Do breast implants need to be replaced every 10 years?

Breast implants are a device that are not meant to last a
lifetime.  The 10 year mark is actually a
time period in which we know from experience that breast implants tend to
increase in their failure rate.  This is
simply because what happens as the implant ages.  As it ages, the shell becomes more fragile
and has a tendency to fail at a higher rate than when the implant is
newer.  That is why the idea of replacing
the implants every 10 years seems to be so common, but often
misunderstood.  Of course, an implant can
last much more than 10 years.  I have
seen patients with implants in for 20 years or longer and the implants may be
doing just fine, so it varies for each patient. 

 
Your case, however, may have other issues going on.  The sensation of air pockets and this rash
need to be evaluated.  I would recommend
going to see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to have them evaluate you and
see if the implant is in good condition or if after the 10 year mark, in your
case, the implant needs to be replaced. 
Implants, whether saline or silicone gel, really need to be followed up at
almost an annual basis.  I have my
patients follow up with me yearly to check on the condition of their implant or
to see if they are having any other issue associated with their breast implant.  It is just a good practice for any woman who
has had breast implant surgery to have long-term follow up with her Plastic
Surgeon. 

Breast implants do NOT expire.
There are many myths surrounding this topic. The myths exist because of  medical studies that are misinterpreted in the media.
But I will say it again, breast implants do NOT expire.
If you get breast implants, one of three things can happen:
1) You may get a replacement because you WANT a change
2) You may NEED a replacement because of a complication with your implants
3) You may keep the same implants indefinitely as long as you don’t meet criteria 1 and 2
The myth of the "10 year expiration" came from studies that were done over a 10-year period. The number 10 is a long term follow-up, but in the future we’ll see 15 and 20 year follow ups.
When these studies were interpreted and published for the public (in the media and internet), they did NOT distinguish between women who WANTED to get another procedure, and those who NEEDED one.
Among those who WANTED another procedure, the reasons were varied. Some wanted larger implants. Some breastfed and wanted new implants with a breast lift. Note that getting another procedure done does not mean that they were unhappy with their results. In a 10-year period, your body can change and it's also possible for your preferences to change as well.
Then there were the patients who NEEDED to remove/replace their implant.
Long term, there are two complications that result in a woman needing another procedure. These are capsular contraction and the implant rupturing. (Capsular contracture is most likely to happen within the first year.) These are known and accepted risks of a breast augmentation.
Ten-year studies show that capsular contracture happens at a rate of 2% a year, and rupturing at 1% per year.
There is no way to completely avoid these risks. Some studies suggest that minimizing the chance of bacterial contamination may reduce the chances of capsular contracture.
In my practice, I reduce the chances of bacterial contamination by 1) doing the incision in the inframammary fold (breast crease) because there is higher risk of contamination going through the areola and  2) using what’s called a “Keller Funnel” to insert the implant 3) practicing “no touch technique” in which the surgeon never touches the implant and 4) using antibiotic irrigation to wash the implant pocket.
That said, the risk cannot be eliminated 100%. That's the nature of surgery. It is something you will have to accept if you decide to get a breast augmentation.
If one of these two complications happens--whether in 1 year, 10 years, or 20 years-- you may need a removal/replacement, depending on the severity. If neither complication happens, and you are happy with your implants, there is no need to have another procedure.
I have had consults where patients are concerned that they've had implants for 10 years or more. Have they had either of these two complications? No. I ask them, “Are you still happy with your results?” Yes. In that case, there is no need to do anything.  
WHAT TO DO WITH THIS INFORMATION
There are benefits and risks to a breast augmentation, like any other surgical procedure. (Most big decisions in life have benefits and risks.) And you also have the alternative of doing nothing.
As a patient, the best you can do is understand and accept this reality, and make a decision based on that.
The key is to ask yourself, "How much do I want this? For me, is it worth the actual cost? Also, is it worth the potential cost in the unfortunate case of a complication?" Those are subjective criteria. They are not facts, but, at the end of the day, it's what it comes down to. It's a very personal decision only you can make.
That said, on RealSelf, 96% of women who have breast augmentations are very happy they did.  And, in my experience, they almost always say, "I wish I had done this sooner." The reason for this wish is simple: they love the way they look and feel, and wish that they had experienced this boost in confidence sooner in their lives.
I hope that answers your question on whether breast implants need replacements. It’s great that you’re doing this research. I always say that the best patients are informed patients.
You might also want to research your options for breast implants. Choosing the right implant is the number one concern among women considering breast augmentation. Did you know, there’s actually a way to select a implant shape, size, and profile that is perfect for you?
A term that I use with my patients for the perfect implant is the “Pony Implant”.
So what do I mean by “perfect”? Well, a Pony Implant has three qualities to it. First, the implant meets your beauty goals. For example, you want to your breasts to look fuller while still appearing natural.
Second, when you chose your Pony Implant, you walk out of your consultation 100% confident that you’ve chosen the right shape and size for you. In other words, you won’t be second guessing your decision, and you won’t be afraid of having gone too big or too small.
And third, after your procedure, you are thrilled with your results, and say, "I’m so happy. This is exactly what I wanted!"
That’s the Pony Implant. And the great news is that there is a simple process to go about finding yours.
This issue of selecting the right implant is so important when it comes to patient satisfaction or dissatisfaction that, again, I really encourage you to learn more about it.
Thank you for reading and best of luck on your journey!

Hi HtownShelley, Many people are under the mistaken impression that breast implants need to be replaced every ten years. This is not true. There is no finite time frame for when you have to replace your implants. They do  not have an expiration date.  As long as you are happy with their appearance, your breasts are soft, and there are no problems with leaks, there is no need to change out your implants. They are by no means, once in a lifetime device, but the most common reason implants are replaced is when a woman wants to change her breast size. Implant manufacturers provide warranties in case of implant rupture. If you want the full guidelines recommended by the FDA you can read at their site, however, the basis for these guidelines are arbitrary at best. I tell my patients to come back yearly for a wellness check, should we detect any issues that require testing like and MRI, we'll order it. And, no, health insurance is not going to cover your implant replacement. This is a voluntary cosmetic procedure you chose to have, it is your responsibility.