find out what implant I have 17/18 years ago? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Implant

Answer: Implant

Answer: Implant Information

Answer: Implant Information

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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Anyway to find out what implant I have 17/18 years ago? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Implant

Answer: Implant

Answer: Implant Information

Answer: Implant Information

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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