Breast implants are not permanent, but they do usually last for a very long time. Typically, when patients ask, “How long do breast implants last?” the answer is between ten and twenty years.
Naturally, this varies from person to person. Some patients may need to have their implants replaced sooner than this because of a rupture or something like capsular contracture. Others may want an aesthetic change and might decide to get their implants swapped or taken out altogether after a short period of time.
Below, we’ll go over the typical lifespan of breast implants, the reasons some patients may have them removed or replaced, and a brief rundown of your options when you do end up having your implants removed.
When Should I Have My Implants Replaced?
Breast implants don’t have a specific expiration date. Every patient is different. Most of the time, implant replacement isn’t about breast implant types, breast implant size, or breast implant incision, etc.
Rather it’s whether one of the following occurs:
Saline or Silicone Breast Implant Rupture or Deflation
Saline implant ruptures are noticeable right away. Silicone implant ruptures are hard to detect without an internal scan.
Capsular Contracture
This occurs when the scar tissue around the implant tightens. It can happen with saline or silicone implants. Capsular contracture can be uncomfortable and painful, physically noticeable, and embarrassing.
Change in Appearance
Aging, weight fluctuations, or pregnancy can change the look of your breasts after initial breast augmentation. This can cause many patients to seek breast implant replacement (breast revision surgery).
Discomfort or Pain
Pain around the breast implant site could indicate further problems such as an implant rupture, BII (breast implant illness), or capsular contracture.
Change in Personal Preference
Some patients may simply desire a different breast implant size, shape, or type after a certain amount of time has passed.
Breast Implant Revision Options
For the most part, both saline and silicone implants come with the same options for implant removal and revision plastic surgery.
Replace with Same Breast Implants
If you’ve been happy with your current implants and are simply experiencing a rupture or some noticeable rippling, you can always have one or both implants removed and replaced with exactly the same options.
Replace with Different Breast Implants
For anyone who wishes to alter the size, shape, or material of their breast implants, replacing them with a different type is another option. Your surgeon can help you decide between saline and silicone breast implants and different sizes, projections, and shapes.
Implant Removal and Breast Lift Surgery
If you are getting older and finding that your breasts are sagging and looking more like pancakes (despite having implants), some patients may be interested in a breast lift along with their implant removal. Of course, you can have your implants permanently removed or removed and replaced alongside your breast lift surgery.
Implant Removal Only
Finally, for women who no longer desire implants at all, but don’t mind a more natural look post-removal, simply having the implants taken out is an option.
Sometimes, this is a long, thought-out decision, and other times, patients all of a sudden decide that implants are not for them. Whatever the reason, this is always an option for breast augmentation patients.
Do note that implant removal without replacement or lift may indeed leave you with drooping breasts, stretched breast skin, and, of course, loss of volume overall. Many patients are not happy with this after a few months or years and end up getting their implants replaced in the future.
FAQs: Breast Implant Removal
How long do saline breast implants last?
Most saline implants last ten to twenty years.
How long do silicone breast implants last?
Most silicone implants (silicone gel) last ten to twenty years.
How long do breast implants last after mastectomy?
Typically, breast implants will last 10 to 20 years after a mastectomy (the usual timeframe). But be sure to attend regular checkups with your surgeon.
Can I replace my implants with a different size?
Yes, absolutely. This is a common reason for having breast implants removed.
Is breast implant removal painful?
Breast implant removal is generally less painful than initial breast augmentation surgery (especially if you had your breast implant placement behind the chest muscles the first time around). Still, every patient and every surgery is unique, so it depends on your situation.
What are the risks of leaving implants in for too long?
Leaving implants in for an extended period of time may unfortunately lead to implant migration, capsular contracture, a silent rupture, or other issues. Regular checkups and imaging scans can help avoid these problems.
Book a Consultation Today
Want to learn more about how long breast implants last? Book a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Dahlia Rice today. We look forward to your call.
