Implants are fallible objects. They don’t last forever. I got a call at my office today, and it inspired me to write this blog. When implants leak it doesn’t tend to be a fireworks and excitement kind of thing. It can be a rapid change or a slow one, where you wonder, “Does it look different?” Sometimes a leak is something seen on mammogram or MRI. and you didn’t notice a thing.
So what do you need to do?
FIRST: Breathe.
An implant leaking is not a 911 emergency. It is something you want to fix soon, so you don’t go around lopsided, but you will be fine. Call your plastic surgeon and make an appointment. This is something you want to fix in the order of weeks if possible, but it doesn’t usually mandate you go into surgery tomorrow.
SECOND: Get a copy of your operation report or have your implant card.
If you have the information on hand, awesome. If you don’t, you want to get the information because it will help your operating doctor know exactly what you have: brand, size, width, projection. If it is within 10 years, you may still be under warranty, which could defray the costs of surgery and a new implant.
THIRD: What to do if you don’t have the operation report or implant card.
If you can’t even remember your surgeon’s name, where you had it done, or what size it is, please remember my first piece of advice (breathe). There are ways you may get the information still.
The surgery center you had the surgery at may have your record. Even if the doctor has moved or retired, many of the surgery centers will still have the operation report.
If you can’t remember or they don’t have the record, we the surgeon send in a card when we implant your breast implants. We send this card to the company to register the implant. Most implants are one of two brands: MENTOR or ALLERGAN (inamed / McGhan / Allergan / Natrelle is all the same brand). Call them and give them your name. They can look up your information.
MENTOR : 1 800 235 5731
ALLERGAN: 1 800 433 8871
FOURTH: Think about what you want.
It is no fun to have to do another surgery, but it is an opportunity. Were you happy with everything?
Did you want to change the size? The width? Did your breasts feel even or was one bigger or smaller than the other? Do you like the type of implant? (change silicone gel to saline? saline to gel?) How about the kind of implant (anatomic gel shaped implant to a round one? or vice versa?) Do you have issues with ripples and wrinkles? The feel? The position of the implant? Has the implant migrated out into the armpit? down on the chest? Do you need a lift? Do you want them out altogether?
FIFTH: Timing of the next surgery
Again, it tends not to be a 911 emergency, but you want to fix it sooner instead of later. This surgery tends to be a lot easier and less painful than the first surgery, so the recovery tends to be faster. Some of my patients just take Tylenol after this surgery. My issue with these patients tends to be keeping people from being too active. (ahem. ahem my Bay Area over achieving super athletic women who can’t sit still.)
And remember to go back to step ONE.