Breast Implants after 10 Years

Breast augmentation surgery has consistently remained the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure, year after year. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), there were 290,224 breast augmentation procedures performed by ASPS surgeons in 2013. This was an increase of 37 percent from 2000, in which 212,500 procedures were performed.

Given the tremendous popularity of breast augmentation procedures, many women considering getting surgery may think that the implants will last forever once the procedure is done. The surgeons at Crawford Plastic Surgery do caution women considering breast augmentation that the implants will wear out over time and need either removal or replacement.

How Long Do Breast Implants Last?

Most manufacturers of saline and silicone gel implants say that their products are good for anywhere from 10 to 15 years. There is less definitive data on the lifespan of the newer, cohesive gel implants (also known as “gummy bear implants” for the similarity in texture to that of the popular candy), as they have only been on the market for a few years. The full lifespan of cohesive gel implants may not become apparent for at least another 10 years or so.

In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the federal governmental body that oversees the safety of breast implants, warned that implants do have a limited life span. The FDA stated that one in five women will have them removed within 10 years, a rate that may be even higher for cancer survivors who have undergone breast reconstruction surgery following a mastectomy.

Despite this, there is no hard and fast rule on how long implants will last. Some women may be able to keep their original implants for much longer than 10 to 15 years, while others may need them removed or replaced sooner due to rupture or leakage.

Should Breast Implants Absolutely be Removed or Replaced at 10 Years?

If saline implants leak or rupture due to the end of their lifespan, the saline will simply be reabsorbed into the body with no adverse effects. Furthermore, it will be immediately apparent if this has occurred, as the breasts will revert to their size prior to augmentation.

Determining the end of the lifespan for silicone gel implants is somewhat more difficult, as ruptures and leaks may not be immediately apparent until there is pain or hardening of the breasts. It may be advisable to have a periodic screening mammography performed after 10 years to check for any implant leaks or ruptures. Doctors may also be able to test your blood for traces of silicone.

The surgeons at Crawford Plastic Surgery generally recommend that patients wait to have their implants removed or replaced until they are experiencing cosmetic or medical problems. However, particularly in the case of silicone implants, it is advisable to keep a watchful eye for any changes in how the breasts feel or look once the implants have reached the 10-year mark.

To schedule a breast augmentation consultation at our practice, contact us today.