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

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Breast implants are not a once in a lifetime procedure.  At some point in your future you will have to replace them.  Implants rupture at about 1% per year as a result of normal wear and tear.  It is important to get the size that you want the first time so that you don't need an operation to go up or down.  Going too big...can also cause you other problems including malposition or bottoming out, capsular contracture, drooping and back/neck symptoms.  Whether the results look natural or fake is a multifactorial issue.  It depends on a number of factors including what size you are currently, how your breasts are shaped, your body size, the size of the implant, and the shape of the implant.  If you get implants that fit your tissues well, it is quite possible to get a natural look.  Consider an in person consultation for additional information. Best wishes!

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.

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

Hunter Moyer, MD · Answer

Hi feelbeautiful26,Great question.  Implants have an "average" lifespan, and the latest implants on the market last for roughly 20-25 years if treated correctly (I don't have scientific data to support this).  Like any average, some may only last 3 years due to mammography trauma, car accidents or patient dissatisfaction. I have also  seen intact implants 34 years after placement.  In general, the implants on the market today are safe and very durable, and I tell my patients the devices should last well beyond ten years. Having said that, I also instruct my patients that after breast augmentation with implants they will have another surgery on their breasts in the future.  This may be five years down the road or twenty-five years later, and the reason for surgery may be due to implant issues, your desire to change size or a change in your body after pregnancy or weight fluctuations.  I hope this helps.

Jon A. Perlman, MD (retired) · Answer

Getting properly proportioned implants to your frame and breast tissue is important to achieving a natural result.  Try to avoid stretching your skin and breast tissue excessively, however a full B cup sounds like a pretty conservative and reasonable augmentation IMO.I have had very good results with silicone implants.   Over three decades patients who have come to me for revision surgery have usually had intact implants when they were 20 years old (the implants), but many of the old style gel implants became seepy or ruptured as they approached 25 years.  Nowadays we are all using cohesive gel implants that we HOPE will last even longer (but not statements are made by the manufacturer about this).  Studies have also shown an incidence of earlier rupture of a small percentage of silicone implants but I have not seen this in my practice.  The bottom line is that mammograms after the age of 40 combined with a constant awareness of any change (softer, firmer, tenderness, lumps, etc) in your breasts is a good idea.  If you notice any changes be sure to be checked by your plastic surgeon or a gynecologist.Keep in mind that you have the alternative of saline implants (regular saline or Ideal Saline Implants) though few patients these days select them.  I don't think the average saline implant life is as long as silicone, however if they leak it is usually immediately apparent to the patient and the doctor.  Discuss these issues with your ABPS Bd Certified plastic surgeon and good luck and enjoy your results.Jon A Perlman MD FACSCertified, Am Bd of Plastic SurgeryMember, Am Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)Beverly Hills, Ca

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

Answers (8)

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