Topic: possible implant rupture

I have to wonder if they implants were nicked or damaged when he first put them in.  I don't care how physical your job is, they are supposed to last longer than that!

Are they under warranty?  

Hi, Rose:  Yes, they are under warranty, I think for five years.  I did not get the extended warranty.  I was thinking the same thing or they were "damaged goods" when they went in.  Maybe the ps is wondering that too.  I was the last surgery for that day and felt a bit rushed, especially in recovery.  He says there is no guaranteed way to know for sure of a rupture without going back in.  Even an MRI would be a 50-50 shot.  Maybe I think too much, but it did concern me a bit when I called the next day and they had already contacted Mentor, their insurance company and mine.  Don't get me wrong - I really like my ps and think he is quite capable and has my interest at heart.  But, I also know business is business.  I have asked that he contact Mentor and find out when and where the implants were made.  I have heard of implants sitting on shelves for years before use.  There I go again - thinking too much!

Michele

Let's see, about two years for the implant, but I can't remember when the burning started. I just know of late it's been more intense of late.

I don't believe my third generation implant sat around for a long time, as they were in trial, hence company motivation for all to go well. This should work to limit shelf lives, damaged goods (nicks, tears etc). The trial is to help clarify how many do rupture over the years.

I can't remember just now what the quoted frequency of rupture is.

Yes, we all wish to live and be normal again.

Good luck
Tender

Hi all, this is a real problem and I'm sorry you had to experience it..

Part of the problem as I see it is that the ps stock pile the implants that they are use to using and try to encourage the patients to take an implant from their supply.  The next time I have mine changed out I am going to ask for a new pair, that can be verified by the manufacturer.  It stands to reason that if they are sitting on the shelf (and there are no provisions for this under the FDA ruling) just like any product (say a tire) they can deteriorate.  You can all get the information as to how old your implants are by calling the manufacturer and having the implant card with you at the time.  I found out one of mine had been on the shelf for 4 years!  So we have a warranty for 10 years but who wants to start with a deficiet?

Best

Marian

Ta,

You might ask for the expiration date, or date made of the implants to your plastic surgeon. This by and large has not surfaced as a big problem, yet individually it is a serious problem when it occurs.

Also, a reminder to the plastic surgeon to carefully go over the implant prior to insertion(s) does not seem unreasonable. We all can use a reminder in life to help ensure quality assurance is maintained.

Best,
Tender

I don't know if this is helpful or not, but my mother had implants that ruptured when she fell down the stairs -- both of them. They were older when it happened and she was one of the first women i know to have silicone implants, so they were the old fashioned kind, but I do know that it can happen.

Marian

Thanks for writing your posts and for putting your information out there. I am truly dissappointed that effort to place a "matched set" isn't made when two silicone implaints are inserted and wasn't made in your case. Matched in the local made, approximate date made etc.

That seems a basic internal quality assurance tenat that should have gone hand in hand with the agreement at time of FDA re-approval of silicone in trial and beyond. Gosh, it's just not that difficult to work for the patient's best interests. I am very sorry for your problems and am glad you have alerted us to such craziness. Four years on the shelf prior to use in your person and this climate, that's what it is, craziness!

Tender

I too have been having burning or pain in one of my implants

my ps said it was probably muscle spasam  or something.  It

has started to bother me all the time now.  When I bend over

it really stings.  How do you know if your implant is ruptured.

Kim

Michele,

Sending good thoughts your way, knowing you had your surgery today.

Rest well over the weekend.

Tender 

so this thread got me curious and I got on the horn and tried to find out my manufacture date and location.  No go.  They were not giving out that information and said that I needed to ask my plastic surgeon.  I was honest and said I didn't have a problem and was just curious - so I don't know if I had lied would I have received a different response.  She did ask her manager (or so she told me) and that was the response I got.  I think I was the first person who has ever asked her that.  :-)

Anybody else try this?  You must have better phone skills than me Marian!

Hi, everyone.  Guess what - no rupture!!  What a relief, but hate I had to go through another surgery to find out.  Also, hardly any pain at all, since I am already mostly numb there.  I just have to remember not to use that side much since I can't really feel anything!  As far as finding out when and where my implants were made, I was told my ps would have to call and get the info.  Mine are by Mentor.  I have an appointment on Wednesday and hope to find out that info then.  As far as the burning, I guess it could be nerve endings, nerve regeneration, whatever....  My ps doesn't really know.  Gonna talk more about that at the appt.  I guess now I'll have one burning/ripply foob and one not!!  Just thankful for what I've got.

Thanks for all the well wishes and good thoughts.

Michele