Every year, many thousands of women undergo successful breast augmentation surgery; however, anyone considering surgery should be aware of both the benefits and risks.

I understand that every surgical procedure has risks, but how will I learn more so that I can make an informed decision?

The subject of breast augmentation risks and complications is best discussed on a personal basis between you and your plastic surgeon, or with a staff member in your surgeon's office.

Some of the potential complications that may be discussed with you include reactions to anesthesia, blood accumulation that may need to be drained surgically and infection. Although rare, an infection that does not subside with appropriate treatment may require temporary removal of the implant. Changes in nipple or breast sensation may result from breast augmentation surgery, although they usually are temporary.

When a breast implant is inserted, a scar capsule forms around it as part of the natural healing process. The capsule may sometimes tighten and compress the implant, causing the breast to feel firmer than normal. Capsular contracture can occur to varying degrees. If it is severe, it can cause discomfort or changes in the breast's appearance. In such cases, more surgery may be needed to modify or remove the scar tissue, or perhaps remove or replace the implant.

Breast implants are not lifetime devices and cannot be expected to last forever. If a saline-filled implant breaks, its contents are harmlessly absorbed by the body within hours. A definite change in the size of the breast is clearly noticed. Rupture can occur as a result of trauma to the chest, but more commonly it occurs spontaneously with no apparent cause. Surgery will be required to replace the implant, if desired.

If you are at an age when mammographic examinations should be conducted on a periodic basis, it will be important for you to select a radiology technician who is experienced in taking x-rays of augmented breasts. Additional views of your breasts will be required. Your plastic surgeon, in some instances, may recommend other types of examinations such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging. It is possible that the presence of breast implants could delay or hinder the early detection of breast cancer.

Some women with breast implants have reported problems including certain connective tissue and immune-related diseases. Women without implants also have these disorders, so the key question is whether breast implants increase the risk of developing the conditions. Several large studies have been completed that provide reassurance that women with breast implants do not have a significantly increased risk for these diseases.

What are my breast implant warranty options?

1. Allergan Breast Implants Warranty information

Allergan offers a comprehensive warranty that reflects their confidence in the quality of their products. As a recipient of Allergan Medical breast implants you are automatically enrolled in the ConfidencePlusTM breast implant warranty. Additionally, Allergan offers you the ConfidencePlusTM Platinum warranty, which represents the next tier of comprehensive product warranties.

Familiarize yourself with the features and benefits of the ConfidencePlusTM and ConfidencePlusTM Platinum warranties.

10 years of guaranteed financial assistance. Receive up to $1,200 of out-of-pocket expenses for surgical fees, operating room and anesthesia expenses not covered by insurance.

Lifetime product replacement. At the request of your surgeon, any size may be selected to replace your current Allergan Medical breast implant style at no cost to you, or choose another style. (A charge may apply on product with a higher list price.)

10 years of guaranteed financial assistance. Receive up to $2,400 of out-of-pocket expenses for surgical fees, operating room and anesthesia expenses not covered by insurance.

Contralateral implant replacement. At the surgeons' request, Allergan Medical will also provide a replacement for the contralateral breast.

Lifetime product replacement. At the request of your surgeon, any size may be selected to replace your current Allergan Medical breast implant style at no cost to you, or choose another style.( A charge may apply on product with a higher list price).

The ConfidencePlusTM Warranty applies to all Allergan Medical saline-filled and silicone-filled breast implants that have been implanted in the United States and Canada after April 1, 2002*, provided the product has been used:

As intended by appropriately qualified and licensed surgeons, in accordance with current and accepted plastic surgery techniques.
In accordance with the current Allergan Medical breast implant package insert

The ConfidencePlusTM Warranties apply only to cases of loss of shell integrity resulting in implant rupture or implant deflation that require surgical intervention.

For breast implants implanted prior to this date, contact Allergan Medical Corporation for information on the replacement programs that apply.

To submit a ConfidencePlusTM Warranty claim for product replacement and financial assistance, the surgeon must contact Allergan Medical's Product Support Team prior to replacement surgery. Contact Allergan at:

Allergan Medical
800.624.4261
fax: 800.972.2368

To be eligible for product replacement and financial assistance, the surgeon is required to return the explanted, disinfected Allergan Medical breast implant(s) within three (3) months of the date of explantation. For specific return authorization instructions please contact Allergan Medical's Product Support Team.

Financial assistance and product replacement will be issued upon receipt and verification of the explanted product, the Returned Goods Authorization (RGA) and the patients' general release.

2. Mentor Breast Implant Warranty information

A Limited Warranty for Peace of Mind - Above and Beyond Your Breast Implant Surgery

Our relationship with you doesn’t end with your surgery. We make a long-term commitment to our patients and we stand behind the integrity of our products.

All recipients of MemoryGel^® Round breast implants are automatically eligible for the Mentor Lifetime Product Replacement Policy¹. What this means to you is that should a confirmed rupture occur, you are eligible for up to two replacement breast implants of any size in a similar style…at no charge.

But now there’s an extra reason to say ‘yes’ to more beautiful breasts.

We are offering our best warranty ever for MemoryGel^® round breast implant surgeries on or after May 1, 2009. The Mentor Premier Advantage Limited Warranty offers up to $3,500 in financial assistance² should a confirmed rupture occur. Here’s how it works:

• This warranty applies to expenses occurring from a confirmed rupture due to loss of shell integrity for up to 10 years from the date of implant surgery

• The warranty pays up to $3,500 financial assistance² for operating room, anesthesia, and surgical charges not covered by insurance and applies only to MemoryGel^® round breast implant surgeries on or after May 1, 2009.

A special note: Please be sure to maintain your own records to ensure validation of your enrollment, as it is possible your doctor may not retain your records for the entire duration of the limited warranty.

¹ Lifetime Product Replacement Policy: Mentor will provide replacement of a Mentor product of any size in the same or similar style as the originally implanted product free of charge for the lifetime of the patient. Upon the surgeon’s request, a different implant style may be selected (subject to a charge of the difference between product list prices).

² Operating room and anesthesia charges will be given payment priority. In order to qualify for financial assistance, you will need to sign a Release Form.

³ Please note: If you had breast surgery prior to May 1, 2009, your warranty coverage will be based on the warranty in effect at the time of such surgery.

Understanding Chicago Breast Augmentation Risks

What are my breast implant warranty options?

1. Allergan Breast Implants Warranty information

2. Mentor Breast Implant Warranty information

Chicago breast augmentation risk