How long do breast implants last?

The choice to have breast implants is a significant one. It is a financial commitment made to assist you in developing the feminine curves you prefer, frequently enhancing your self-image. Nevertheless, you shouldn't intend to have breast implants for the rest of your life.

Breast implants may not stay forever, and women may decide to have them removed for a variety of reasons, often 10 to 20 years after their initial operation. Your plastic surgeon will discuss how to maintain your implants and the required examinations you need attention to before you decide whether to get implants. This will help your implants last longer.

When should breast implants be replaced or removed?

Breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime and might alter. Indications for the necessity to remove breast implants include:

Breast hardening: Over time, the scar tissue from a breast implant procedure that surrounds the implant may harden. The breast may feel painful or hard to the touch as a result of this. The size and contour of the breasts may also alter as a result.

Saline implant rupture: A saline implant has the potential to rupture and leak, deforming the breast. Saline is absorbed into the breast tissue, but this gives one breast a different appearance from the other.

Rupture of a silicone implant: When a silicone implant ruptures, the thick silicone gel remains in the implant or adjacent breast tissue and is not absorbed. Changes in the breast's form might or could not result after the rupture. There's a chance you'll feel tingling or burning.

Wrinkling: The breast skin may occasionally show signs of rippling and wrinkles on the implants.

Sagging implants: Breast implants may sag or shift within the breasts as a result of aging and drastic weight fluctuations.

How would you know when to replace your Implants?

Even though your implants have been given the go-ahead for a set period of time, they can require maintenance before that period is over. Listed below are a few indicators that your implants may require replacement or revision:

Your cleavage feels firm. Around one or both implants, some patients get capsular contracture, or rigid scar tissue. Although uncommon, this is a sign that you should visit your surgeon. Hard lumps under the skin around the implant may also develop. Your surgeon should take care of this since it is often calcium deposits or calcification.

They could also need to be replaced if an implant ruptures, but this is extremely uncommon. Rupture occurs in 2% to 12% of individuals with silicone implants.

Saline and silicone implants can both rupture, although silicone implants are more likely to maintain their form and remain in place. On the other hand, saline leaks. You might not even be aware that your implants have burst because saline is non-toxic and won't make you feel ill. In actuality, very few people even show any symptoms. There is a potential that your implants have burst, therefore you should schedule a consultation with your surgeon or GP if your breasts get smaller, get hard knots, seem uneven, or start to hurt or tingle. 

Additionally, be on the lookout for any rippling on the skin surrounding the breasts, since this might indicate that the implant itself is wrinkly. Although this is harmless, rippling is undesirable since most women who undergo breast implants want bigger, supple breasts.

Additionally, especially if you have had kids, your implants may move as you age. It is advisable to get your implants changed if they shift position. If you experience major weight gain or loss, breast implants may potentially move.

Last but not least, you could decide to exchange your present implants for new ones that are bigger or smaller in the future. This is an excellent justification for having your implants changed!

What to expect with removal of implants?

Your breast implants can be removed by any licenced plastic surgeon. Not necessarily the same surgeon who performed your first operation. The surgeon of your choice will assess the condition of your present implants and go through your surgical alternatives during an initial consultation.

Your surgeon can choose from the following options depending on what you prefer:

• alone for implant removal.
• breast lift and removal of implants.
• removal of lumpy or rigid tissue.
• either a breast lift or implant replacement.

Cosmetic problems can occasionally result from implant removal alone. This comprises:

• deflation,
• sagging,
• dimpling,
• asymmetry.

As a result, your doctor can suggest getting new implants that are a different size or form for you.

You might be able to go home the day after your surgery, depending on the particulars of your treatment. Everyone's recovery period is different.

While many individuals may return to work in about five days, it will take you approximately six weeks to be ready to resume rigorous activities like lifting and working out. You can speed up your recovery and reduce infection risk by carefully following all postoperative recommendations.

Longevity of breast implants

Try the following advice if you want your breast implants to endure longer:

During your rehabilitation, use a surgical bra to give support and avoid long-term sagging following breast augmentation surgery. Your doctor may advise you on the best sort of bra to wear for your size and how long you should wear it.

Give yourself time to recover following the procedure: You should take 7–10 days off from work or school to recuperate at home. But you should refrain from carrying anything heavy for at least four to six weeks.

Have routine follow-ups and self-checks: If necessary, your doctor will advise routine examinations and tests like mammograms or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. For silicone implants, for instance, the FDA advises undergoing a breast MRI 3 years after the original breast implant surgery and then every 2 years after that. To ensure that any abnormalities in your breasts can be treated quickly, your doctor will educate you how to self-examine them. 

Average lifespan of breast implants

An efficient method to improve the look of your breasts is breast augmentation. Although typically safe and intended to last a long period, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, implants are not regarded as "lifetime devices."

The average longevity of today's implants is over 10 years, with the chance of rupture rising by 1% year. Therefore, your risk of rupture or other issues increases as your implants get older.

In good condition, breast implants can survive 20 years or more. Every patient is unique, and your body, as well as how you care for your implants, will affect how long they last.

The care of your breast implants should start during your breast augmentation recuperation in order to increase their longevity. For instance, during recuperation, your plastic surgeon may suggest you to wear a support garment or surgical bra. If you don't follow these suggestions, the lack of support might ultimately lead to additional sagging.

Always adhere to your plastic surgeon's recommendations for yearly exams and routine self-inspections. The FDA advises obtaining an MRI after the initial operation and then every two to three years after that if you have silicone implants. By taking good care of your implants, you may prolong the life of your new appearance and increase the amount of time before you are likely to need breast implant replacement. The longevity of implants is not assured. For a number of reasons, you could need to have them taken out or replaced.

Working with a board-certified plastic surgeon and adhering to all postoperative guidelines are the greatest ways to assure their lifetime.