40 year old implants - should I leave them in for life if nothing changes?

Question

I’m 72 and have had my implants in since I was 30. I had them checked by a surgeon about 10 years ago (no scans) I’m healthy and although they’ve naturally sagged over the years, they don’t cause me any problems. I read that implants should be changed after 10-20 years, so it does give me a bit of concern now and again. I don’t want to have them taken out if I don’t need to. Should I leave them in for life if nothing changes? What is your opinion?

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question!
Have your surgeon take a look, but if they are not giving you any problems it is  fine to keep them in as is. Best wishes!

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Implants are not meant to be lifetime devices. That being said, routine replacement is unnecessary. Newer 5th generation devices are increasingly durable and rupture at much lower rates than older devices.

Silicone implants rarely demonstrate an outward sign of rupture.  The vast majority undergo silent rupture/gel bleed. As a result, manufacturers recommend routine surveillance imaging with initial MRI/Hi-Def US at 5 years and then repeat imaging at 2-3 year intervals.

With regards to your specific question, I would suggest imaging. If intact, there is no need for intervention.

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

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear zippyjan,

I recommend my patients to replace implants every 10 years in order to reduce the chance of complications. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Joe Gryskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
I always recommend routine mammograms as well as check up with your surgeon. But, if it's not broke don't fix it. I would want to make sure your implants are still safe and on the market with no concerns about them such as being associated with Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Other than that, you don't have to replace them if there is nothing wrong with them.

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

This would partially depend on whether you have silicone or saline implants.  If you have saline implants, I would probably not put yourself through surgery for something that is not broken!  If you have silicone implants, depending on the type of implant and other factors, exchanging them may be considered.  This is a subject to be taken up with a board certified plastic surgeon who has quite a bit of experience in breast implant surgery.  It is wonderful that you have had such a lengthy and good experience with your implants.

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

World Health Organization recommends patients to change their İmplants every 10 years. However, for many people, their breast implants last their entire lives. While implants can lose some of their strength over time, there is no rule that says they are only ever good for 10 years. Additionally, the breasts will sag and become thinned out in time which may effect the look

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Assuming your implants are 30 year old silicone, a mammography would show if ruptured. If they were saline and ruptured, you would return to your original size and flatten significantly. Silicone implants since 2006 require an MRI not a mammography for a definitive answer on rupture. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

If your implants are not causing any issues there is no need to have them removed.  It is a good idea to have them checked periodically by a board certified plastic surgeon to ensure there are no concerns.  I hope that helps.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

If you have saline implants, then just enjoy them until they break (if they break). If you have the old gel implants, they are leaking and do need to come out.

40 year old implants - should I leave them in for life if nothing changes?

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