How Long Do Breast Implants Last
Like most cosmetic procedures, breast implants will need to be redone after a period of time. The length of time that the implants last depends on the type of implant that you have.
Implant companies generally say that breast implants should be replaced every 10 years, but if the implants do not show any signs of problems, they do not need to be replaced after that set time period. In truth, no implant is guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Breast implants are not devices that last for a lifetime, but they should last for a long time, safely.
Types of Implants
The two types of implants used are saline implants and silicone gel implants. The type that you should get depends a lot on your body type, your appearance goals, the placement of your breasts, and even the natural size of your breasts. Dr. Pirani will be able to help you through these questions to choose the right implants for you.
- Saline: Saline implants are filled with saline or salt water. They are slightly less natural feeling than their silicone counterparts, but their size can be adjusted easier. It is also much easier to determine whether you have a ruptured implant.
- Silicone: Silicone implants are filled with silicone gel. In general, they have a more natural feel to them, but they are much harder to detect a rupture in.
Ruptures
An implant rupture is when the shell of the implant has been damaged. This can happen due to a fall or any other sudden pressure to the breast. When a saline implant ruptures, you can spot it right away, because the breast will change size dramatically over the course of a couple of days. A silicone rupture is harder to tell, because the silicone does not drain like saline does. Sometimes the gel simply stays in place, which makes it even harder to detect.
It is suggested that recipients of silicone implants get MRIs every three years to confirm the integrity of the implant. Once an implant has ruptured, you will need to have it removed and replaced. There have been no studies that indicate that leaked silicone or saline impacts your health, but it is still good to have them removed.
Without Rupture
Most patients do not experience any kind of rupture with their breast implants and can happily live with them. While the recommended replacement time is 10 years, there are patients who keep them much longer due to how well taken care of the implants are and whether the patient has been in good health. Unless you have experienced a rupture, you can look forward to keeping your implants for 10 years before any more work will need to be done with them.
After 10 years of having your breast implants, your risk of rupture increases by 1 percent every year, which really is not very much when you consider that even after 10 years, you still have a 90 percent chance of no ruptures at all.
What Can You Do?
In order to get the best longevity from your implants, you will need to first make sure that you have given yourself adequate time to recover. Implant surgery is still major surgery and your body will need time to heal and recover. During your recovery remember to:
- Wear your compression bra
- Do not do any heavy lifting
- Take time off from work to rest
- Avoid underwire bras
- Avoid chest or pectoral exercises
- Keep up with your follow-up appointments
Also, remember that breasts with implants can still get breast cancer. You must keep up with your home screenings and any mammograms that have been recommended. Just remember to let the tech know that you have implants before getting a mammogram performed in order for the tech to prepare better.
What’s Next?
If you are considering having a breast augmentation or have concerns about an existing breast augmentation, give Dr. Pirani a call to set up a consultation. He will be able to go over all of your questions and concerns to ensure that you get the results that you are hoping for while easing your mind about anything else you are concerned about.