Breast Implants: Q&A
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How Long Do Breast Implants Last?
I have had breast implants for 14 years and I am now developing a large rash under my left breast, and it hurts and I feel alot of air pockets. One doctor told me to replace them every 10 years and another told me you never have to replace them
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106 Doctor Answers |
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Pamela Ashworth
+10
Breast Augmentation: Can Breast Implants Last a Lifetime?
While breast implants do have the possibility of lasting a lifetime, the implant manufacturers do not consider them 'lifetime devices' as the possibility exists that over time the outer shell will fail. Saline breast implant failure is quite obvious when it occurs, for when a saline implant leaks, the saline solution is quickly absorbed by the body and the 'deflated' side immediately looks smaller than the intact side.
Several large studies have shown saline implant...
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+7
How Long Breast Implants Last.
Thank you for your question. There is a great deal of confusion about the longevity of Breast Implants.
Many Plastic Surgeons recommend replacement of Silicone Gel Implants after 10-15 years.
However, most agree today that if your Breast Implants are intact and you do not have problems such as Capsular Contracture or Implant Rupture, there is no need to remove Breast Implants that are intact and that you are happy with.
The problem is that rupture of Silicone Gel Breast Implants...
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+6
How long do breast implant last?
Most breast implants will last a lifetime.
There is a common misconception that implants will only last 10 years. This is not true. If you have no problem with your implant then nothing needs to be done with them. The only reason you would change an implant is if there is a problem with them. The most common long term problem is implant rupture. The risk of a rupture is 1% a year. So the risk of having a broken implant at the end of 10 years is 10%. That means that 90 % of implants...
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+6
Breast implant exchange myth
There is no time limit as to when or if you need to exchange your breast implants. I have heard from patients that they have heard that breast implants need to be changed every 10 years. The only reason you need to exchange your breast implants is if you are having a problem with them or if you'd like to change the size.
Some of the potential complications that may arise would be deflation, capsular contracture, bottoming out, or just size change. If you are happy with the size of...
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+5
Breast implant replacement
There is no expiration date for breast implants, and I have seen patients that have had breast implants trouble-free for as many as 30 years. Nonetheless most breast implants are not lifetime devices, and I tell my patients that we hope that their implants will last approximately 15 years on average. As people’s bodies change over time they sometimes request other breast operations, including those to change the size of their implants or lift their breasts.
+5
There is No Expiration Date!
Breast implants are not like cartons of milk, there is no expiration date. Implants do fail in time, as they are man made devices and all eventaully will.
Saline and gel devices have individual rates of failure and to make it easy average around 1% per year. This means in 20 years there is a 20% , or 1 in 5 chance of failure. At 50 years, there is a 50% chance. So just determine the odds. There is no date to change the implants, if they fail, change them.
For saline devices it is easy to...
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+4
How Long Do Breast Implants Last?
Breast implants can last a lifetime, but unfortunately there is no way to predict how long any particular one will last. We know from experience that current silicone gel implants are much more durable than ones placed twenty years ago.
When saline implants leak, you will usually know fairly soon that there is a leak because the breast will start to get smaller. Over a five-year study period in my practice, the deflation rate for saline implants was 0.4% per...
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+4
Generally there is no expiration date.
As most of the other doctors have mentioned -
Implants do not necessarily need to be changed out at any interval. The numbers you hear people talk about are based on averages of people that have had the implants replaced.
The most often cited number is (again... on average) every 10-15 years people will need an additional operation for their breast augmentation. Now that number is based on surgeries for all reasons - ruptured implants, want larger implants, have capsular contracture, just...
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+4
Usually 10-15 years
Patients who see their doctors annually have their implants in an average of 10-15 years. However, that doesn't mean they need to be replaced during that interval; many patients have their implants even longer and are problem-free. However when problems such as the ones described here come up, it is imperative to see your doctor to have an examination.
+3
Today's Improved Breast Implants Should Last Many Years
Breast Implants are now designed to last for decades but not considered lifetime devices. 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...
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+3
Replacing Breast Implants
There really is not need to replace them if you are not having any issues. The implants have a lifetime warranty and could perhaps last that long but most often revisional surgery is needed to perhaps perform a lift or go larger or smaller. At that point most surgeons would replace the implants given the fact that you are in the operating room and under anesthesia.
Most patients at this point desire to change size and some perhaps want to switch to silicone implants from saline.
Hope that...
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+3
No set rule as when to change breast implants
It is impossible to tell someone exactly how long their implants may last. It is possible that it could be for a lifetime. However, I tell my patients that they should not have breast implants placed unless they are open to having another surgery some time in their lifespan. Patients do need to understand that breast implants can 'fail', i.e., a saline implant can deflate and a silicone implant can 'rupture'.
One will readily notice if their saline implant is deflating as their breast...
