Do I have to remove my saline breast implants after 20 years?

No need to remove if you aren't having any issues.  If you do see a surgeon, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach Trained, Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Thank you for your question. The breast implant companies have warranties that last ten years but that does not mean that you have take out your implants at 10 years. The likelihood of you having complications that lead to removal of an implant become higher with more time that passes, but that also doesn't mean you need to explant them if they are not causing you any symptoms. However, you mentioned that you are having pain and that warrants you seeing a plastic surgeon so that she/he can examine you and decide what the next step in workup should be. I don't know how old you are but you could also be at the age where a mammogram (with special views for your implants) could be warranted. You should start with a plastic surgeon and the rest should be dictated based on your history and findings on physical exam. Good luck. 
Best wishes, 
Dr. Suzette Miranda  

Dear hipngau,you don't need to change your implants if you don't have problem with them. You mentioned that you feel pain so it would be the best to check it with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Thank you for reaching out. There is no need to remove, it will likely be noticeable if they are leaking, otherwise it is ok to leave them in. But if you are experiencing pain, I would suggest you maybe get an ultrasound or see your doctor to find out the cause. Best of luck. Dr. Kim

The question truly is if there is any reason to remove the saline implants, just because they are old. The answer is no. Some day one of them will start leaking, releasing harmless sterile saline into your body, which you will absorb... same stuff that's in an IV bag. If you are cautious, line your PS up now so when that time comes you can just show up and swap 'em to new ones, remove them, fat graft, whatever. and don't bother imaging the implants. You will pay a lot of money for an radiological image of intact implants.

If you are happy with the shape and feel of your breasts, there is no need to be concerned.  When saline implants leak, they deflate snd your breast size would diminish considerably.  Enjoy your results independent of the calendar.
Hope this helps.
Dr. Ali Mosharrafa

There is no reason to remove them unless you are having problems. The old 10 year rule is a myth. If you are having problems hat is a different story and you should see your surgeon. 

Thank you for your question. You do not have to have them removed if there is no issue with the integrity of your implants.  If you want imaging of the implants you can ask for an Ultrasound or a MRI (more definitive information).  Best of luck to you

If you are not having issues with your implants it is not necessary to remove them.  It is a good idea to check the integrity of the implants regularly.  This can be done with varying degrees of accuracy.  You can have your plastic surgeon perform a physical exam, you can have an imaging study such as an ultrasound, or for more definitive information you can get an MRI.  

Many people think you need to replace your implants every 10 years- like an oil change in your car.  This is not true.  The number 10 years sticks in people's minds because the warranty for deflation of the implant lasts for 10 years.  As with most warranties, the implants last longer than the warranty.  So when do you need to replace the implant?If you have an issue.  Is there a change? did they move? new wrinkling? hardness? other?  The fact you have new pain in your breasts could be normal (skin stretching as the implants settle with time), or it could signal an issue, like capsular contracture or deflation.Best thing you can do is get an evaluation by a board certified plastic surgeon. Bring in your implant information or operation note if you have it.