How long before silicone implants risk leakage?

The fine print of the implant manufacturer's literature states that breast implants are not lifetime devices, and last around 10-15 years. That being said, many women have implants for longer than 15 years, and some get them exchanged within an earlier time frame for a variety of reasons that may not be... more

I agree with the other surgeons - the average for re-operation for any reason for breast augmentation is between 10-15 years.  It is likely that newer implants (less than ten years old) benefit from newer shell formulations. and would like to add that even in the face of implant rupture evidence... more

Silicone breast implants are likely to rupture after 10 to 15 years.  The outer silicone shell begins to wear and may also break open to expose the implant.  Folds in the implant or thickened capsular contracture may decrease the timing to implant rupture.  If this occurs, the silicone breast... more

In general, the expected average lifespan of a breast implant is between 10 and 15 years.  Keep in mind that this an average, which means that some implants may leak at 5 years and some may not leak until 25 years.  At any rate, you should be visiting your board certified plastic surgeon at least... more

If you have 13 year old gel implants, you might have ones with a memory gel, that is a more cohesive gel than the old silicone gel implants had. These should have less risk of gel leakage that could leave the implant and get into the tissue. You could get a breast MRI to evaluate them and meet with your... more

This really depends. From an official standpoint, we have one definitve resource. That is the studies submitted to the FDA for approval of the current implants which sites a 0.5% (1/200) chance at 3 years. It is for that reason, that the FDA recommends that 199 patients undergo an unnecessary MRI to detect one... more

One of the most frequently asked questions when I am doing a consultation for breast augmentation is how long does the implant last. I tell my patients that although there is no precise time period, most patients will have a second breast operation in about 10 to 15 years (whether it is to perform a lift,... more

This is an intensely debated question without a simple answer. Some doctors suggest a rupture may happen in 10-15 years. Others remind us that for many patients a rupture may never happen. The FDA cites a rupture rate of about .05% at 3 years. Because of these figures the implant companies have recommended an... more