What is the average "life" of a breast implant?

What is the procedure for replacing implants? I have had my saline implants for over 15 yrs. How long is the expected time period before you need to replace them? Is the procedure more painful or difficult than the original implant? I have a lot of rippling, even though I went under the muscle. My bags are textured, I believe. I also think that they may have loss some of their initial volume. Can you describe the average "life" of an implant, the replacement procedure and any new advancements in the last year or two? Thank you

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14 answers to “What is the average "life" of a...”

A: New advances in breast implants

By Kevin Brenner, MD - Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

I agree I with some of the advice from the other surgeons; the average life span of a saline implant is about 10-15 years. However, if your implant has lost volume, it is leaking and should be replaced no matter its age. The most recent advance in breast implant technology is a new device called... more

A: How long do breast implants last?

By Jack Gelman, MD - Frankfort Plastic Surgeon

Breast Implants can last a lifetime. But if a saline implant fails, it is usually pretty obvious. It sounds like you're less than completelty happy with your current result. You should see a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in this technique.

A: Breast implant longevity

By Farbod Esmailian, MD - Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Breast implants are very well made and could possibly last a very long time, or even a life time. Unlikely though, as the breast goes thru many changes, there will likely come a time where you will need additional surgery. Saline implants have a tendency to ripple, textured ones even more so. The... more

A: Breast implant life span

By Steven Wallach, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

The implant companies used to say they last 10 years, but I tell my patients that if they stay soft and feel fine, then leave them alone.

A: Breast implants last 10 to 15 years on average

By Daniel C. Mills, MD - Orange County Plastic Surgeon

I tell my patients that the life of an implant is about 10 to 15 years, depending on different factors. The largest of these factors is if they get a capsular contracture or not. I can't remember an implant rupturing in my practice within 10 years without a capsular contracture. The ones that do not get a... more

A: Sounds like your implants are ok

By Kenneth R. Francis, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Implants last an average of 10-15 years. This is an average. So, some will fail at 5 years and some will fail at 25 or 30 years. Rippling is an unfortunate consequence of saline filled implants, especially textured ones. If it is a straightforward replacement that you require, the... more

A: Replacing older implants

By Sutton Graham II, MD - Greenville Plastic Surgeon

Beauty advice: You have a few different choices such as when to replace and what to use for the replacement. With saline filled implants I would recommend you wait until you have a deflation (which you'll easily see) or another problem (if the rippling bothers you enough, etc.). With saline... more

A: Saline implants' lives end when they deflate

By Robin T.W. Yuan, MD - Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

With saline implants, leakage or deflation signals the end of their useful lifespan. If the implants do not deflate then they are good until they no longer serve you well (i.e the rippling is too obvious, the size is not acceptable, the shape or position is not agreeable). Replacement after 15 years can be as... more

A: Implants aren't usually replaced, unless necessary

By Scott E. Kasden, MD - Dallas Plastic Surgeon

There are a lot of different statistics regarding implant service life, and the lifespan varies depending on saline/silicone/round/teardrop/smooth/textured, etc. I have found that round, smooth, saline filled implants last an average of 14 years. This is NOT absolute fact, just observation and from reading. Of... more

A: No average life span for breast implants

By Barry H. Dolich, MD - Bronx Plastic Surgeon

"There ain't no such thing as average" especially when it comes to implants. In my experience, I have patients with implants that are functioning as long as thirty years and I have seen others fail within a year. In your case it seems you would benefit from a consultation with your plastic surgeon... more

More answers to What is the average "life" of a breast implant?
Chicago - Breast implants can last 15 years or longer
New York City - There is no average "life" for breast implants. They can...
Orange County - Average implant life span is 10-15 years
Wheaton - Possible change to smooth implant

Comments

8 years Saline post op
unregistered guest

5 Mar 2009

Hello, I have had Saline implants for 8 years now and obsessing that it will deflate. I had some scar tissue build up from breast feeding. Does rubbing against the scar tissue wear down the implant? I also have squeaks and pops sometimes since breastfeeding. I'm worried because the wait at my Surgeon is 10 months if something happens.

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