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+3
Lifespan of Breast Implants
The decision of replacing implants depends on your type of breast implants (saline vs. silicone). Your breast implants can be replaced when the implants fail. This can be 5 years, 10 years or even 30 years.The detection of a fail saline implant is very simple. The breast with the failed breast implant will deflate. When this happens, the breast implant will need to be replaced. The same applies to silicone implants. owever, the failure of silicone implants is harder to detect, since the...
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+3
Implant replacement is a personal choice, just like the original procedure
Great question Pamela. As you can see from the many responses there's an overall consensus about the stability and durability of both the saline and gel implants. Anything man/woman/machine made has a potential for failure, since nothing in our body remains stable for very long.
The implant replacement issue was very prevalent during the early years of breast augmentation and before the newer 'models' were redesigned after the 10 yr moratorium by the FDA. Back then we had...
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Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon
+3
Replacing your implants... or not!
Like any device in medicine or, in fact, life for that matter, breast implants can fail after a period of time. This may be in the form of a rupture of the outer shell of the implant, causing the saline or silicone to leak out.
With saline breast implants, the saline is absorbed by your body without a problem, and your affected breast becomes “deflated” or smaller again.
With silicone gel implants, however, your body does not absorb the leaking silicone in the same way, and...
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+3
Replacing Breast Implants - Saline vs. Silicone
Breast implants are not lifetime devices. However, they do not need to be changed unless they have ruptured. A typical implant will last over 10yrs. I have seen some that have lasted over 25-30yrs.
With saline-filled implants the diagnosis is easier. The saline that leaks out of the implant is reabsorbed by your body, then the implant will deflate and your breast size will return to its pre-augmentation size. The saline is safe. At that point you will need to consult with your plastic...
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+2
The concept that implants need to be replaced every 10 years is an Internet legend.
The concept that implants need to be replaced every 10 years is an Internet legend. Time alone is no reason to change implants. But, you talk about a rash, a feeling of air pockets, and pain. That does deserve some evaluation, possibly with a dermatologist as well as a plastic surgeon. Rashes may be caused by fungal infections or by irritation from breasts that are too large. What feels like an air pocket may be the edge of the implant. This is...
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+2
Breast implant lifespan
Thank you for your question. Depending on to whom you ask this question, you will get a wide variety of answers. There is definitely a common misconception about the lifespan of breast implants. I have patients come in frequently and say things like "I am supposed to have these changed every ten years, right?" To make the waters muddier, the FDA encourages women to have their silicone implants imaged with an MRI every 2-3 years even without symptoms....
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+2
Breast Implants, when should they be exchanged?
The manufacturer’s warranty is for ten years for breast implants. The rupture rate slightly increases as the age of the implants increase. Therefore, if you are not having any problems at ten years, you do not have to exchange them. If you are having pain or discomfort your should see your plastic surgeon and consider exchange of the implants.
+2
Breast implants can last a lifetime (but not always)
Breast implants, whether saline or silicone, can and often do last a very long time. I have seen many patients who have had implants for 25+ years without incident.
The durability of the latest generation of cohesive gel implants is even more impressive. That said, because the long term studies are still in progress and we can not estimate with confidence what the leak rate will be 20-30 years after surgery, I still explain to all of my augmentation patients that their new implants will...
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+2
The Life Expectancy of a Breast Implant.
Breast implants have low failure rates which we discuss with our patients. The official manufacturer and FDA statement is that these are not lifetime devices. My personal recommendation to patients is to replace them if they fail. We do not do replacements on a schedule, since the vast majority of breast implant patients are not seeing problems at 10 years. Problems are usually visible with a saline implant deflation. It may not be as obvious with the new gel implants (the FDA suggests...
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+2
How long do breast implants last
IN GENERAL THE LONGEVITY OF BREAST IMPLANTS ARE UNPREDICTABLE. I have had patients who had breast implants for over 30 years and never had any problems. On the other hand few patients had some problem with their implants shortly after their insertions. If one does not have any problem they should leave them alone. However if a patient feels that there may be something wrong with implants or if they even feel some changes in their breast they should bring it to the attention of their plstic...
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+2
Do implants need to be changed?
Good question, typically implants do not need to be changed unless there is a problem, i.e. rupture, contraction or mal-position. Saline implants will not last a lifetime and when they deflate it is obvious. Silicone can last a very long time, but not a lifetime, I have seen silicone implants in place and problem free for over 40 years!
+2
Breast implant expiration
Breast implants do not expire. They last until they fail or they are no longer wanted. I have seen implants last 35 years but this is the exception. These are man made object which generally fail at some point. On average they last about 10-20 years. I would recommend to any women who has had breast implants for more then ten years to go see a board certified plastic surgeon and get them checked out. Problems caught early are much easier and cheaper to...
