Are the gummy bear implants really for life? Under the muscle?

You can’t say any implant is for. 10 to 15 years is only an estimate and they only need to be changed if there is a problem. Teardrop implants have many problems and you should avoid them.

Hello, there is no universally agreed-upon lifespan of implants. It is common to exchange them periodically (for example, every 10-15 years) to decrease the risk of implant rupture, but at present this is not a requirement by the implant manufacturers or health authorities. The decision whether to exchange implants is based on an informed discussion between the patient and their surgeon. Selecting the shape and size of the implant should also be based on a discussion with your surgeon after a full physical examination.

The average lifetime of a saline or silicone breast implant is 10 to 20 years. If you are not having problems with the implants, there is no need to replace them. In many cases, where patients have no or little breast tissue, teardrop-shaped implants are used but they do have the disadvantage of flipping.

There is no reason to replace an implant unless there is a problem with them or you wish to exchange for a bigger or smaller size.

Dear mom32020,
every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I recommend my patients to replace implant every 10 years in order to reduce complications. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thank you for your question. Silicone gel implants "Gummy Bear" are typically yours for a lifetime and shouldn't need to be replaced unless there was an issue with the implant. I typically recommend a high profile implant placed under the muscle. I would suggest seeing if your surgeon offers 3D imaging, it's a great tool to show patients what they will look like after surgery. Best of luck to you.

Time has shown that smooth round implants that do not adhere to tissue have a longer lifespan than textured implants that can get a stress point more frequently and tear, or tear away from tissue with fluid building inside. Textured saline implants do leak more frequently than smooth implants. The covering is the same for gel and saline implants.

Thank you for sharing you question
Unfortunately breast implants are rarely for life....I recommend that my patient have them check at 10 years, plan to change them around 15 year and should be change at 20 years.
Hope that help !
Dr Genevieve FCaron, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Montreal, Canada

Most implants today offer a lifetime warranty on the device. Each plastic surgeon is different but I do not recommend to my patients routinely changing out their implants every 10-15 years. Personally, I say if you are not having any issues, then leave them alone. Getting implants under the muscle or over the muscle is dependent on a lot of different factors but given that you are currently an A cup, I do not think you would be a candidate for over the muscle. This is something your plastic surgeon will be able to help discuss with you after your examination. Most teardrop-shaped implants are textured and are no longer offered due to the associated risk of BIA-ALCL. Your plastic surgeon can discuss these risks with you at the time of your consultation.