Breast Augmentation: How Many Years Until Your Implants Need To Be Replaced

Do Breast Implants Last Forever?

Contrary to many beliefs, breast implants do not last forever. Breast implants can last for a long time, but the same pair of breast implants will not last in the body for a lifetime. Typically, breast implants can last for a decade or longer. After getting the initial augmentation, people with breast implants may need to undergo implant replacement for various reasons. However, some of the most common reasons for replacement are ruptures, capsular contracture, rippling, and migration.

What is a breast implant rupture?

A breast implant rupture occurs when the shell around the implant tears or develops a hole. Saline and silicone ruptures are different. The implant instantly deflates during a saline implant rupture and the saline fluid leaks out. The body absorbs the liquid and the deflated breast will be noticeably smaller.

With a silicone implant rupture, the silicone gel that leaks out will stay near the implant. The gel is thick, so the implant doesn’t look as deflated as a saline one. Therefore, these leaks are harder to notice. The body does not absorb silicone, so leaks must be fixed immediately.

Will I have to remove my implants if I get capsular contracture?

Capsular contracture is a breast implant complication. A breast implant is a foreign object that triggers the body’s natural immune system response. The body develops scar tissue that looks like a capsule around the implant. The scar tissue can thicken over time and harden the breast, leaving the patient with a painful feeling. Doctors believe daily breast massages during the first few months after surgery can stop the tissues from hardening.

Will massaging help?

Massaging the implant can help with softening tissues after capsular contracture develops, but massages won’t fix the issue. Most patients with this condition will have to replace the breast implants. Capsular contracture can develop due to a few problems like bacterial infection and blood accumulation.

What can I do if my breast implant ripples?

A breast implant ripples when the implant shell develops wrinkles and folds noticeably. Rippling occurs due to many reasons, including a round implant shape or a misshaped breast pocket. Patients may opt to replace implants due to this issue. Implant migration results from the implant moving out of the breast pocket designed to contain the implant. Implants may sit too low, far apart, or conjoin and form a uni-boob. Doctors may opt to replace the implant and fix the breast pocket or position of the implant.

Who do I call if I need to replace my breast implants?

Patients should reach out to a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss implant replacement. A board-certified plastic surgeon will be familiar with the latest advancements in breast implant technology and give patients advice on maintaining implants.