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+2
Breast implants do not require a replacement or maintenance schedule
Breast implants do not require "scheduled maintenance" or replacement every 10 years. In general, it is not necessary to do anything but enjoy them unless they cause a problem. In your case, pain and new "air bubbles" probably warrants and evaluation by your plastic surgeon as these symptoms may indicate an issue with the your implants
+2
Breast implants do not have to be replaced every ten years unless there is a complication.
If you are seeing a rash, you will need to see your Doctor to determine if this is implant related. Replacing implants every ten years is a myth, although warranty coverage may only last for ten years, If you have a rupture in a saline implant, you will know because the implant will deflate. Detecting ruptures in silicone implants is a little more difficult and requires an MRI or an ultrasound, whichever your surgeon recommends. Do, however, get this checked asap...
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+2
When Should You Replace an Implant?
There really is no expiration date for implants that are not causing problems.
For a period of time, plastic surgeons and breast implant manufacturers advised consideration of elective replacement of silicone gel implants after 10 years. With the newer highly cohesive gel implants (sometimes called "Gummy Bear" implants or form-stable implants), the implant manufacturers and many plastic surgeons have discontinued recommending elective replacement every 10 years...
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+2
There is no expiration date on your breast implants
Your breast implants are designed to last forever. Unfortunately, they probably won't.
There are three major reasons to change out implants:
1. Implant failure: In the case of saline, this is generally obvious when the implants deflate. In the case of silicone gel, an MRI is often necessary to detect implant rupture. Implant failure is the most common reason for changing out your implants.
2. Capsular contracture: If your breasts become excessively...
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+2
Replacement of Breast Implants and How long Breast Implants Last
When to replace breast implants is a very complex topic. There are a number of reasons to replace implants. They include:
1.Rupture
2.Capsular Contracture
3.Rippling
4.Size Change
5. Changing between silicone and saline
There is no recommended interval at which you must change your implants. We always advise our patients that breast implants are not lifetime devices and therefore you should expect to replace them at least once in your life. For...
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+2
Longevity and replacement of breast implants
Saline and silicone implants have a deflation/rupture rate of about 10% during the first decade after they are inserted. Some women are fortunate and can go 10-20 years with implants, while others are unfortunate and can experience a deflation in the first year or two. The chances that you will have a "reoperation" after your initial surgery is about 25% in the first 10 years. This means one our of every four patients will have another breast surgery in the first decade. This is...
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+2
Implants have different lifespans
There is no set time that an Implant will last without rupturing. However, here is what I have observed after 23 years of experience:
Silicone Implants last longer than Saline Implants. I have seen women with intact Silicone Implants after 25 years. Saline I've seen last as long as 17 years.
Smooth Surfaced Implants last longer than Textured Surface Implants.
With regards to Implant Replacement, I have 2 suggestions:
Leave the Implants alone and only replace them if they rupture or...
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+2
Breast implants replaced when needed
Breast implants are designed to be left in for a lifetime. With that said they all have an approximately 1%/year rate of rupture. And studies have indicated that a majority of women who undergo breast augmentation will need another surgery within 25 years. Now that doesn't mean necessarily due to rupture. Women will often need another surgery because the breasts have changed.So unless you have a problem you don't need to change the implants. Since you are having issues see your plastic...
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+2
Yours sound like they may need to be replaced
There is no expiration date for breast implants-- some patients need them replaced within a few years, others never need them replaced. But based on what you're describing, you may very well need them exchanged. I would consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss what your options on, including what type of implant to now use (saline versus silicone, for example).
+2
Experience will vary
The average lifespan of implants manufactured in the US is 10-15 years, and the most common reasons they would need to be replaced are because they rupture, or because of capsular contracture (firmness and shrinkage of the connective tissue surrounding the implant) which may or may not cause discomfort and/or distortion of the breast.
If you are having problems- whether that be dissatisfaction with the changes in appearance of the breasts, pain, or loss of volume, I would consult your Board...
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+2
When Implant issues arise professional evaluation essential
Given the signs and symptoms described in this question, along with the amount of time the implants have been in place I recommend a prompt evaluation by a board-certified Plastic Surgeon experienced in the use of implants in breast surgery. While general statements about the lifespan of implants generally hold true the specific circumstances referenced here require investigation, independent of how long the implants have been in place.
New York City Plastic Surgeon
+2
Breast implants do not expire.
There is no absolute date from surgery that breast implants need to exchanged. That is saline and silicone. Peace of mind is a different issue. Saline breast implants do not seem to cause much concern and when they fail you will know it. All of the fluid will go out and the breast will be smaller. Sometimes this is a one day event others will note a progressive diminition in volume over a few days to weeks.
Silicone gel is a differnet device and raises alot more concern and anxiety. To...
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+2
Only necessary to replace a breast implant if shell is ruptured
You should return to your plastic surgeon to have the rash under the breast properly evaluated. The rash could be heat related, but it is not possible to determine this without an evaluation.
