I have over the muscle saline breast implants that I’ve had for 20 yrs. Do I ever need to have them replaced or checked?

So with any implant on the market at this point in time, it's unlikely that saline or silicone would last you a lifetime. With the manufacturers, generally, they can give a date of approximately 10 years after implantation where we know from the research and data, looking at rupture rate versus the implant, that the chance of rupture dramatically increases. If the implant is still intact and you're not having any other problems with it there's no specific date at which time it has to be removed.

When I use saline implants with my patients I see them once per year and make sure the implant integrity is the same. Rupture can be obvious with saline and should be replaced 

Hi & thanks for your question!
It is a good idea to have your implants checked every few years. Your surgeon will have his/her own protocol for how often they like to see patients for follow up appointments. Best wishes!

Thanks for your question. There is no implant that is permanent.  That said, implants don't necessarily ever have to be changed either if there are no issues.  The classical statistics are that women having breast augmentation has a 50% reoperation rate at 10 years for lifting, implant exchange, etc...  I imagine this will go down with the cohesive gel technology.  

Thank you for your question. Saline implant only last about 10 years. This being said, if you are not having a problem with them, there is no medical reason to do anything. You certainly could if you wanted to exchange them for a soft saline implant, but my theory is "if it isn't broken, don't fix it". You would know if you had a rupture or capsular contracture, so if there is no problem, then my opinion is to leave them alone. Best of luck.

Thank you for your question. Breast implant replacement of saline implants is not required if you are not having any problems, however it is important to have you breasts checked with annual medical exams and Mammograms. Hope this helps!
Kindly, Dr Miotto

Saline implant are a good choice for some patients, depending on their anatomy.  It is rather obvious when saline implants deflate.  The breast will gradually, or on occasion,  will become smaller.  Fortunately there are no medical issues with ruptured implant, it is never an emergency to replace them.  If you are not having any issues, and are happy with the appearance of your breasts, then there is no need to undergo any surgery at this time.  

Dear SparkyD,Thank you for your question. With saline filled implants, if you are not having any issues (pain, scarring, deflation) in my opinion it is OK to simply monitor them. Silicone implants are a different issue because you can have silent rupture. The FDA recommends an MRI screening for silent rupture 3 years after the placement of silicone implants, and 2 years after that.Best regards,Nirmal R. Nathan, M.D.Certified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Studies indicate that rupture or deflation occurs in roughly 10 - 25 percent of silicone gel and saline implants over 10 years. Stiffening of scar tissue (capsular contracture) that can lead to pain and rock-hard, misshapen breasts occurs in 18 - 19 percent of both types of implants over 10 years. Breast implants do not need to be removed if there are no problems with your breasts or your breast implants. Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

The internet myth that you need to change your breast implants every 10 years is just that...a myth.  If you are happy with the look, feel, and size of your breasts then leave well enough alone.  That being said, if they are over the muscle and if you have any signs of rippling, you might want to look into updating your look with a more cohesive silicone gel implant.  I hope this helps and wish you the very best!Warmest regards,-Gregory A Buford MD FACS PCEOBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author