New advances in breast implants

I agree I with some of the advice from the other surgeons; the average life span of a saline implant is about 10-15 years. However, if your implant has lost volume, it is leaking and should be replaced no matter its age.

The most recent advance in breast implant technology is a new device called "Ideal Implant" which is currently going through and FDA trial. It is a saline implant which was designed with an internal baffling system with the intent of decreasing implant rippling as well as internal movement of the saline. The manufacturer describes it as a HYBRID implant, because it is filled with saline only, but has a look and feel that is closer to a silicone implant than any saline implant that I have ever seen. So far, all of my patients that have them in are very pleased.

With saline implants, leakage or deflation signals the end of their useful lifespan. If the implants do not deflate then they are good until they no longer serve you well (i.e the rippling is too obvious, the size is not acceptable, the shape or position is not agreeable).

Replacement after 15 years can be as simple as opening up the capsule, separating the implants from the capsule and replacing the implants with a different implant. Or, it can be very involved if the position of the implant is not acceptable relative to your normal breast tissue, if the size is significantly different than what is desireable, if the overlying breast tissue  and skin is sagging or misshapened, etc. Each case must be analyzed on its individual characteristics.

There are few very significant revolutionary changes over the past 15 years. The concept of augmentation has shifted from one of pure volume to one of dimensions. There are probably more implant options as far as styles and sizes or dimensions are concerned allow a better match to your particular needs. However, the issues with side effects and risks of saline implants are unchanged.

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