I have heard, "Nothing is covered after 10 years!" Is that right? Why? Isn't it true that the longer you have them, the more likely they are to be ruptured? They didn't tell you they needed to be removed back in the 90's. Isn't it admitting that implants break down and are not expected to last beyond 10 yrs if they place the burden of a deadline on you, the pt, to properly care for them by having them removed before year 10? What about covering patients from before that data was made known?
January 27, 2015
Answer: All valid concerns; however, there is not a routine exchange for implants at 10 years. As a coinvestigator for my entire plastic surgical career, there has never been "routine maintenance" for implant removal. All is not known with breast implants; however, what is known is that there are extensive studies for these medical devices. I have recommended them to relatives as well as patients and understand the risks (as there are with any device-medical and nonmedical). Warranties have improved greatly and the best in my opinion, is that from Sientra. It is disappointing anytime there is a deflation, but these are usually uncomplicated and can be treated with removal or exchange. Removal of both devices is also offered and discussed. It ultimately falls on the individual and a vocalized understanding of the risks, and benefits. Breast augmentation with implants is the most satisfying procedure in our practice. With regards as to coverage prior to information known, is part of the reason why the FDA placed a moratorium on first time breast augmentation patients from 1992-2006.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
January 27, 2015
Answer: All valid concerns; however, there is not a routine exchange for implants at 10 years. As a coinvestigator for my entire plastic surgical career, there has never been "routine maintenance" for implant removal. All is not known with breast implants; however, what is known is that there are extensive studies for these medical devices. I have recommended them to relatives as well as patients and understand the risks (as there are with any device-medical and nonmedical). Warranties have improved greatly and the best in my opinion, is that from Sientra. It is disappointing anytime there is a deflation, but these are usually uncomplicated and can be treated with removal or exchange. Removal of both devices is also offered and discussed. It ultimately falls on the individual and a vocalized understanding of the risks, and benefits. Breast augmentation with implants is the most satisfying procedure in our practice. With regards as to coverage prior to information known, is part of the reason why the FDA placed a moratorium on first time breast augmentation patients from 1992-2006.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
Answer: Old Ruptured McGhan Silicone Implants The Allergan rep happened to be in my office as I am writing this. He called the Allergan home office for this answer. McGhan was bought by Inamed and is now owned by Allergan (Allergan now being bought by Actavis). The Dow Corning global settlement in 1997 prohibits all implant manufacturers from giving any financial assistance or implants for implants placed prior to October 1, 1997. However, if you see a plastic surgeon who performs a fair number of implants they may be able to get you a discount.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
Answer: Old Ruptured McGhan Silicone Implants The Allergan rep happened to be in my office as I am writing this. He called the Allergan home office for this answer. McGhan was bought by Inamed and is now owned by Allergan (Allergan now being bought by Actavis). The Dow Corning global settlement in 1997 prohibits all implant manufacturers from giving any financial assistance or implants for implants placed prior to October 1, 1997. However, if you see a plastic surgeon who performs a fair number of implants they may be able to get you a discount.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
