Your question is a common one. I have read, and agree with, the other answers provided by my colleagues. These devices are not expected to last a lifetime, but some do. A saline implant rupture will be obvious without any imaging. This could happen within days of implantation or 30 years later or never. The current silicone implants may rupture without symptom and go undetected until it is seen on breast imaging. In regards to the question of alternative surgeries, some women elect to undergo reconstruction using their own tissue. The risks and benefits of both approaches should be discussed in the setting of each patient's specific story. Different health issues, body types, and cancer therapy should guide the recommendation to achieve a surgical plan that is specifically tailored to each patient. This is how we minimize the risk and optimize the results for each individual.
