If they aren't broken, don't replace them.

Richard P. Rand, MD answers: How long do breast implants last?

I have had implants since 1984 and have not had any problems. Should I be concerned because of the length of time?


Richard P. Rand, MD
13 months ago

I have seen a patient with 34 year old saline implants. If she had followed the "urban myth" that they need to be exchanged every 10 years she would have had 4 sets by now but only needed the first ones. If you are happy with the look, size, and feel of your implants and if they are intact, leave them alone. With saline you know obviously if they are intact. With silicone gel, mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs can determine the status.

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More answers to How long do breast implants last?

A: There is no uniform expiration date for breast implants

Shahram Salemy, MD
13 months ago

The short answer to your question is no. While we all counsel women interested in breast augmentation that there is a possibility that they would need them exchanged at some point in their lives, there are certainly women who do not ever need them replaced. If you have no cosmetic issues with the implants, if you have no pain or any other complaints, I would leave them be. The one exception is if they are silicone implants. If they are, you may have what is called a "silent leak". What this means is that the implant shell may be ruptured but you can't tell. The best way to find this out for sure is to have a breast MRI, and if the MRI is normal, then I would recommend leaving them alone.

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