What should I do? My surgeon implanted sizers instead of implants.

Question

At my 1 month follow up appointment today, I learned that my very well-qualified surgeon, with multiple board certifications, made a mistake during my lift/augmentation. I was his first Motiva patient and he accidentally implanted the sizers instead of the actual implant devices into my body. I’m currently working on healing a t junction breakdown in one breast. He said he can exchange them for the correct implants when this heals or up to a year from now. That I don’t have to do general anesthesia again and can do twilight anesthesia with propofol instead, that it will be a small incision, maybe 3 inches tops, slip the sizer out and same size (or whichever I choose, yes, same) 275 cc back in and will perform a scar revision also at that time. I’m devastated. Devastated to have non-FDA approved, temporary and disposable items inside my body instead of the ones I specifically chose for their better safety profile. Devastated to have to undergo surgery and the healing process again, though he assures me it will be far easier and maybe 4 weeks of downtime. The travel and expense of it all again, the loss of work. I want to be fair to the doctor but I don’t know what that looks like. My family says I need an attorney and a second opinion. I want to be gracious but also protect myself. How soon recommend to your patients to exchange the implants? Should I switch drs? Is twighlight sufficient? Please Help.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

This is almost unbelievable. Crazy things can happen in surgery but leaving in an implant sizer just seems careless. I would reach out to the manufacturer directly and get advice to them as they are also on the hook in this case, not only your surgeon. I think the good thing is that, while the sizer is not meant to be a permanent device, there is nothing "dangerous" about it. Once you heal from surgery, I would assume to would be reasonable to go back in and remove the sizer and replace it with the final implant. If your surgeon is legitimate and made an honest mistake, I am sure he or she feels horrible about it....we are, after all, human. I would assume they are providing you the revision surgery at no cost? In the end, what you choose to do is up to you. Could you hire an attorney and pursue a legal claim? Possibly. But does that help your situation? I am not so sure. If you have a good relationship with your surgeon, that would surely sour it. Wishing you the best!
Dallas Buchanan, MD
VIVIFY plastic surgery
Tampa, FL

Robert M. Lowen, MD · Answer

The sizers are sterile and inert and not causing any harm.  I agree that a simple exchange will solve the problem, after your incisions are healed.  I do everything under general anesthesia so I cannnot comment on doing it under IV sedation, either one should be sufficient as long as you have a qualified anesthesia provider.
   This is unfortunate, doctors do make mistakes, but if you are patient, this should end up as good as it would have been.
    Sounds like emotional reaction is the most distressing part to you,  so managing that until your implants are placed would most important for your mental health.  
    You can always get a second opinion for reassurance.

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What should I do? My surgeon implanted sizers instead of implants.

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BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL PROVIDERS NEAR YOU