Ideal Implant Incorporated, the company responsible for the first-of-its-kind Ideal Implant, has officially announced the cessation of all operations as of May 30, 2023. This unfortunate development raises concerns regarding warranty claims and replacement options for patients.
According to an email sent out from the company, the decision to liquidate was a result of their inability to secure sufficient investment and generate a sustainable profit. Consequently, patients who currently have these breast implants will no longer have a valid warranty on the devices. The implant offered a device warranty that covered rupture and capsular contracture for a period of 10 years from the date of surgery for primary augmentations and 20 years for primary reconstructions.
What Happens Now?
The liquidation process has already taken effect, and the company has communicated to surgeons that there are no available funds to fulfill future warranty claims. In response to concerns about these claims and patient options, a reputable surgeon and industry insider, who wished to remain anonymous, shared, “Ideal Implant has ceased operations and is out of business. This means that there will be no warranty claims for device failures, and patients will be responsible for future surgery to maintain their desired outcomes using another brand of FDA-approved silicone gel or saline implants. Patients can choose to continue with their Ideal Implants as they are.”
When introduced to the market in 2006, the Ideal Implant aimed to provide a unique alternative to traditional saline and silicone implants. Its design aimed to address concerns associated with both saline and silicone implants by using multiple inner shells and saline filling to provide a natural feel while reducing the risk of rupture. However, its possible benefits did not translate into a widespread adoption over other implant options.
Surgeon Sympathy
Tucson, AZ plastic surgeon Raman Mahabir, MD expressed sympathy for the patients affected by the company’s closure. “This is unfortunate news,” he stated. “While the implant had some theoretical advantages, it never proved to be superior to other implant options.” Dr. Mahabir emphasized that most patients seeking saline implants typically opted for traditional saline implants, while those desiring a more natural feel preferred silicone-filled implants. He further remarked, “I empathize with those who chose the ‘Ideal Implant’ and paid a premium, as it was the most expensive saline implant by far. Now, it seems that the warranty promised with their implants is no longer valid.”
“This is unfortunate news. Personally, I did not use these implants because I was concerned about this exact scenario,” says Newport Beach, CA plastic surgeon Sanjay Grover, MD. “Patients are now in a very unfortunate situation, as there may be no further support from the company after their bankruptcy. I anticipate that more litigation may be expected in the future. I recommend that patients contact their plastic surgeons’ offices to obtain more details and engage in chat forums to share information.”
For patients who are concerned, Nashville plastic surgeon Dr. Melinda Haws emphasizes that this is not a recall situation. She explains, “If patients are satisfied with their implants, they don’t need to take any action.” Dr. Haws also advises patients to maintain communication with their plastic surgeons to follow up. “It’s important for patients to remember that the company’s failure was due to a lack of new investors and low sales, not any issues with the implant itself.”
