My implants are 27.5 years old. Should they be removed?

Question

My implants were done as reconstructive surgery after a double mastectomy for breast cancer.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Breast implants do not need to be removed if there are no problems with your breasts or your breast implants. 
Studies indicate that rupture or deflation occurs in roughly 10 - 25 percent of silicone gel and saline implants over 10 years. Stiffening of scar tissue (capsular contracture) that can lead to pain and rock-hard, misshapen breasts occurs in 18 - 19 percent of both types of implants over 10 years. Because most plastic surgeons place the implants beneath the chest muscle, the risk of contracture is lower.Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who will examine your breasts to determine the best path ahead for you with regard to removing the implants and then 6-9 months later, if needed, perform a breast lift, breast fat transfer, or breast implantation.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Sean T. Lille, MD · Answer

If they are silicone, I would tend to advocate removing them. Having them be examined by a Plastic surgeon would be your best first move to determine their condition. Best of luck!

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

hello 58wendyyou may want to get them removed because of the age, if there are no defects there is really no need, but you should visit or contact your plastic surgeon about this concern. #breast #post-op

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Due to the age of the implants it is not a bad idea to have the implants replaced.  At the very least I would recommend having an examination performed by a board certified plastic surgeon to ensure that the implants are still intact and without issue.  Best wishes!

Urmen Desai, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Not unless you are having hardening (capsular contracture), pain, or malposition.  I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, 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), a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified, Double Fellowship-Trained Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

My implants are 27.5 years old. Should they be removed?

Answers (10)

Answer: Breast implant removal

Answer: Breast implant removal

Answer: Revision

Answer: Revision

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

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My implants are 27.5 years old. Should they be removed?

Answers (10)

Answer: Breast implant removal

Answer: Breast implant removal

Answer: Revision

Answer: Revision

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.