Implant Warranties

Implants are manufactured by different companies, the forerunners being Mentor Corp., and Inamed Aesthetics, formerly known as McGhan Medical. These manufacturers provide warranties on their implants. For example, manufacturers may offer lifetime product replacement and product coverage for a designated amount of years. Replacements due to deflation or loss of valve integrity are likely covered, while removal due to size alteration, capsular contracture, wrinkling or rippling may not be covered.

Also, implant manufacturers may offer monies to assist with operating room, anesthesia, and surgical fees on covered replacement surgeries. Warranties may only be valid if certain conditions are met. For example, Mentor requires implants must be Implanted in the United States Implanted in accordance with the manufacturers package insert Used by qualified, licensed surgeons in accordance with surgery protocol Be sure to check the manufacturers claim on the selected implants to garner a more thorough understanding of the warranty specifics. Often, the doctor or the doctors patient coordinator will take time to educate each patient vis a vis the warranty specifications for each implant and implant manufacturer. In addition to a warranty, each implant has a device card that gives the brand, size, and lot number of the implant. This information may become necessary in the event of revision surgery or replacement surgery. Therefore, it should become part of ones medical file.