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Will Aetna pay for the removal of ruptured silicone implants? What health problems could silicone cause?

perelloFeb 13, 2018
I had breast cancer in 2000- mastectomy both breasts. I have had silicone reconstruction. Since then I have had implant surgery three times with silicone due to ruptures. In 2014 was my last surgery. I have golf ball size lumps under arm n are painful n other parts of body sore went to dr n had ultrasound n said was silicone ruptured. Will Aetna cover my surgery to remove not replace Thank you

Answers (7)

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Michael Zwicklbauer, MD, FACS profile photo
Dr. Michael Zwicklbauer, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
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Answered on Feb 17, 2018
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Anthony A. Admire, MD, FACS profile photo
Dr. Anthony A. Admire, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
4.8 | 138 Reviews
Answered on Feb 19, 2018
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Dr. Camille Cash, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Feb 19, 2018
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Dr. Benjamin J. Cousins, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Feb 19, 2018
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Dr. Scott Thellman, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Feb 18, 2018
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Dr. Kelly Killeen, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Feb 16, 2018
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Dr. Robert Whitfield, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Feb 16, 2018
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Camille Cash, MD

I'm sorry you are not feeling well after your surgery.  It's not possible to say whether the symptoms you are experiencing are related to your implant or another cause.  I recommend contacting your surgeon to discuss the situation further as it's important that infection be addressed if present.

+4 answers
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Gary M. Horndeski, MD

You feel uncomfortable with the implants and want them removed.  However, after the implants are removed, your breast skin may hang.  One alternative is to have the implants ruptured.  This can be done at minimal cost under local anesthesia in the office.  This will give you an idea of what you...

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Camille Cash, MD

At times not all of the capsule can be removed. If the capsule if very thin as yours was described to be, it may be too risky to attempt further removal. There is still much we are learning about BII. There is no way to guarantee that removing all, part, or none of the capsule will impact...

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L. Dwight Baker, MD (retired)

For the type of explantation you describe here, general anesthesia would certainly be best for you.  To remove implants and surgically treat a Grade IV capsule, general anesthesia is far safer and more comfortable for you.  It should also decrease your surgical time which is another safety be...

+8 answers
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Camille Cash, MD

What you are hearing is likely fluid that is accumulating as a result of the surgery.  The body typically resorbs the fluid on its own.  If you do not notice an improvement or actually see the breast swelling, contact your surgeon for an examination.

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Ross Blagg, MD

Hello,I would recommend giving it at least 3 months from surgery as breasts tend to round out on the bottom more and so that top part should get better. After that, you can discuss possible revision that might include removing some skin. Be sure to keep the conversation with your surgeon.All the...

+3 answers
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