Do Mentor Memory Gel Implants Need to Be Replaced Every 10 Years?

Silicone gel implants by any manufacturer do not need to be replaced every 10 years. They should be replaced only if there is a clinical indication to do so.

Thank you for your question. It's important to know that implants do not require replacement simply because you've had them for a certain amount of time. Implants can last indefinitely, but most women should plan to have some type of surgery every 10 to 15 years. This may include a size change, changing from saline to silicone, or replacement after rupture. Saline implants have a 10% risk of rupture over 10 years. The latest silicone-gel implants have a 2.5% rupture risk over nine years. If things are going well, and there is no implant rupture, then I recommend not having any surgery at all.

Both Allergan and Mentor recommend changing out both saline and silicone (gel) implants every 7 to 10 years.  With that being said I don't recommend replacing implants unless there is a issue with them.  In addition the companies suggest an MRI every few years to check for rupture. Because of the cohesive nature of the silicone implants a rupture is undetectable without an MRI, CT or Mammogram. When a saline implant ruptures it deflates.  It is not the same case with gel implants.  

   If you are getting regular MRIs to detect silent rupture, then silicone implants do not have to replaced until clinically indicated.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

You are right in that you only need to exchange the implants if there a failure of the device.  However, if you wait until there is a diagnosed rupture you are at increased risk for capsular contracture.  Surgical correction of capsular contracture is a big deal.  So waiting until a rupture has occurred is putting your body at risk.  The analogy i give my patients is you don't wait until a tire blows out to replace your tires.  You realize there is tread wear and replace them easily and conveniently.  Same with your breast implants.  Exchange them around 10 years in a simple, quick operation. 

You are correct, you do not need to have implants replaced unless you are having an issue with them. Mentor will replace any implants that deflate or rupture during your lifetime. After 10 years they will no longer assist in the cost of the surgery other than replace the implants. Women need to be aware that they will probably have to replace their implants at some point in their life, that the implants are not considered lifetime devices. Hope that helps.

Dear Carbs

You are right! Whilst most plastic surgeons quote an average implant lifespan of 10-15 years, this does not mean that the implants need to be replaced then.

The only time replacement is recommended is if there is a problem, such as capsular contracture, rupture etc.

Incidentally, I think Mentor make good quality implants - sorry to hear you spoke to someone who didn't appear to have a good understanding of their products!

There is no time limit as to when or if you need to exchange your breast implants. I have heard from patients that they have heard that breast implants need to be changed every 10 years. The only reason you need to exchange your breast implants is if you are having a problem with them or if you'd like to change the size.Some of the potential complications that may arise would be deflation, capsular contracture, bottoming out, or just size change. If you are happy with the size of your breast implants and are having no problems, you don't need to do anything.

Silicone gel implants (from any manufacturer) only need to be replaced if a problem arises.  Assuming the devices remain intact and you're not noticing any issues, there's no reason to undergo another surgery!
 

As you might remember, implants filled with silicone were off the market for several years.  When they were re-approved in 2006, the FDA issued the approval cautiously.  They advised women to be aware that the devices can't be expected to last a lifetime and they recommended MRI tests every 10 years.  If you notice a change of any kind in your breasts, see your doctor.  You and he/she can determine whether an MRI would be a good idea to check the integrity of one or both implants.
 

Eliott Jacobs, M.D.

New York Plastic Surgeon

Dear Carbs,

It is interesting that an employee of Mentor is not extremely versed in their own product.  I always inform my patients that breast implants have an average lifespan of 10 years.  Being an average, there are those that will last more than 10 years and those that will last less than 10 years.  If there is no problem with the implants, they can be left in for many more years than 10.  Good luck!