One of the most common questions I get asked by patients seeking breast augmentation is – “Do I need to replace my implants after 10 years?” I also see patients in consultation who wish to discuss replacement of their decade-old implants over concerns that they are “expired”. Unfortunately, much misinformation exists on websites and discussion boards that suggest a fixed 10yr lifespan for breast implants. This is simply incorrect! The axiom “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” generally applies. That being said, implants are manufactured devices and are considered long-term, but temporary products. They do require maintenance over time, especially if a woman gets breast implants at a young age. Fifteen to twenty percent of women who undergo breast augmentation will have another operation (or more) on their breasts over a 10 year period. This is probably the single most important thing to understand and consider before deciding on breast augmentation. So – why might you need another operation on your breasts?
- You decide you want to remove your implants
- You get an implant infection, requiring device removal
- Your preferences change with time, and you decide you want larger (or smaller) implants
- An implant ruptures* (this occurs at a rate of approx. 1% per year and is the result of the implant shell breaking down over time; it is usually unrelated to pressure/trauma to the implant)
- You develop capsular contracture* (https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/what-is-capsular-contracture-and-how-can-it-be-treated)
- Your breast shape changes with age or after childbirth, and you now require a breast lift (and this is often a good time to replace aging implants)
- The implant moves, or becomes displaced, leading to a visible asymmetry or deformity (this typically only happens with overly large implants)
So many possibilities!…….but this information is not meant to scare you away! Patient satisfaction with breast augmentation is extremely high, and most patients are happy with their implants for years or decades. However, knowledge is empowering, and being an informed patient allows you to make the best decisions about the right cosmetic procedures for you and your body, both now and in the future.
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* implants generally have a lifetime warranty covering rupture or high-grade capsular contracture