How common is it for plastic surgeons to shred breast implant patient's records?

Question

What happens if there is problem and you misplaced your implant identification card? Is there any record of it? Do doctor's provide your information to the implant manufacturer? How would implant companies contact you regarding recalls?

Frank Agullo, MD · Answer

A record of the implant model and serial number is usually given to the patient, recorded in the surgeon’s medical chart, and in the surgery center’s or hospital’s chart. A form is also sent to the implant manufacturer with your information and the implant information. You can contact any of these sources for the information. Depending on your state, medical records are only kept for a certain amount of time by your doctor and surgery center. If the implant manufacturer cannot provide you with the information directly, you could ask your doctor to request it.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question. Your surgeon should have your operative and implant information in your chart. Each implant comes with an information card that has specifics regarding your implant which we give patients and information in which we document into their charts. Please contact your surgeon.

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. Records are generally archived for seven years from the date of surgery, but this policy may vary from surgeon to surgeon.

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Unless your plastic surgeon has electronic medical records, your implant information and other health records are often destroyed after several years. I would seek consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon for a full evaluation and advice. Best,
Pejman Aflaki, M.D.                                            
Johns Hopkins-trained double board-certified plastic surgeon

Samuel Rhee, MD · Answer

7 years is generally the length of time legally mandated for surgeons to maintain medical records. For silicone implants, surgeons report specific information about the implants to the manufacturer. If you know the implant manufacturer, you can try to reach out to them to see if they have your report on file. Good luck!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question. Most states require practices to maintain patient records for 7 years after which they can shred any paperwork.  With the development of EMRs this will likely stop being the case moving forwards.  As for your records your surgeons office may have kept a copy in their office, or each typically requires enrolling with the manufacturer to know the serial number of the implant used.  Ultimately if you are having any issues with your implants, be seen in consultation to determine if a work-up is needed. Hope this helps.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Only Natrelle textured implants were recalled. Unless you received a highly cohesive shaped Natrelle implant, an unlikely event because they were widely unpopular in the US, or a round textured implant (also unpopular in the US), you don’t have to worry. Records should be kept for at least 7 years.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Doctors are legally required to keep patient records for a certain amount of time. It’s seven years in California. Some surgeon keep them permanently if the patient has implants. You would think the implant manufacturers would have records on who got which implants and you could find out from them. Surprisingly they don’t and I have no idea why. They must not be required to do it.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear agourasue,
every plastic surgeon keeps records for at least seven years. It is easiest to contact your plastic surgeon and ask for information. 
Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

Every implant is associated with a patient.  When an implant is placed the manufacturer will have record of what was placed.  In cases of saline implants, the manufacturer will not record how much was put in the implant.We are required to keep medical records for 7 years.  Most surgeon will not have record after 7 years.I always recommend to my patients to place the card in a safe place so that they can come back to it in the future if needed.Hope that helps.

How common is it for plastic surgeons to shred breast implant patient's records?

Answers (15)

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