I have saline implants that are 18 years old. I am not having any problems with them. How long is too long?. (photo)

Thank you for your question. The FDA recommends replacing implants every ten years. 18 years is a long time - but I've treated patients who have had them in for nearly 30 years. If you don't change your implants, you will be at an increased risk for capsular contracture - a hardening of the breast implant capsule, implant rupture / deflation / failure, and changes to your breast shape. Now, if you're ok with these risks - and this is not recommended - and your implants are still soft and supple, some women may choose not to replace the implants. However, if you are in your 40s-50s (or younger), you should likely change them out just to ensure that they do not give you any trouble in the future. If all you require is a simple switch, the down time is negligible. Your best bet is to have an in-person examination with a Plastic Surgeon and hear your options. You may be interested in switching to silicone implants, for example - or shaped implants. A lot has happened in 18 years in the world of cosmetic breast surgery! Best of luck.