Typically, we tell our patients that a breast implant is not a permanent device. Some will eventually fail. With a saline implant there is no question if it is leaking, the breast will gradually decrease in size. Eventually, over a 3 - 6 week period all fo the saline will leak out. This is not a...
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+2
It depends....
Regarding your rash - i would definitely see your surgeon as soon as possible.
In regards to when to replace them, I share the same opinion as a lot of the others on this forum - if there is no problem with your breasts and they look fine, there really is nothing to do. Now if you have a change in shape, increased pain, develop hardness or lumps, change in volume, these are reasons to consider doing something or exchanging them.
+2
You should see an experienced plastic surgeon
Any time there is a new finding, certainly "air pockets" and a rash, you should see your plastic surgeon.
You didnt mention whether you have salin or silicone gel implants. Typically when saline implants fail
there is an obvious change in shape and volume of the breast. Mnay times when gel implants fail, the gel i contained in the natural capsule around the device and there may be no outward noticeable change. Most often failed gel implants csue no local problems and are...
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+2
A rash and air pockets?! Go see your doctor!
If you have developed "a rash and air pockets" you need to be seen by a plastic surgeon. There is one local "cosmetic surgeon" who recommends that his patients have implants replaced every 10 years. This notion seems ridiculous to every "plastic surgeon" who I have spoken to about this subject. If the implant is not causing you a problem, there is no reason to change it. Hardness of the implant, desire for change in size, and known leakages are good reasons to have implant exchanges but...
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+2
You need to be examined by a competent and experienced...
You need to be examined by a competent and experienced plastic surgeon. Whether or not an implant needs to be replaced is independent of your symptoms. Generally speaking, implants do not have to be replaced unless they are not functioning in the way that they were intended. If we are talking only about leakage, saline implants will demonstrate leakage by a decrease in size or shape. Silicone implants may not change the breast size, shape or consistency, thus the "silent" leak...
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+2
Breast implants - how long do they last and when should you replace them?
In most cases your breast implants will last many years.
Any breast implant can leak, and the incidence of leaking is slightly under 1% per year. That means that in 25 years, you may have a 25% risk of one of your breast implants leaking and needing to be replaced. There is no rigid schedule for implant replacement, and they never need to be replaced as long as they are intact.
If a saline implant leaks, the breast gradually becomes smaller as the saline gets absorbed, and then you realize...
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+2
Implants can be replaced for elective reasons such as a...
Implants can be replaced for elective reasons such as a desire to change from saline to silicone or a request for a larger size. The medical indications for removing implants are rupture of the implant or capsular contracture.
Years ago many surgeons told patients to change their implants every ten years because the predominant implants at the time were siicone and there were no reliabel studies to determine implant rupture.
Today we have reliable studies with MRI and we have better quality...
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+2
Frequently, patients come in armed with the thought that...
Frequently, patients come in armed with the thought that every 10 years they need a new set of implants. This is simply an urban myth. If there are no problems with the implants, and if you are happy with the size, appearance and feel, then leave them alone.
I have personally seen patients with 35-year-old saline implants who never had an exchange and never had a problem.
As to the rash and feel of air pockets, these issues should be evaluated by a surgeon certified by the American Board...
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+1
Longevity of breast implants
You ask a very important question. There is no expiration date for breast implants. However, it is common for my patients to say to me that they have heard they need to be replaced after 10 years. That is simply not true. The implants will be replaced at no charge by the manufacturers for a person's lifetime in the event of a leak. In addition, for the first 10 years, they will reimburse operating room expenses up to a certain amount (more for silicone than for saline),...
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+1
How Long Do Breast Implants Last
Hi Pamela
You have to replace them only if you have a problem. Although the 10 year change was a reasonable concept with the old implants. With the newer generation implants that tend not to have problems, the 10 year change is not necessary. From what you describe looks like you need to consult with a Plastic Surgeon to see if the implant is the cause of the symptoms.
+1
Do Breast Implants Last
The standard time frame for breast implant life is 15 years. There are occasions when an implant may rupture or become incapsulated prior to this time frame. Breast implants have greatly improved over the past several years and most women will have many years before there is a need to exchange implants.
+1
Breast implants only need to be replaced if there is a problem
Hi Pamela,
Breast implants only have to be replaced if there is a problem - whether that be you are unhappy with the size, or the shape or feel have deteriorated over the years - or whether it be a complication such as infection, migration of the implant into a bad position or hard capsule formation.
see video
+1
Longevity of Breast Implants
In my view, breast implants do not need to be changed or removed unless there is a problem with them.
With the current generation implants I use - that being form stable, textured, cohesive silicone gel - the probability of leak and rupture are exceptionally low.
Although all mechanical devices have a failure rate, I tell my patients that the risk is so low with the current top quality implants that probability is on the patient's side that if you require a later procedure, it...
