How long can I leave a deflated implant in and can the other one be intentionally deflated?

Question

One of my breast implants has deflated. I am still under the 10 years the warranty covers, however I am having the hardest time locating the information on my implants. My doctor no longer has my records and due to various moves I have lost the card that was given to me at time of implant. My question is, can I just leave the deflated implant in until I can financially afford to have them replaced which could be a year from now? Also, is there any other way to locate my implant information?

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

You do not actually have to be in possession of your documents. If you don't even know which manufacturer was used, that can be found out at surgery.  Say you know nothing except the actual date of your surgery.  You have surgery, the implants are removed.  They have identifying information on the implant. Then the deflation is reported to the appropriate manufacturer.  Then they send implants to replace the ones that were put in and send you a check to cover the anesthesia and operating room.  They will also know if you have the extended warranty that contributes to the cost of the surgeon's fees.

John J. O'Brien, MD · Answer

Hello, and thank you for this question. I would recommend you seek out a qualified board certified plastic surgeon in your area. They can certainly help you with some of these questions. You can also document that you had this deflation while you are in the warranty time frame. It would not be unreasonable to consider a deflation of the opposite side. This may allow both skin envelopes to contract as you await an additional procedure.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Failure of a saline implant does not produce a timetable for its removal. It can be left in indefinitely if this works for the patient.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

It may be that the manufacturer has information that either you or your surgeon may have sent in relation to the warranty.  The two companies to contact are Mentor and Allergan. The replacement procedure is much simpler if done within a week or so after the deflation is noted.  After that the capsule begins to shrink and the procedure become more complex.  Other than that there are no ill effects likely if you leave it in place for a while.  A surgeon can deflate the other implant if you are anticipating a long delay.  But that will be an automatic bilateral surgery, and your warranty may not replace the second implant.  Best wishes.

John A. Millard, MD, FACS · Answer

There is no real immediate danger to leaving a deflated breast implant in, though, the ten year warranty may make you want to get moving on its replacement.  There is a chance that the manufacturer also might have your implant information in there data base.  I would suggest calling the manufacturer.  It is more than likely either Mentor or Inamed.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, you may leave a deflated in until you are ready for surgery. You may find the "corners" somewhat irritating. You could also elect to have the implant removed under local in the office--a minor procedure. Once removed, the surgeon could get a possible size of your implant by looking at it. If you purchased the extended warranty from your implant company, you could contact them for information--Mentor or Allergan. Those were the only companies selling implants in the US then.

How long can I leave a deflated implant in and can the other one be intentionally deflated?

Answers (6)

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