What is the longevity of cohesive gel implants?

Question

If cohesive gel implants are not lifetime devices, they will require replacement every certain number of years - maybe 10 years I've heard? If that is the case, how do you keep re-operating on breasts? Do you use the same incision every time? If you have to use a different incision, won't that result in heavily scarred breasts over time? My understanding is that an armpit incision can only be done one time.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

While some say that you should get your implants changed every 10 years, this is incorrect. There is no definite lifespan for implants. Some patients never have to change theirs, while others may have to more frequently. In the case of re-operation, the same incision may be used (as long as it’s not in the armpit as you mentioned).

Mark K. Markarian, MD, MSPH, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about breast implant longevity.  The short answer is no one knows what the exact lifespan of the new cohesive silicone gel breast implants is.  In general, I have personally seen patients with breast implants almost 30 years old with no problems, and at the same time seen patients with breast implants that are 30 DAYS old with problems.  The research is not out yet on new cohesive implants' lifespans but the general recommendations for breast implants is to get them replaced every 10 years because of the statistically increased risk of complications such as capsular contracture after 10 years.  Also, breast position tends to change with (or without) implants -- they eventually sag -- and most patients will get a breast lift when they get their 2nd round of implants.  You can use the same incision, with most plastic surgeons performing a slight revision of the scar at that time.  In terms of the armpit incision, this is typically confined to saline implants.Please refer to the link below for further information on Breast Augmentation.Good luck.Mark Markarian, MD, MSPHHarvard-trained Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

While there is no set expiration date, on average breast implant patients need some sort of revision surgery after about 10 years. This is for many reasons and includes women who have a second procedure a few months after their first and women who don't have another operation for 30+ years. Implant size change, capsular contracture or a lift because gravity/breastfeeding has changed the shape of the breasts are the more common reasons for a re-operation. You are correct that the armpit incision cannot be used for revisions as it does not allow visualization of the implant pocket. Hope that helps!

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

Implants do not have to be replaced on a regular basis, only if there is a specific problem. The manufacturers actually provide a lifetime warranty so obviously they are not planning on replacing them every 10 years for free. Revisions/replacements are usually done through the same incision.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

There is no defined life span for an implant. So there is no definite time to have them exchanged.  Best of luck.

Steven Schmidt, MD · Answer

Only saline implants can be placed easily through an axillary approach.  Nobody knows if cohesive gel implants will ever need to be replaced or not since they have not been around that long.  The don't leak but can fracture, usually when being put in. It will be 20 or 30 years before we know for sure how long they last.   Almost all cohesive gel implants are placed through an incision below the breast fold approach.  Implants are very easy to switch out through this location if needed.  I often switch implants on patients with established implant pockets under local anesthesia.  Good luck

What is the longevity of cohesive gel implants?

Answers (6)

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