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+1
How Long Do Breast Implants Last?
It is common in plastic surgery to inform patients that the average breast implant lasts approximately 10 years based on many different factors. Some of the factors could be related to weight loss/gain, breast feeding, and the natural aging of the breasts. This can cause patients to be unhappy with the appearance of their breast augmentation. In those cases, they can be candidates for revisionary surgery.
If you are experiencing pain around your breast implant, you may have developed...
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+1
How Long Do Breast Implants Last?
My patients frequently asked me how long do breast implants last and if they should have them replaced every 10 years. The bottom line is that the current generation of silicone breast implants will likely last your lifetime and do not need to be replaced every 10 years.
The silicone breast implants available in the 1980s and early 1990s had a very thin shell and were likely to leak. When the implants leaked, the liquid silicone spread throughout the implant pocket and sometimes into the...
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+1
Duration of Breast Implants
Breast implants are to be replaced when they break, which can occur anytime between immediately post-op to never (they last forever).
+1
Life Span of Breast Implants
The implant manufactureres claim thier implants have a 1% failure rate per year. For some patients that means they may last for a life time. Others may not be as fortunate. There are ways that some implants may last longer. In General, saline implants, if overfilled slightly above their recommended volume last longer than those filled at or below the recommended volume. I usually tell patients that the only reason one would need to exchange implants is if they want a size change...
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+1
Life Span of Breat Implants
Generally speaking implants should last a lifetime. However, occasionally they will develop stress areas just like any inert substance. The pain, rash and air pockets you are experiencing should not be there at that stage and I recommend immediate evaluation of this issue and possible implant exchange or at least explore the pocket. The skin findings may not be related.
Tampa Plastic Surgeon
+1
Implant Replacement
Good question. The implants made 14 years ago are very different then the ones made now. Implant companies have been developing better and better devices. I recently visited the Mentor plant in Texas and saw many of the recent updates. Although they are not considered lifetime devices, implants can last a million years. Most people will want them changed in a 10 year period but especially if you've developed a rash. I would suggest that if the rash is due to the implant or is fungal in...
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+1
How long do breast implants last?
The incidence of implant rupture is most commonly stated to be 1% per year. This is the number that most plastic surgeons learned during their residencies, but the accuracy of this number in regards to the latest implant technology is difficult to ascertain. The last article that I read indicated that a patient should expect their implant to last 12.5 years. Does that mean that there is no risk of a rupture before 12.5 years? Absolutely not. It also does not mean that just because an implant...
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+1
Duration of Breast Impants
This is a commonly asked question and a frequent source of confusion amongst patients. There is a general misconception that breast implants should be replaced every ten years. The origin of this belief is unclear, but is probably secondary to misinterpretation of implant warranty terminology.
The manufacturers of breast implants clearly state that these devices are not intended to last a lifetime, despite this, many patients can expect to have implants last their entire lifetime. Current...
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+1
Changes in implants should be evaluated
Breast implants do not "expire" in a set time frame. However, they do fatigue and can fail over time. When this happens you may notice a change in the way that your breast feels. The breast may feel harder or appear smaller or differently shaped. If you experience these symptoms, or notice any other changes in your breast, you should see a board certified plastic surgeon to evaluate the changes and make a surgical plan for treatment if appropriate.
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+1
Breast implants do not last forever.
Breast implants do not last forever. There is no absolute answer for how long they will last, but the implant shell deteriorates over time. In general, 10 to 15 years is a reasonable average. With silicone gel implants, an increase in the firmness of the implant can be an early sign of leakage and a reason for replacement. If your breast hurts and you're having other problems, I would recommend replacement.
+1
How Long Do Breast Implants Last?
Great question and thanks for asking! Unlike the oil in your car which must be changed every 3000 miles or so, your breast implants do not need routine replacement unless you are having a problem with them or want to change to a different size implant. If you are not experiencing any problems with your implants, you do not need any additional surgery. Best wishes!
+1
How long to breast implants last
In general with modern implants the devices last for decades, unless there is a manufacturing fault (such as with the PIP implants) of major trauma to the implant. However it's what is around the implant that may not make the result last. The surrounding tissue may thicken (as in a capsule contracture) or the breast may sag. Often events that make the breast change size abruptly like weight fluctuation or pregnancies stretch the breast and alter the result. Surgical revisions are...
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+1
Timespan of breast implants
A breast implant is never considered a lifetime device. Visit with a board certified plastic surgeon who is very familiar with breast implants- you need an exam and perhaps even an imaging study such as ultrasound or MRI to deterimine if your implant is intact. Best wishes!!
+1
How long do breast implants last?
I'm guessing that most implants will last about 20 years - but no one knows. Breast implants are long lasting but are not meant to "last a lifetime". It of course depends on a lot of things, like how old you are when you get your implants, what type of implant and what style of implant. Implants have also been made differently through the decade. We believe that the present style of implant will be lasting longer. The information so far says that only about 1 in 10 implants wear out after 10...
