Can silicone implants last 40 years or more?

Question

I had saline implants put in when I was 35. One ruptured post mammogram two or three years later. At that point I was able to have silicone put in. It was approximately 2011 and I was 42. What are the odds I will be able to give to a right old age, not having to have them removed or alteredaltered?

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

While it’s not impossible, implants aren’t designed to last a lifetime, and there is no way of knowing if yours will last into your 80s. Please see your surgeon if you notice any changes in your breasts. Until then, the old adage remains: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Mehmet Ozdemir, MD · Answer

Silicone implants are not considered lifetime devices, and while some patients may have them for 20 years or more without issues, it is less common for them to last 40 years without needing any revision. The risk of rupture, capsular contracture, or changes in breast shape increases over time, which is why regular follow-up is important. In your case, since your current implants were placed around 2011, they are now over a decade old, so periodic imaging such as MRI or ultrasound is recommended to monitor their condition. You may not necessarily need surgery if you have no symptoms and imaging is normal, but it is realistic to expect that at some point in the future, revision or replacement could be needed.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

They could but...the current recommendation by the FDA and the implant companies is to have an ultrasound and/or MRI  5 years after surgery to see if you have a ruptured implant and every few years after that. The MRI is the definitive test which your insurance may or may not cover. The cost of the MRI if not covered could be around $2000. If ruptured, it should be replaced. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Implants are not life time devices. The risk of rupture increases with age. That being said, the 5th and 6th generation devices being used today are much more durable than those used in the past. Current studies suggest a rupture rate of less than 1% per year.

With regards to your specific question, if you lived another 40 years, your specific rupture risk would likely not exceed 50%. You are very likely to be outlived by your implants.

Manufacturers recommend routine imaging surveillance at 5 years post op and every 2-3 years after.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Implants, while durable, are not created to be lifetime devices.  Generally patients are looking to make a change after ten to fifteen years.  It's not necessarily that there are issues with the implants, but they may be considering a lift or they have changed their mind on the implant size.  To directly answer your question, is it possible they could last 40 years or more? Maybe, but it shouldn't be the expectation.

Can silicone implants last 40 years or more?

Answers (5)

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