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.

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

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

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear 58wendy,it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Anthony Deboni, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  You don't state whether your implants are saline of silicone.  This is a difficult question to answer without more information. At 27 years, however, there is a reasonable chance that the implants may have some leaking.  I suggest that you consult with a plastic surgeon who can evaluate you and perhaps get some imaging studies if needed to assess your implants.  Best Regards

Christina Y. Ahn, MD · Answer

If your implants are Saline and there are no symptoms, your routine yearly exams should be sufficient. If your implants are Silicone, an MRI would be helpful to evaluate the integrity of these older implants. Of course if you experience any symptoms such as scar contracture, displacement or distortion you should be evaluated by your plastic surgeon.

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!

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

Typically I would say yes given the technology available at that point.  I still removed ruptured silicone gel implants from patients placed in the 80's.  If you procedure was done for breast cancer then evaluating you reconstructive options is important.

Nidia H. De Jesus, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question. 
Breast implants don't have an expiration date. We find that a subset of patients who have implants placed for reconstructive or aesthetic reasons do end up exchanging them. However, if one is happy with the size and doesn't have a problem with the implant position or feel, there is no medical reason to replace them. Conversely, if you have an infection, develop capsular contracture, or the implant is ruptured, exchange may be indicated. In most instances, it is best to follow up with your plastic surgeon so that he/she can examine you and discuss options for your specific case. Best wishes!

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

Answers (10)

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