Replacing breast implants every 10 years?

Do I have to change breast implants every ten years, or can I go on with them for as long as I can until something happens to them? Is it preferable to change them every ten years?

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You may be interested in reading related question, Breast implants - How long should they last?

4 answers to “Replacing breast implants every 10...”

A: Replacing breast implants every 10 years is debatable

John P. Di Saia, MD

Hello, Although breast implants have no defined term for replacement, I am much more comfortable following patients with saline implants over the long term than those with silicone implants. The reasons is that silicone implants are more commonly associated with thick calcified capsules and can leak... more

A: Replacing breast implants

Jack Gelman, MD

Breast implants can last a lifetime. Unlike tires, they don't need to be rotated or changed on a schedule. However, like tires, if they fail they need to be replaced. They also can be replaced for capsular contracture, pain, and other reasons. But if you're okay, they're okay.

A: If it's not broke, don't fix it

Michael C. Edwards, MD

    Although no implant is guaranteed to last your lifetime, there is no compelling reason to change them for change's sake every 10 years. You may opt to have a revision surgery if you have a need or desire to though such as an implant deflation, a desire to change size, or to correct something with... more

A: Changing implants

Brent Moelleken, MD

If implants are not causing problems (such as hardening) and normal on mammogram and MRI (for silicone implants), we believe they can remain indefinitely and do not need to be changed every 10 years. Statistically, every 10-15 years women often have their implants changed for a myriad of reasons (hardening,... more

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