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+1
Breast implant replacement
The main manufacturers of breast implants in this country have guaranteed their implants for ten years. That means that if something happens to the implant within the first ten years, you may be able to put a claim with the manufacturer. However, the ten year mark is not a deadline to change your implant. Your implant may last 20-30 years if cared for properly. Saline implants will fail by deflating. This is very easy for the patient to determine and the body reabsorbs the saline solution....
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+1
How Long Do Breast Implants Last?
Dear Pamela,
The answer depends on the generation of implant you have. Implants have gone through several generations of development. The truth is that with the current generation of implants, we really don't know how long they will last. The general feeling is that if you have no problems with your implants (they are soft, aesthetically pleasing, and haven't ruptured), they don't need to be replaced.
Previous generations of implants suffered from higher...
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+1
Life expectancy of gel implants
Gel implants do not last forever. The best way to evaluate the integrity of a gel implant is an.
MRI. Check with your doctor or manufacturer, if they are ruptured, they may be under warranty and be replaced for free.
+1
Breast Implant Longevity
Breast Implants are not designed to be lifetime devices and patients should understand pre-operatively what their plastic surgeon plans for the followup of their devices. Manufacturers recommend replacement every 10 years. When a saline implant deflates it is usually apparent very quickly, and the deflation rate may be as high as 1-2%/year. Implant shell failure varies between different styles of implants. In my prior answer to the MRI requirement/recommendation by...
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+1
How Long Do Breast Implants Last
Implants can last indefinitely if there are no leaks or capsular contractures present. Saline implant leak detection is easy because the implant that leaks goes flat. With silicone the implant may not feel that it has leaked and that’s why an MRI is recommended to follow silicone implants.
+1
Implant Longevity
There is nothing that I know that can last forever, That said, the FDA opinion is 13-15 years. But that is just a guidline not a rule. Implant shave been the most studies "devices" and even when ruptured, there is no evidence to show that health is adverewsly affected. A saline rupture would be immediately noticable because it will deflate and the body will absorb the water. Silicone a different in that ruptures can go undetected. Sometimes patients can feel changes in...
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Tampa Plastic Surgeon
+1
Breast Implants and long term planning
Hello and thank you for your question.
There is some truth in both answers. Although implants are technically warrantied for life against defects most women will want or chose to have them replaced at some point in their life. Reasons for replacing implants would include:
-capsule contracture
-desire for different size (bigger or smaller)
-need for a breast lift
-need for augmentation revision (pocket correction)
-change from saline to silicone
-weight...
more
+1
Breast implant question
You need to be seen and evaluated ASAP to determine if the rash is a reactive problem or an infection or possible a neoplasm. The doctor will need to know if you have saline or silicone implants. An implant can last a very long time and the rate of rupture is about 1% a year with a lifetime risk of 7-10%. I agree with the other docs who say " If it is not broken do not fix it" Please see a board certified plastic surgeon for consultation.
+1
How long do breast implants last?
There is not exact answer to this. It is possible that they could last for 30 or more years. However, they are not expected to last a lifetime. As a patient gets older and they have children, etc. they will sometimes need a revision/implant exchange. On average, this is at 10-15 years from the time of the original surgery. As always, every patient is unique.
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How long do breast implants last?...
There is no expiration date on implants. If you are developing a rash I don't think it would have anything to do with your implant. I recommend that you see your surgeon or a physician to see why this rash is occuring. Patients are told implants last 10-15 years because of possible ruptures that may occur. Make an appointment with your surgeon to be examined and determaine what is needed to be done. Best of luck.
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Breast implants last about 15-20 yrs on average.
The longevity of them also depends on the type of implants. silicone has been shown to last longer than saline. my advice generally is that implants do not need to be replaced by age alone. in other words, don't worry that they are 10 yrs old and that they must be replaced. they are not tires that have a defined life span.
if the implants are causing problems - like you are describing - you should definitely have them checked out by a board certified...
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Do I need to exchange my implant?
Implants are a well constructed mechanical device, but like any device they may eventually fail.
In saline implants the rate of rupture has been quoted somewhere between 1%-4% per year. Basically the older the implant the higher the risk of rupture.
With a saline implant, If your happy and you look good my philosopy is if "it's not broke don't fix it" If the shell of the lmplant leaks it just releases salt water which is what your body is made of. You'll...
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Longevity of Breast Implants
The life span of breast implants varies. The two breast implant manufactures in the United States (Allergan and Mentor) offer a life time warranty on all their implants, saline or silicone. If one of their implants ruptures or leaks they will replace the implant for free, and will offer finacial assistance if the leak occurs within 10 years of implantation. This covers leaks that occur for any reason, such as trauma or spontaneous deflation. Most leaks occur from...
