What Happens to Implants That Are Removed?

Question

I'm doing a research paper for college and was wondering what happened to the discarded implants, or fat, or anything for that matter. What happens to the stuff that no one wants before or after plastic surgery?

Lu-Jean Feng, MD · Answer

As part of our standard protocol we must send anything that is removed from the body, including implants, capsules, any suspicious cysts or tumors found in the breast tissue or any cells which appear to be pre-cancerous to pathology to be evaluated. To not do so would be negligence on our part and certainly not looking out in the best interest of the patient. We need to know whether there is any strange bacteria or fungus that the patient should be treated for, or if there is cancer present.Once this material is thoroughly checked, then the patient may have the implants/tissue released. Please remember that once the implants are removed from the body, they are classified as hazardous material and special precautions must be made. Unrequested specimens are disposed of after a period of time by our pathology lab, according to federal and state standards. Unless there is a specific request from the patient, we do not request specimens back to be returned to implant manufacturers. I hope this helps.

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

Many times, the tissue and implants are sent to pathology for assessment and proper discarding of bodily tissues and materials.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

In most instances tissue specimens are sent to pathology for evaluation and subseqeuntly incinerated to dispose of the material. However, devices such as implants may be cleansed and returned to the patient or sent to the pathologist for a confirmatory report.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

In most cases, the implants are sent to the pathology lab, along with any tissue for analysis and reporting.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Most often discarded implants or anything else removed during surgery is removed by medical waste companies who usually incinerate these substances.  Sometimes breast implants are returned to the manufacturer to evaluate the cause of leak etc.

	I hope this helps.

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What Happens to Implants That Are Removed?

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