One of the most common questions from women considering breast augmentation surgery is, “How long will my implants last?” With breast augmentation being one of Australia’s most frequently performed cosmetic procedures, it’s important to understand the facts about implant longevity and maintenance.
With significant interest comes significant questions. If you are considering breast implants or already have them, you may have heard that they need to be replaced every 10 years. Or, you may have heard that they will last forever.
Neither is strictly true. The reality is more complex, with a sizable range of individual experiences.
Are Breast Implants Permanent?
Modern breast implants are manufactured to be durable and resilient. However, they are not considered lifetime devices. They may require replacement or removal at some point. As a general rule, the older your breast implants are, the greater your risk of rupture or another complication.
Do Breast Implants Expire?
Breast implants do not have a specific expiration date. While manufacturers typically quote a life expectancy of 10-15 years, this is not a deadline for removal or replacement. Some implants may need to be replaced earlier, while others can remain intact and functioning well for 20 years or more.
The TGA recommends regular monitoring of breast implants through appropriate screening methods. This allows for early detection of any potential issues and helps inform decisions about timing of replacement or removal.
How Will I Know When My Breast Implants Need Replacing?
Rather than focusing on a fixed timeline, your decision to replace or remove your breast implants should be based on whether you notice any changes or complications.
A few signs that your implants may need attention include:
- Changes in breast shape, size or symmetry
- Persistent discomfort, pain, swelling or changes in sensation
- Hardening of the scar tissue around the implant (capsular contracture)
- Rippling or wrinkling of the implant that you can see or feel
- Changes in implant position, including one breast sitting higher or lower than the other
- Rupture or deflation of the implant
- Changes detected during routine imaging such as mammograms, ultrasounds or MRI scans
Physical changes are not the only reason to consider breast revision surgery. You may choose to adjust your implant size or style (or to remove them entirely) later in life as your aesthetic preferences or lifestyle needs evolve.
At What Age Should Breast Implants Be Removed?
Implant-related changes can happen at any time. Some women never experience complications. Others need to address issues sooner than expected. Neither your age nor the age of your implants is a factor.
Instead, you should base your decision to remove or replace your implants on medical advice and personal choice. Consider:
- The condition of your implants as determined through regular monitoring
- Changes in your body over time, including weight fluctuations and natural ageing
- Your lifestyle and physical activity level
- Your personal preferences regarding breast aesthetics
- Any health considerations or complications that may rise
Consultation with your specialist plastic surgeon is recommended for proper assessment and guidance.
Do Silicone Implants or Saline Implants Last Longer?
Neither silicone nor saline implants have a clear advantage when it comes to longevity. Both types are designed to be durable, and their lifespan depends more on individual factors than on the construction of the implant.
What is most important to know is how to spot a rupture in each type of implant.
Saline Implant Rupture
When a saline implant ruptures, you can usually tell quickly. The affected breast deflates, and the sterile saltwater solution is harmlessly absorbed by the body. The size change makes detection straightforward and prompt assessment possible.
Silicone Implant Rupture
A rupture may not be as easy to detect with a silicone implant because the cohesive silicone gel usually stays within the implant shell or surrounding scar tissue capsule. There may be no visible or palpable changes (known as a “silent rupture”). Silicone implants should undergo periodic imaging to monitor implant integrity.
What Are My Options for Breast Revision Surgery?
Dr Choy creates custom surgical plans for each breast revision surgery patient. Depending on what your concerns and preferences are, you may choose to have your implants exchanged for new implants or to have them removed without replacement (explantation).
The surgical approach Dr Choy uses to remove your implants will depend on multiple factors, including the position and condition of the implants and the presence of complications. The main techniques include:
Standard Implant Removal
- Removes the implant while leaving the natural capsule of scar tissue in place
- May be suitable when there are no complications and the capsule is soft and thin
- Generally the least complex and least invasive approach
Total Capsulectomy
- Removes both the implant and the surrounding capsule of scar tissue
- The implant and capsule are removed separately
- Often recommended for under-the-muscle implants requiring removal
En Bloc Removal
- Extracts the implant and surrounding capsule as one complete unit
- May be recommended for ruptured implants or when the capsule is hardened
- Particularly suitable for above-the-muscle implants requiring removal
What Can I Do to Prolong the Lifespan of My Implants?
There is no guarantee of how long your breast implants will last, but there are steps you can take to help maintain their condition and monitor their integrity. This care begins immediately after surgery and continues throughout the life of your implants.
Post-Surgical Care
- Follow Dr Choy’s postoperative instructions carefully
- Wear the recommended support garments as directed
- Allow adequate healing time before resuming activities
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments
Ongoing Care
- Wear properly fitted, supportive bras, especially during exercise
- Maintain a stable body weight
- Protect your chest area from direct trauma during physical activities such as contact sports
Regular Monitoring
- Schedule regular check-ups as advised (particularly for silicone implants)
- Perform regular self-examinations
- Report any changes promptly to your specialist plastic surgeon
- Keep current on developments in implant safety and technology and proactively address any concerns
Discuss Your Breast Implant Options With Dr Choy
Specialist plastic surgeon Dr Ellis Choy regularly consults with patients in Sydney about breast implant maintenance, replacement and removal. If you have noticed any changes in your breasts or are approaching a time when your implants may need assessment, Dr Choy can provide a thorough evaluation.
To schedule a consultation, enquire here or call (02) 8962 9388. Our team can provide information about appointment availability and help you take the next step in your breast implant care.
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