Phillip C. Haeck, MD

This milestone of an implant lasting just ten years came from research that was done on the previous generation of silicone implants. 

With changes in the way implants are made nowadays we may be finding out in ten years that fewer implants need to be replaced than the FDA anticipated. 

I tell my patients to expect they will have to change them at least once in their lifetimes, but that this ten year interval is not cast in stone. 

I also remind my patients that at some point they should expect to be getting tests, such as a mammogram or an MRI to determine the status of the implant. 

I also tell them if they have had trauma to their chest wall, such as from an air bag going off in a car accident or falling down a flight of stairs, to expect that they will need an MRI exam to be sure the implant isn't damaged.