Risks to having a deflated saline implant remain in body? Can Mentor 2005 lifetime warranty apply to 2001/2002 implants? (photo)

Question

I had Breast Augmentation with a Mentor Saline implant in 2001/2002. I paid for the addt'l upgraded warranty for them. Warranty extended for 10 years. In 2005 Mentor included lifetime warranty for replacement of implants. One of my implants ruptured. Pain from plug rubbing on my ribs. Need Mentor to include my ruptured implant in the lifetime warranty. Concerned re: ruptured implant remaining in breast, risk of molds etc? Removal medically necessary, ins. denied.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

To my knowledge, there is no risk to your health in leaving a ruptured implant in.  The implant pocket may shrink and make your reconstruction later slightly more challenging though.Sheila Nazarian

Beverly Hills

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

The only risk I can speculate on is if you start appreciating a pointy edge that gets more prominent with time as it could potentially extrude.  The shell itself is inert and the saline supposedly sterile when placed will remain sterile.  As for replacement, you could see your surgeon or contact Mentor directly.  This is where a good relationship with your rep can help get a replacement implant (that is all you would get from your warranty) if your warranty is expired.  You will still have the other costs of the operation such as surgeon fees, facility fees, and anesthesia fees.  If you can't afford it now, you could consider intentionally deflating your full side so you're back to symmetry or find an enhancer that allows you to look symmetrical in your clothes.

Michael Zarrabi, MD · Answer

There  shouldn't be a problem leaving a saline implant in your body that has deflated.   Mentor offers a lifetime warranty for your implants.   Although at this point they will not give you any money towards surgery, they will give you a replacement implant. The best option is to contact mentor directly and discuss your situation.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo and I would go on consults with experts in your area that use Mentor implants and have them contact Mentor for you and start the process of replacementDr Corbin

Charles V. Pledger, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

In all my years of practice there's been no health risk with leaving saline implants in.  There shouldn't be any chance of mold growing since the fluid is the same as your own body fluid.  Once the implant has deflated the pocket can start to shrink making it harder for the surgeon and patient when it is replaced.

Risks to having a deflated saline implant remain in body? Can Mentor 2005 lifetime warranty apply to 2001/2002 implants? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Deflation

Answer: Deflation

Answer: Leaving ruptured implant

Answer: Leaving ruptured implant

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mentor Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Risks to having a deflated saline implant remain in body? Can Mentor 2005 lifetime warranty apply to 2001/2002 implants? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Deflation

Answer: Deflation

Answer: Leaving ruptured implant

Answer: Leaving ruptured implant

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mentor Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.