With many of the original formulations of the implant shells (which are silicone regardless of whether you have silicone implants or saline implants) the quoted amount of time was an average of 10-15 years.
This number was based on reoperation rates and it is important to remember that these re-operation rates included all reasons. Indications for reoperation for patients with breast implants include:
1. capsular contracture or scar tissue forming around the breast
2. undesireable appearance of the breast implants - patient wishes to be larger, smaller or does not want implants anymore
3. implant rupture or leak
4. implant infection
Implant rupture is only one of several reasons that people have revision surgery.
The new implant shell formulations probably last longer than older shells but many of the other reasons that people have surgery still contribute to that average of patients having revision surgery every 10-15 years.
I hope this helps.
