How Long Do Breast Implants Last? What You Should Know

Breast implants are an extremely useful procedure which many women take advantage of for aesthetic enhancement and personal confidence. These are produced from extremely durable materials, designed for the safety and longevity of the woman, and should not need replacing after any specified period. They are not considered a "lifetime device", therefore a good knowledge of the life expectancy of the implants is crucial, along with factors which will impact on them. 

The Average Lifespan of Breast Implants

The implants available today, particularly silicone, use sophisticated materials and technology to be extremely durable. The average lifespan for breast implants is anywhere from 10 to 20 years. This is not an absolute, however, and does not require replacement after the time period has elapsed.

Some women enjoy their breast implants for far longer, over 20 years, with no problems. Others will want to change their implants based on changing preferences and changes in their bodies, not because the implant has failed. There are numerous contributing factors which will affect the lifespan of implants.

Contributing Factors to Implant Longevity

Here are several different factors which can affect the life of breast implants:

Quality of Implants

High quality implants, with advanced features such as durable silicone shell and cohesive gel, will ensure that they will perform well for years. Purchasing implants from an established and reputable manufacturer is crucial for long term safety.

Surgical Procedure

The results and durability of your implants are often determined by the placement of the implants, which is determined by the skill and experience of the surgeon carrying out the procedure. An expertly placed implant is much more durable and less likely to cause complications.

Lifestyle Habits

Daily lifestyle can play a key role. Constant heavy lifting, a diet that involves a lot of weight fluctuation and an inappropriate training routine are likely to shorten the life of the implants. Using appropriate support for the breasts during sports, for example, can play an important role in maintaining your results.

Natural Body Changes

The natural changes which occur to the body over time with factors like aging, natural hormonal changes, weight fluctuations and pregnancy will of course have an impact on how the breast and implants look. These changes may not necessarily affect the implant itself but will have an effect on how it looks as part of the overall breast shape.

Signs That Implants May Need Replacing

The general rule with implants is that they do not need to be replaced just because they have been implanted for a specific number of years; it is the implant itself or surrounding breast tissue that indicates the need for replacing.

The signs that implants may need to be replaced are:

Change in Breast Shape

If your implants have shifted and changed their position causing either or both breasts to have changed shape, it could be a sign that they need to be replaced.

Implant Rupture

Implant ruptures, while uncommon, do occur. Silicone implants do not deflate when they rupture as the gel often stays contained within the shell, therefore a rupture is not always obvious to the naked eye and the use of an ultrasound or MRI scan is normally required to diagnose a rupture.

Capsular Contracture

A normal scar capsule forms around the implant, but sometimes the capsule becomes unnaturally tight and forms around the implant to give it a more solid, hard shape. This can become uncomfortable and change the look of the breast.

Personal Desire

As mentioned previously, changing breast shape, size or profile based on personal preferences is a very common reason for implant replacement.

Increasing Implant Lifespan

You can help increase the lifespan of your implants by the following:

Regular Check Ups

Attending all regular post-operative and routine checks with your surgeon is paramount for early diagnosis of potential complications.

Follow Post-Operative Instructions

It is important that you follow all the recommended procedures and recovery processes advised by your surgeon after the surgery to give your implants the best possible opportunity to last a long time.

Healthy Living

Living a healthy lifestyle, maintaining a sensible diet and exercise regime that does not include constant fluctuation in weight are ideal for long term outcomes. Avoiding smoking is also beneficial as this aids healing and increases overall health of the breast.

Notice Changes

Any increased firmness, swelling, discomfort or unusual signs and symptoms should be reported to your surgeon as soon as possible to have it investigated.

Do Implants Need to Be Routinely Replaced?

The biggest myth is that all implants must be replaced after ten years. However, this is simply not true and the decision of whether to replace your implants or not will depend entirely on how the implants themselves are performing. They are not a device that needs replacement after a certain number of years unless there is a medical complication or the patient wishes to have an alteration made. Your plastic surgeon will advise you personally if they believe your implants need replacing.

The Importance of Ongoing Monitoring

Even when no symptoms are apparent, it is still beneficial for your implants to be checked on a regular basis by an experienced professional. With both saline and silicone implants, there are types of imaging available to check implant status in certain situations.

Monitoring your implants on a regular basis allows your surgeon to be sure they are performing how they should be, and gives the patient peace of mind.

If you are interested in Breast Surgery, feel free to discuss the lifespan of your chosen implants and the ongoing monitoring required during your initial consultation.

Conclusion

Breast implants are durable and long-lasting devices which many women enjoy for a number of years. The lifetime of your implants will largely depend on the type and quality of implant you choose, the way the surgery is performed and your lifestyle and genetic factors. There is no set requirement to replace implants after ten years. Instead, it is crucial to have regular follow up with your surgeon and be aware of your body so that you know when your implants may require replacement.

Choose Plastic Surgery SA for Expert Care

For all your breast augmentation requirements, or if you are concerned about existing implants and want more information, Plastic Surgery SA offers confidential consultations to ensure you have all the relevant knowledge to hand to make a personal choice. Our highly skilled cosmetic surgeons and supportive team are dedicated to the safety of all patients, focusing on the best possible outcomes and aftercare for a long and happy relationship with your surgical enhancement. If you're considering surgery or have further questions, Plastic Surgery SA is there for you every step of the way.