Breast Implants are now designed to last for decades and deflation rates are only about 1% per year. Most patients will never need replacement for this reason. I tell my patients that even after 15 years of practice, I see very few deflations and rarely change an implants for this reason.
On the other hand, I also let them know that many women who have breast augmentation will need another operation sometime in their lives for age related breast changes, drooping of the breasts, or rarely implant capsule formation (hardening) or implant position problems. At the time of the procedures for other reasons the implants are sometimes changed.
Finally silicone gel implants require extra vigilance because a rupture can be silent ( not detectable). The FDA recommends periodic MRI's every 5 years to check them. Most patients who are doing well probably don't follow this recommendation.
From a more real world standpoint remember two things:
1. Saline implants can easily and quickly be replace if they rupture. The operation to replace an implant is about 20 minutes and can often be done under twilight or even local anesthesia
2. Have your silicone implants checked by your doctor if you notice changes such as hardening, pain, shape changes. An MRI or implant replacement may be in order.
In your case, a visit to your plastic surgeon is clearly in order to determine the status of your implant.
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