My implants are 32-33 years old. What can I do? Will insurance typically cover something of this nature?

You might be a great case study for the breast implant company whose implants you have had for 32-33 years with no issues!  It's time to reward yourself with one of the newer breast implants and probably have a breast lift at the same time.  Unfortunately, your health insurance is unlikely to cover the cost of explantation, breast implants, or breast lift as all three are considered cosmetic. Consult with a ABPS certified PS in your area to discuss the best plan ahead for you to achieve your ultimate goals.

Insurance does not cover explantation.  If your nipples are pointing down then explantation alone will not be enough.  You will need a simultaneous lift and the technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method.  The implants are removed, your breast tissue is reshaped creating upper pole fullness, elevated higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage.  Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation and the ability to breast feed are maintained.  At the same time or later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Hello!You should have your implants removed. You can replace them. You can do a breastlift with or without implant replacement. Or you can just remove the implants only and return for later procedure if you desire to do one. Multiple options. Insurance might pay for implant removal. You will need to see a board certified plastic surgeon (you can find one at plasticsurgery.org) who may review all your options and who may be able to help you understand if insurance might cover the implant removal. You can also check with your insurer.

If your implants were placed for Aesthetic reasons- insurance will not cover any revision surgery associated with implant replacement/ or removal. I suggest that you seek an experienced Board Certified PS, preferably a member of American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery- for in person evaluation.

Thank you for your questions. With implants that old, I would certainly recommend having them evaluated with a study such as an MRI to examine the integrity of the implant and look for signs of rupture or damage. If there are no signs of damage and you are happy with the implants, then you technically do not have to do anything at all. But it sounds like you are interested in having them removed. If the implants were placed for an elective/cosmetic indication, then insurance is not going to be able to help you. If they were placed for something like reconstruction from breast cancer, then it might fall under insurance coverage. More often that not, insurance denies these types of cases. If that happens, then I suggest you see a local plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery to discuss your options.Best of luck!Dallas R. Buchanan, MD, FACSOwner & Board-Certified Plastic SurgeonVIVIFY plastic surgery

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  Assuming your implants were placed for aesthetic reasons insurance will not cover their removal or the breast lift that your narrative seems to allude to in order to maximize your breast appearance.  I would recommend seeing a series of ASPS board certified plastic surgeons in consultation to discuss your goals and to receive treatment options.  Hope this helps.

Based on the information you provided you should consider having your implants removed.  It will likely be recommended that you have a lift if your nipples are in the position you described.  Unless your implants were placed for medical necessity, it is unlikely that your insurance will cover the procedure.