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Risk Factors associated with Gel or Saline Implant Ruptures
Implants do not last forever, whether they are gel-filled or saline-filled. For saline implants, the deflation rate has been quoted by manufacturers to be 1.5% per year which is accumulative. In other words, the longer the age of the implant the higher the deflation rate. For example, the deflation rate of a 10-year old saline implant is probably 15%. However, two factors will increase the deflation rate. Capsular contracture and underfilling the implant will lead to earlier than expected...
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Lifespan of Implants
Lifespan of Implants – This is a very good question. We know that all implants placed in the human body last between 10-15 years. Once your breast implants are between 8-10 years you need to be followed more closely by your plastic surgeon with ultrasound and regular mammograms annually. Certainly, for saline implants it is quite apparent when they deflate or rupture as they go flat on the breasts. However, for silicone gel, they need to be monitored especially after 10 years. If they...
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Lifespan of breast implants
The question of the longevity of implants is a subject of some controversy. If the implants are not bothering you or demonstrating leaks or capsular contractors, there is no reason to replace them. Studies performed with the old, silicone gel implants suggested that, at the 10 year point, more than half of them were suffering leaks. This is a general guideline and every case is a thing unto itself. A rash would not, in and of itself, indicate a problem with the implant but, in any case,...
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Duration of breast implant durability?
This is a common question and does not have an exact answer. Personally, if you have saline implants and you are happy I see no reason to worry at this time. If you have silicone implants you may want to discuss exchange for a new set of implants with your board certified plastic surgeon. There are several options for you to discuss in a lengthy discussion with your surgeon. Make sure he/she is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
All the...
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No expiration date on implants
One of the blogs on my website is entitled 'The ten biggest lies in plastic surgery.' The myth that implants need to be changed every ten years I believe is number one on that list. I have no idea who is originally responsible for that rumor, but in is not true. Although any implant can rupture at any time, most modern day breast implants should last 15-20 years before a deflation occurs. That is why both Allergan and Mentor offer such terrific warranties on their...
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Breast Implants Last How Long?
Mentor and Natrelle, the breast implant manufacturers in the United States, each offer a 10 year warranty to replace breast implants. So the safe answer is about 10 years.
Now, that answer applies only to a statistical patient population, not an individual. I have had patients with breast implants without problems for over 30 years! However I have also seen patients requiring replacement after only 4 years.
Should a patient be unlucky and have an early implant failure,...
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There is no expiration date for the breast implants
Patients sometimes confuse the difference between expiration date on breast implants and expiration of warranty for the breast implants.
There are 2 most reputable companies in the United States manufacturing breast implants. Mentor and Allergan, formerly known as Innamed and McGhan, both have similar products and similar 10 dear warranty. The rupture rates on both implants is about 1% per year.
The decision to change the breast implants is dependent on having problems...
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Life span of breast implants
There is no absolute definitive answer to the question but many will say approximately 10 years. The new outer shells of both the silicone and saline implants have improved markedly over the years. The silicone implant shell, however, is superior and may prove to be more durable than the saline implants over time. The FDA recommends that the silicone implants be replaced at 10 years but this is just a recommendation and not a requirement.
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Implant longjevity
I have seen implants last as little as 5 years and as long as 20 or more. In your current situation, the first step may be to return to the physician who placed them. If not, see another qualified plastic surgeon. The rupture rate is approximately 1% per year. If they are not broken, they don't necessarily need to be fixed. However, the symptoms your are experiencing are not normal and should be examined. Good luck!
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When to replace your breast implants
Breast implants typically last about 10 years, but they could last much longer. Implants do not need to be replaced until they deflate or rupture, or some other problem develops. It sounds like you are having some problems with your implants, and further evaluation is appropriate. I recommend that you see a board certified plastic surgeon in consultation soon.
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How often to replace breast implants
Breast implants (saline or silicone) can last forever. A saline implant should be replaced if it fails or if there are other areas of dissatisfaction (rippling, palpability etc...)
Silicone implants CAN last forever. The problem is in diagnosis of implant failure. It is difficult even for an experienced plastic surgeon to accurately diagnose early failure by physical exam. A failed silicone implant can lead to contracture, implant distortion and pain...
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Breast implant replacement
Saline breast implants generally last 10-15 years with a 1% deflation rate per year. You don't have to replace them until they fail. There is no harm in waiting until the implant breaks. Some patients prefer to replace their implants before they have a deflation. Sometimes the patient is looking to go bigger or smaller or may need to have a breast lift.
Silicone implants should last longer than saline implants. However, the new silicone cohesive gel...
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When you replace implants depends on the type of implants
I don't know if you have saline or silicone implants. If you have saline implants, they don't need to be replaced until they fail. Probably what you refer to as air pockets are actually ripples in the implants. If you have silicone implants, it is recommended they be replaced every ten years to prevent them from leaking in the body.
