Breast implant removal and replacement

Question

I just started looking for a plastic surgeon to perform removal and replacement on m implants that are 14 years old. I read that Mentor has a lifetime warranty on all implants that have a rupture (implant cost only). I saw a plastic surgeon yesterday who didn’t seem to want to hear any of it and said I would have to call Mentor. Any thoughts on this? Advice? I’d like to replace my implants either way and don’t want to waste time.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

If Mentor only covers implants that have ruptured then you have to have documentation and a diagnosis of a rupture. If you think you have a rupture then you will need an ultrasound or MRI scan to document so Mentor will cover. Otherwise, you will be responsible for the cost of the replacement implants. Unfortunately, you have not provided photographs or told us your bra size. You may need a lift as well as replacing the implants.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

Every implant company (Mentor, Allergan, Sientra) offer a lifetime implant warranty. What this means is that the company will provide you with a set of implants at no charge as long as there is a documented rupture of one of both implants. If you have you implant card it is easy for the plastic surgery practice to open up a claim (we do this for our patients all the time) and get everything set up. If you don't have your implant information, it will still not be an issue as long as we have the first and last name of the patient that was used during the implant surgery and the date of the surgery also helps but not entirely necessary. But the caveat in all this is that for the implant company to cover the cost of the implants, you would have to have a rupture. If you simply are looking to change out implants and your implants are intact, Mentor would not cover the cost. Either way the plastic surgery practice should take care of the paperwork/legwork required to get a claim open.

Hope that helps.

Hope that helps.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Since your implants are over 10 years old, Mentor only covers the cost of implants when replacing ruptured implants. The surgical fees, operating room fees, and anesthesia fees are not covered. If your implants are not ruptured, you will be responsible for all the costs.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Ultimately, the implant issue is an issue between you and Mentor in regards to warranty esp if that surgeon didn’t do your original procedure. 
I would think a surgeon would want to help. They are typically not making money selling implants but rather the the service of the placement or replacement. 
You should have documentation of rupture to make a claim. For silicone implant rupture an MRI is the most accurate but can still have both false positive and negative results. 
If you’re not happy with that surgeon, then consult with a few other providers.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Breast implant removal and replacement

Answers (4)

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