Breast Implants: Q&A
Ask a QuestionWhen Should I Have Breast Implants Replaced?
I had a breast augmentation in December 2000. I was wondering, when do I need to have them replaced? Any feedback would be helpful. Thanks!
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13 Doctor Answers |
Asked by
emily7036
in Douglas, GA
+4
Replace or Exchange Breast Implants Only If There is A Problem
Thank you for your question. You should follow up with your Plastic Surgeon to have your Breast Implants checked.
However is you are happy with your Implants and have no problems with them most Plastic Surgeons would not recommend that you replace your Breast Implants.
Problems that can require Breast Implant Replacement include:
Rupture of Breast Implant
Capsular Contracture or hardening
Asymmetry
Deformity of Implant
Sagging of the Breast off of the...
more
+2
They only need to be replaced if there is a problem
There is no expiration date for breast implants-- some last 20-30 years or more, others need to be replaced within a few years. In general, the reasons they need to be replaced include deflation, leak, contracture, movement, or cosmetic dissatisfaction, and about 20% of women have their implants replaced within the first 10 years after their procedure for one of these reasons. If they look and feel great and you're happy with them, don't replace them.
+1
Breast implants do not have an expiration date
You do not need to exchange your implants unless they are leaking or causing a problem (capsular contracture, etc). Implants do not have an expiration date, so you do not need to remove them unless there is a problem.
If you have any questions about your implants, I advise you to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon. I hope that helps and wish you all the best.
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When to replace breast implants
Unless there is an issue, there is no reason to replace the implants. Some of our patients have enjoyed their implants for over 20 years.
+1
Breast implants do wear out over time
Breast implants do wear out over time and all will eventually leak. The shell or container of the breast implant is a silicone rubber elastomer, not to be confused with silicone gel material. The rubber membrane is coated to reduce leakage, and the outer surface is occasionally textured in the belief that it will reduce capsular contracture, or help maintain the orientation of the implant.
In the year 2000 we used many saline implants in augmentation of the breast, and many silicone gel...
more
+1
Breast implants don't last forever
Dear Emily,
There are 2 components to all implants: The shell and the filler material.
The shell in all FDA approved implants available in the USA are silicone. The filler material can be either saline or silicone.
The saline is basically salt water at the concentration that is equal to our body's salt water concentration. So if it leaks, it gets absorbed by the body with no harmful effects. What the patient would notice is that the breast that has the leaking implant has decreased in...
more
+1
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it"
Unless you have a deflated saline or ruptured gel imppant, or unless you have a capsular contracture, or unless you are unhappy with the size or need a lift, don't do anything. I have seen patients with 35 year-old saline implants who would have had 4 "tire changes" if they went in every 10 years for an exchange - and they never would have needed one of them!
+1
It depends on whether you have saline or silicone implants.
Hi!
1) If you have saline implants, you never need to replace them unless one leaks. You know it's leaking because your breast will gradually get smaller.
2) If you have silicone implants, you might have a leaking implant and not know it, because the silicone stays in place and the breast doesn't change. So we recommend an MRI of the breasts every two years, because the MRI will pick up a "silent" leak in a silicone implant
+1
2000 was a very good year
Emily,
I guess it's unanimous so far. I agree with every other respondent that your implants only need to be replaced if there is a problem with them. Many implants can last for twenty years or more. The newer generation implants are more likely to last longer than the 10 year average life span that is quoted today because they are made with a stronger shell. You should be following up with your surgeon annually for an implant check. Good luck!
+1
There is no Expiration Date
Implants can fail overtime. The average is about 1% per year, meaning in 10 years 10% chance, 30 years 30%, etc.Just live your "normal" life and if you have saline devices, you will know it if they fail. Gel implants may never manifest signs of failure. Am MRI or ultrasound are ways to assess these devces.
These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.
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