What is the maintenance of breast implants like years down the road after you get implants?

Question

I want to know if I do get implants will I need to get them redone after so many years? How long can I exspect them to "last" I am a 36A? some of my bras say 32B or 34B The point is they are small and I want to go big like a big B or C. IDK I want to go big but I want to go as big as I can without them looking fake!! I want them to look natural.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Breast implants don’t have an expiration date. They only need to be replaced if they deflate (saline) or rupture (silicone), and they’re not fragile. I recently removed saline implants from a woman who wanted to go bigger after 19 years, and her implants looked the same as the day I put them in. To figure out what size implant is appropriate for you, you need to be examined and look at before and after pictures of women who are similar to you in height, weight and starting cup size. You can see pictures of women similar to you who
have had breast  augmentation at the link below. For more information on this and
similar topics, I recommend a plastic surgery Q&A book like "The Scoop
On Breasts: A Plastic Surgeon Busts the Myths."

Nathan Kludt, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. As a general rule of thumb implants have a failure rate of 1% per year. Therefore, at 1 year you have a 1% chance of rupture and at 15 years you have a 15% chance of rupture (the contrast to that is that at 15 years 85% of implants are still fine). What I see most commonly is that women have revisionary breast surgery every 10-15 years wether or not there is an issue with the implant. I feel this has more to do with overall changes in breast regardless of implants or not. What your breasts look like at 20 before children is often not how they look at 35 or 50 years old. Hopefully that helps, Dr. Kludt

John Zavell, MD, FACS · Answer

In theory, your breast implants should last a lifetime.  There is no set period in which you need to have your implants replaced.  Implant manufacturers talk about a ten year period , but that is for their guarantees, not the actual life span of the implants.       The best maintenance that you can do is self exam.  If anything feels or looks different to you, see your plastic surgeon for further evaluation.   Most women can expect a lifetime of enjoying their breast enhancement without needing additional surgery

Robert S. Houser, DO · Answer

No one can tell you that your implant will last forever.  But, I have patients who still have their original silicone implants from the 80's and they look fine!  And, they aren't having problems with their mammograms.  A modest-sized implant, under the muscle does great.  I also prefer silicone because it's like a run-flat tire.  It will never deflate.  Go get a few consultations with ASAPS member surgeons in your area and see what they recommend for you.  Good luck!

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

All breast implants will eventually fail and need to be replaced over a patient's lifetime. It is not a question of if but when. How long they will last for any patient is not predictable.

What is the maintenance of breast implants like years down the road after you get implants?

Answers (8)

Answer: Small implants do very well long term

Answer: Small implants do very well long term

Answer: Longevity of Breast Implants

Answer: Longevity of Breast Implants

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

What is the maintenance of breast implants like years down the road after you get implants?

Answers (8)

Answer: Small implants do very well long term

Answer: Small implants do very well long term

Answer: Longevity of Breast Implants

Answer: Longevity of Breast Implants

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.