Do breast implants need to come out at exactly 10 years?

Question

I had breast implants in 2017 so I've got 3 years to go before hitting the 10yr mark. I have no complications and they're doing fine. My plan is to wait until I'm done having kids, and then get an explant & a breast lift. It might take about 5yrs before I'm done with kids. Is that a problem? Do implants need to come out right at 10 years? If I leave them a bit longer, will I have issues? Thanks

Christine Fisher, MD, FACS · Answer

There's nothing magical about the 10 year mark.  I tell patients that implants are synthetic devices and it is likely at some point in their lives, they will need to be replaced.  But... Don't poke the bear!  If you aren't having any issues with your implants, then definitely leave them in place.  And I highly recommend waiting until after your are done having children to have any revisional surgeries since the breasts change so much with pregnancies and breastfeeding.  Hope this gives you some reassurance that unless you are having an issue with them, they can safely be left in place.  Best of luck in your journey!

Emre Guvercin, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hi there &mdash; this is a very common question, and the short answer is no, breast implants do NOT need to be removed exactly at the 10-year mark.Where the “10-year rule” comes fromThe 10-year number is often misunderstood. It does not mean implants suddenly become unsafe at 10 years. It reflects:Manufacturer warranty timelinesStatistical averages for rupture or issues over timeMany women safely keep implants well beyond 10 years without problems.Is it okay to wait until you’re done having kids?Yes &mdash; in most cases, this is completely reasonable.If:You have no pain, rupture, infection, or capsular contractureYour implants feel and look stableYou’re monitoring them appropriately (clinical exams, imaging if advised)&hellip;then waiting another 4–5 years until you’re finished having children is generally not a problem.Pregnancy itself does not require implant removal.Does waiting longer make explant or lift worse later?Not necessarily.What affects your future result more than implant age is:Pregnancy-related breast changesSkin elasticityWeight fluctuationsIn fact, many women intentionally wait until after childbearing to do:ExplantBreast lift / Push-Up Lift–style reshapingThat approach often makes more sense than operating twice.When should implants come out sooner?Earlier removal is usually recommended if you develop:RuptureProgressive capsular contractureChronic painRecurrent inflammation or fluidNew breast imaging concernsAbsent those issues, there’s no medical urgency to remove them exactly at 10 years.

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!  Typically not, as long as everything is going well.  We recommend a check in with the surgeon every other year for the life of the implant.  If you have any concerns, follow up with the surgeon.  We love to assist you with any questions or concerns or future endeavors!  Schedule a consult with Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

If you are not having any issues with the implants, there is no need to do anything. They have a lifetime warranty for implant rupture so even though we are expected to tell patients that they are not lifetime devices, I doubt that the business model for the implant companies is to give free new implants every 10 years. You should however have them looked at with ultrasound every few years to make sure they are intact.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear brantford23,
I understand your concern. I recommend my patients to replace implants every 10 years in order to reduce the chance of complications. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

Implants do not need to replaced/removed unless there is an issue that prompts that need. "If it ain't broke don't fix it" is quite the proper wording for breast implants in my opinion. They are well designed devices that can last a long time if taken care of properly. A simple in-office ultrasound can tell you everything you need to know about your implant.  I would recommend seeing a board-certified (American Board of Plastic Surgery); ideally, a surgeon with also a history of proper aesthetic breast surgery training.

Shaher W. Khan, MD · Answer

Each manufacturer has their own black box label letting you know how often you should exchange them. There also is information of tests that need to be performed every couple of years. Please understand that the longer you keep them in, the higher risks you have. Please read all of the warnings from the manufacturer.

Lily Daniali, MD · Answer

This is a question I get asked all the time by patients in consultation. If you are not having any issues such as pain, swelling, hardness/firmness of the breast, drainage or another concerning issue, implants have no mandate that they need to be changed out every 10 years. Often when I have a patient that is concerned about implant integrity, we will order an ultrasound or MRI to check if the implant shell is intact. It is wise to wait on a major breast revision until after having kids, breast feeding and weight fluctuations are all over. In my experience as plastic surgeon who does a lot of breast surgery and mommy makeovers, this is a great time to do a reset on your breasts and get everything back in order the way you want to move forward in life moving on! It is super common for women who enjoyed their breast augmentation in earlier years to wish to have a lighter look later in life. Warm regards, Lily Daniali MD, FACS

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The implants do not have to be removed at 10 years. Once you are done having children then I recommend explant with breast lift using The Bellesoma Method. The implants are removed, your breast tissue is reshaped creating upper pole fullness, elevated higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained if not injured during your previous surgery. Later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Brian Widenhouse, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Breast implants do not need to be removed at the ten year mark, unless the patient is experiencing a problem. As long as you are doing well, there is no medical need to replace your implants.

Do breast implants need to come out at exactly 10 years?

Answers (13)

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