20 year old smooth saline implants without issues - should I consider replacing them?

Question

Hello doctors I had smooth saline implants put in 21 years ago. I’ve been lucky that I have had zero issues with them. From a health perspective, is there a need to replace them?

John Diaz, MD · Answer

As long as you are happy with your breast implants and have zero complications with them, there is no need to have them replaced.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Hi & thanks for your question!
Glad to hear you are having no issues!
It is a good idea to have your surgeon just take a look to make sure everything is okay. Best wishes!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear rachel1113,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. I recommend my patients to replace implants every 10 years. 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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Stan M. Valnicek, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. If your implants are working well for you, there is no need to replace them at any point. An advantage of Saline is that any implant failure becomes rapidly obvious since the implant simply deflates (it is filled with IV fluid on the day of surgery and the body resorbs this fluid if it leaks out of the implant.) Even gel implants can last for decades.
My advice for patients is to only replace implants if they are having issues with them or if they want a different size or shape.

Jonathan Heistein, MD · Answer

Hi.  There should be no health concern with your implants.  You don't have to replace them unless there are any problems, but at some point in your life, it is likely that they will leak.  When that happens, you will have to either replace them or remove them.  Most patients want to do the replacement before they leak since it is much more convenient to plan the time of your surgery, rather than waiting for a problem and having to fix it right away even if there are other important things going on in your life.  At 21 years old, I would suggest you consider doing the surgery at some point in the near future, as the likelihood of a leak gets greater as time goes on.  Best of luck!

Ersin Gonullu, MD · Answer

hello Rachel. 21 year old implants are exactly old generation implants and we used to prefer to change the implants ten years after the surgery at that time. so its logical to replace them with a new generation implants. regards

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Great question, but no posted photos??? This has two views: 1. "If it is not broken why fix it?" concept; vs 2, You have at some point going have a leak/deflation so why wait? It is like a tire on your car. The treads are wearing out. So replace and have new warranties offered. Best to virtual consult with...

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

If you are not having issues with the implants there is no need to replace them.  Continue with regularly scheduled mammograms as instructed by your primary care physician and report any concerns or changes.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

No, you can keep what you have until they deflate or you have an issue or want to change sizes. I have seen saline implants over 40 years old that were doing great. Every surgery does carry risks.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question.

In my opinion if you have no issues with your saline breast implants after 20 years I see no reason to change them.

Saline implants that look good, feel soft and perfectly normal and your mammograms provide adequate visualization of breast tissue in my opinion should be left undisturbed.

Your body has obviously adjusted to the implants comfortably and simply going in because they have been in for 20 years could by violating the tissue space result in bleeding and possible capsular contracture if you replace them.

This is my personal opinion on 40 years and practice.  Of course you should consult the surgeon who placed her implants for advice and be aware that the FDA may disagree with my opinion.

20 year old smooth saline implants without issues - should I consider replacing them?

Answers (10)

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