Implant Cards, Registries, Recalls and Warranties

The implant card is a medical record, not a receipt. Keep it with your other health documents and store a photograph of it somewhere you can find later.

The implant card

You should receive a card or record listing the manufacturer, model, size, surface, serial or batch numbers and the surgery date. Ask for it if it is not offered.

Why it matters

• It identifies your implants if a safety notice is issued.
• It helps future surgeons and radiology teams.
• It supports claims under a warranty.

Registries

Several countries run breast implant registries that record implants and outcomes to monitor safety. Ask the clinic whether your details will be recorded in any applicable registry, how long the records are kept and who holds them. Registry availability and participation can change, so do not assume that a national system is in place.

If you move or change doctors

Give your new doctor a copy of your implant card and operative notes at your first visit. If you cannot find them, ask the original clinic or hospital for the records. This is especially important before imaging, pregnancy or any further breast surgery.

Recalls and safety notices

Regulators and manufacturers can issue notices when a problem is found. You may hear about them through the news, your clinic or the regulator. If you have a notice that matches your implant, contact your surgeon or doctor. A recall does not always mean the implant must be removed. It may recommend monitoring, or removal only if there is a rupture or symptoms. Follow the specific notice and your surgeon’s advice.

Warranties

Manufacturers may offer limited warranties for device failure. Typical features include:

• They cover the implant, often not the cost of surgery or hospital fees.
• They have time limits and conditions, such as registration.
• Some clinics offer their own aftercare plans.

Read the terms before surgery, and ask what happens if the implant fails within the warranty period. Keep the surgery date, registration confirmation and any claim paperwork with your implant card.

Questions to ask

• Will I get an implant card, and when?
• What does the warranty cover and exclude?
• If there is a recall, how will you contact me?
• Where are my records stored, and for how long?