Gel implants might last forever, but maybe not...

Richard P. Rand, MD answers: How long before silicone implants risk leakage?

How long can you leave silicone breast implants in before they risk leakage?  Mine are 13 years old and I'm worried that they may start to leak soon.


Richard P. Rand, MD
13 months ago

If you have 13 year old gel implants, you might have ones with a memory gel, that is a more cohesive gel than the old silicone gel implants had. These should have less risk of gel leakage that could leave the implant and get into the tissue.

You could get a breast MRI to evaluate them and meet with your plastic surgeon. But don't feel like a time bomb just because 13 years have passed. You might be one of the lucky ones whose implants will never have a problem.

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