Breast augmentation is a procedure that requires the use of a synthetic breast implant to create a bigger breast. Breast augmentation is one of the few plastic surgery procedures where the device (implant) is responsible for the entire result. But like all medical devices it may fail and the breast augmentation result will be changed. This is most evident with the use of saline breast implants where implant failure results in a deflation or flattening of the overlying breast.
The manufacturers of breast implants are well aware of this potential concern and have addressed for some time patients and plastic surgeons concern about it. Manufacturers offer several warranties on their breast implant products. Yes, like a refrigerator or a TV, breast implants have warranties. Understand that these warranties are provided by the manufacturer not the implanting plastic surgeon.
The basic warranty (no additional cost) that comes with every breast implant inserted is a lifetime replacement guarantee. Should the breast implant ever fail throughout your lifetime, the manufacturer will provide a replacement breast implant for free. Understand that the implant may be for free but the costs to insert it is your responsibility. As part of this basic warranty, implant failure in the first ten years after placement is backed by not only a free pair of mplants but $3,600 towards the cost of replacement surgery. There are some variations in this amount of money based on the specific manufacturer.
Over the years, competition between the breast implant manufacturers has led to an ever increasing length of these implant warranties. What originally was only a year’s duration has risen to 10 years of implant replacement with some financial compensation. It is likely in the near future that these warranty lengths will decrease as the cost of servicing them is significant.
Also be aware that these breast implant warranties can be invalid if any revisional surgery is done that involves exposure or manipulation of the implant such as breast implant repositioning due to asymmetry.
For those who are considering or have had breast implants, go to the manufacturers websites (Allergan, J& J/Mentor and Sientra) to verify the details of these warranties.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana