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Cosmetic Surgery (Expert Forum)
Replacing implants
Answered by
Howard Rosenberg, MD - Cosmetic Surgery
Accent on Aesthetics Plastic Surgery Medical Center
Questions in the Cosmetic Surgery forum are answered by Dr. Howard Rosenberg. Topics include bariatric surgery reconstruction, breast augmentation, chemical peels, cosmetic or reconstructive surgery, face lift, nose reconstruction, and tummy tucks.
Replacing implants
by peekawho, Mar 07, 2007 12:00AM
I had breast cancer 14 years ago, and have had bilateral mastectomies with saline implant reconstruction. I had the first mastectomy/reconstruction at the time of the original cancer 14 years ago, and the second 12 years ago. No prolems with either. I'd like to have them replaced (they are only 200cc implants) with more natural looking silicone implants, and I'd like to go bigger, perhaps a B or small C.
Will I necessarily need to have tissue expanders again? I'd hate that. Will there be any problems choosing silicone implants? They are using them again, aren't they?
Do insurance companies consider this cosmetic and thus won't pay, or will they consider it as reconstruction? Is it ever recommended to replace implants anyway, after many years?
Thank you.
Will I necessarily need to have tissue expanders again? I'd hate that. Will there be any problems choosing silicone implants? They are using them again, aren't they?
Do insurance companies consider this cosmetic and thus won't pay, or will they consider it as reconstruction? Is it ever recommended to replace implants anyway, after many years?
Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by Howard Rosenberg, MD, Mar 07, 2007 12:00AM
, Mar 07, 2007 12:00AM
Because you currently have your skin and underlying pectoralis muscles expanded with saline implants, there should be enough stretch in the tissues to allow replacement with new implants without the need for skin expansion. Some of the existing scar tissue capsule surrounding your implants would be removed at the time of surgery and your tissues should exfpand without problem.
Gel implants were always available for reconstructive purposes and they could easily be used in place of your current saline implants. They are probably a better choice for you because of your relatively thin tissue covering the implants.
Finally, insurance coverage will depend on both your policy and the state laws where your live. For example, in California, state law mandates coverage for reconstruction, irrespective of the stage or number of reconstruction procedures
you need.
Howard L. Rosenberg, M.D.
Gel implants were always available for reconstructive purposes and they could easily be used in place of your current saline implants. They are probably a better choice for you because of your relatively thin tissue covering the implants.
Finally, insurance coverage will depend on both your policy and the state laws where your live. For example, in California, state law mandates coverage for reconstruction, irrespective of the stage or number of reconstruction procedures
you need.
Howard L. Rosenberg, M.D.
Member Comments (2)
by peekawho, Mar 07, 2007 12:00AM
Thank you! I'm in California, so good to know.
