What is the usual length of time gummy bear implants last?

No implant is a lifetime device, so any implant can rupture. The latest data show that the rupture rate for silicone is 7% at the ten year mark. I personally have removed many intact implants over 30 years old, so some implants are going to last a very long time.

All great questions. First, all breast implant types (smooth and textured, round and shaped) have been associated with ALCL however textured implants are far more likely to be associated. Importantly, the incidence is very rare overall, 1 in 300k -500k. Of all the known cases worldwide (only a few hundred over the last decade), 87% of them have been associated with aggressively textured implants, which are made by only 1 US-approved manufacturer. The risk or cause appears to linked to the texturing process as these are much more commonly associated with ALCL than smooth implants or even more moderately textured implants. Implants are textured for one main reason - to keep them from moving after they're placed. They work well to keep the implants from migrating laterally (around your chest under arms) and inferiorly (down chest onto upper abdomen) as well as preventing implants from rotating (like a ticking clock). For round implants which are radially symmetric, prevention of rotation isn't important since there is no up/down/side to the implant; however, for anatomic shaped "gummy bear" implants there is a distinct tapered shape with defined top/bottom/sides so keeping the implants from rotating is essential. Even with texturing, they can rotate although this is a relatively rare occurrence. I've never heard of or seen a textured shaped implant flip. I suggest you find a board certified or eligible plastic surgeon in your area that can discuss further in more detail which implant will work best for you, your body shape and based on your goals.

These are all great questions.  First, I want to reassure you that breast implants ARE safe!  But you are smart to look into all of the possibilities that can occur.  The recent articles are about a rare (less than one in a million) lymphoma called ALCL and all cases have been with textured implants.  So use a smooth implant, which we use anyway.  The 5th generation gel implants all come in smooth.  Although, "rejection" never occurs, infection can, but is rare.  At this point, you would be best served to find a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in this surgery and sit down with them to have your questions answered and put you at ease.  Good luck...you're gonna love it!

Thanks for your question. Given recent stories, a lot of evidence has come forward regarding the two different surfaces (smooth vs. Textured) At this point, evidence suggests ALCL has been detected in patients with textured implants. That said, the incidence is somewhere b/w 1:300k-1:500k. I have always used smooth round implants, with the exception for reconstruction patients for breast cancer. With that being said, the most important decision is the size of the implant and making sure it fits your breast/chest. Find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in your area who is an ASAPS member and specializes in aesthetic breast surgery. The Smart Beauty Guide is an excellent resource. Best of Luck!

Gummy bear implants have become increasingly popular and many patients have questions surrounding these newer devices. In my experience, I have not found much value in using these devices for aesthetics and primarily have been using them in the reconstructive arena. They are more costly and recent studies have demonstrated that most cannot accurately determine whether a round or shaped device was used when evaluating post-operative photos.In answer to your questions:-The following FAQ was released by ASAPS (American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) on the topic of BIA-ALCL:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently updated the public information on its website about breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). We have known about this disease for quite some time and the FDA has been providing updates since 2011.

1. BIA-ALCL is a rare form of lymphoma that develops adjacent to breast implants
• Because it is rare it is difficult to be certain about the absolute risk.
• The current risk is estimated to be 1 in 30,000. However, to date there has never been a documented case in a patient with only a smooth implant.

2. BIA-ALCL is not breast cancer
• The risk of developing breast cancer is about 1 in 8 women

3. What are the symptoms of BIA-ALCL in women with breast implants?
• The most common symptom is a persistent swelling of the breast
• Can include other symptoms such as a lump in the breast or armpit
• These symptoms develop between 3 and 14 years following the insertion of breast implants and most commonly around eight years.
• The swelling of the breast is due to fluid accumulating around the implant

4. Are all implant types associated with BIA-ALCL?
• ALCL has not been identified in women who have only had smooth implants.
• The disease is associated with textured implants.

5. How is BIA-ALCL diagnosed?
• In patients with a fluid collection around the implants and ultrasound should be performed to exclude the diagnosis
• At the time of ultrasound examination and needle is inserted to drain some fluid which is then tested.

6. How is BIA-ALCL treated?
• Most women who are diagnosed with this disease are treated by the removal of both implants and the fibrous capsule around them and this is complete treatment. All known cases where there were no delays in diagnosis have resulted in 100% cure at this time.

7. Can breast implants be inserted again if I have BIA-ALCL?
• Yes. Smooth implant have been replace at a delayed interval in treated patients as well as immediately in some cases.

8. Where can I get more information?
FDA.gov, Surgery.org, plasticsurgery.org-Shaped implants are textured in order to counter the potential for malrotation. A shaped device must be placed in a particular orientation (otherwise the appearance is bizarre). The texture on the device acts as a sort of velcro holding it in place. Meticulous pocket dissection is a must as a roomy pocket will allow for movement in the early post operative period and the velcro will ensure that it stays that way. This is not a concern for round devices as they are round no matter the orientation. -Manufacturers are now offering round devices with the same form stable gel as offered in the shaped gels (without the concern for malrotation). These are only now becoming widely available.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

No, the implants should not flip or do anything crazy.  The association with ALCL and textured implants is extremely rare.  Typical implant longevity is 10 years - in other words, the FDA recommends that you get your implants exchanged every 10 years.  This is a recommendation.  The newer implants tend to last longer and I think over time people will get them changes less often..  Gummy bear implants, which are typically smooth, are not associated with ALCL.  

This is a great question and points to the concerns recently noted in the news. 
First of all, in answer to the cancer question - yes there is a very small correlation between between textured implants and a specific type of lymphoma called ALCL and the cure seems to be removing the implant and the capsule around it. The odds of getting ALCL are roughly 1 in 500,000 to 1 in 3,000,000 so while possible, is statistically remote.
In terms of the lifespan of the implant, the answer is  - indefinite, at least as far as we know now. What I tell my patients is that any device you implant in your body - knee replacement, pacemaker or breast implant will eventually require attention and to be aware of that before you have surgery.
Your best option is to see a board certified plastic surgeon and see what implant options are best for you.

Your question seems to center around one specific type of implant, the textured, highly cohesive, anatomic shaped device. If you are worried about that one, look at other smooth and round highly cohesive implants.