You may chose to replace your implants if they are unsatisfactory in some respect. The most common reasons are ripples,...
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Yours should likely be replaced now
Your 14 year old implants may now need to be replaced, since you are clearly having a problem with one of them. Implants are not, and never have been, life-long devices.
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Modern implants should last a lifetime
Newer generation of implants do not need to be replaced on a regular basis. Older generation from 20 years ago were found to leak after a certain amount of time and thus it was recommended to have them replaced every 10 years. That is no longer the case. So unless you have a problem with your implant, or you WANT to replace them, you do NOT need to have any additional surgery.
Do you have saline or silicone implants?
Sincerely,
Martin Jugenburg, MD
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How long do Breast Implants Last
Breast Implants can last several years or for a short time. The general rule of thumb is that 25% of patients undergo breast implant changes for numbers of reasons including:
1. Rupture
2. Capsular Contracture
3. Change in Size
4. Malposition
5. Rippling
Patients do not have to have their breast implants replaced unless the are concerned with the appearance of the breast implant, the feel of the breast implant, or if their breast implant is ruptured.
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Change them when YOU want.
Unless you are having an issue with size, appearance, or rupture, you generally have no need to change your implants. Be aware that any expense involved in changing them is your responsibility, so there should be some motivation to do so.
If you have any concerns, you should go to a reputable board certified Plastic Surgeon in your area to discuss.
Best regards.
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Replacing breast implants
Breast implants are replaced for several reasons. The obvious reason is rupture. Rupture rates are less than 1%. If a saline implant ruptures, it deflates and the loss of volume leads to asymmetry. Silicone ruptures can go undetected and can sometimes be brought to one's attention from a mammogram. If the implants are not broken there is no need to fix them. Another reason to replace an implant is because of capsular contracture. That's when the scar tissue around the implant shrinks...
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Breast implant last: The actual word-for-word FDA recommendations
I'll address the more pressing issue first. We are told many different answers on how long one should go with breast implants. Some of the more senior surgeons respond that the FDA recommends that we tell our patients that the FDA recommends we exchange implants at 15 years even if they appear intact. Once the patient has heard this recommendation, they can do as they wish but we as physicians have held up our side of the deal with the FDA and document it in the chart. This doesn't seem to...
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There is no ‘expiration date’ for breast implants
There is no ‘expiration date’ or specific time when breast implants need to be exchanged or removed. We counsel our patients prior to their breast surgery that they must willingly accept the concept that there is a reasonable chance that they may need to have their breast implants replaced or removed during their lifetime. Replacement of the implants may occur for several reasons when it is determined that they are faulty, other complications necessitate their removal, the...
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Englewood Plastic Surgeon
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No Fixed Answer
There are various answers to the question of implant longevity. This is because there are multiple manufacturers, multiple sytle, shapes, uses, etc. It is reasonable to expect that the implant should last about 15 years (rough estimate).
If the implants are in tact, not giving you problems need not be replaced. As long as you are happy with your result, leave them alone.
It is important to follo up with your well woman exam as recommended by your gyn, and also to follow up with your...
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If you're not having a problem with your breast implants, don't worry
Good question!
There is not one good answer. If your implants are today's newer, stronger implants, they may almost last forever. Silicone implants that were inserted years ago had a thinner shell and many may have ruptured. If they are causing problems, they need to be replaced. Today's silicone implants are stronger and carry a lifetime warranty againt rupture.
If a saline implant breaks - you know it, because the volume goes away.
Other than that, if you are not having a problem then...
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Several issues in one question
1- Durability of breast implants - Saline implants will last a very long time. About 5% will leak in the first ten years and then the number of leakages will increase significantly. A leakage is not dangerous but the loss of volume can be embarrassing.
Silicone implants can be divided into generations. The pre-FDA approval variety and the newer FDA approved cohesive gel implants. The earlier variety have a higher rate of capsule contracture and were known to have the silicone shell...
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On average, breast implants last 10-15 years
Hello, When you ask this question, the answer really depends upon the type of implant you have had placed. A rash under the breast is especially worrisome. When the implants are silicone gel implants, it might mean that the implant has ruptured and the gel is affecting the tissues including the skin.
Your mention of "air pockets" makes me think you likely have saline implants. The rash indicates a reaction, so I would get this evaluated by your plastic surgeon ASAP.
When saline...
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I had a double mastectomy 11 years ago at age 49 and reconstruction with saline implants. About 3 years ago, my breasts started to bother me. I ignored the occasional pain and swelling and then my mom found out she had breast cancer and I decided it was time to have them removed. That was October 2012 and when the surgeon went in, he found fluid and gray-black tissue (which should have been creamy white) and removed implants, capsules and scar tissue. It was a long and painful recovery but I am glad to have them out.