What is the Average "Life" of a Breast Implant?

With modern implants, the advice is very clear: only replace the implants if there is a problem or if you chose to do so for aesthetic reasons.
Having said that, implants are after a synthetic product so, in the absence of any issues,  it is sensible to have them checked at 10 years with an MRI. If they are fine and if you remain symptom free, they can then be checked every 5 years after that and only replaced as and when needed.

Breast implants are not lifetime devices, and their longevity typically ranges from 8 to 15 years. While this can vary, saline implants often deflate due to factors like tissue in-growth, trauma, or folds that stress the outer shell. When this occurs, removal and replacement are generally straightforward procedures. Silicone implants, which are more cohesive and less prone to deflation, offer a longer-lasting alternative, reducing issues like rippling. The newer "gummy bear" implants, made of cohesive silicone gel, are even less likely to cause issues such as rupture or deflation and tend to feel more natural compared to saline options.


If you experience deflation, rippling, or simply wish to change the size or type of your implants, replacement surgery is a relatively simple outpatient procedure. Surgeons should discuss both saline and silicone implant options and surgical approaches. In cases of implant failure, replacing both implants can help to achieve improved symmetry and results. The procedure to exchange implants is generally easier and quicker than the initial surgery, with a similar recovery time. It is important to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon who can customize your surgical plan and determine the best technique for you based on your individual anatomy and goals.


Dr. Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHS
Harvard, Johns Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Educated
Double Fellowship Trained
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon
New York, New York

Removal of breast implants, intact or ruptured, may have positive implications if patients are symptomatic. A constellation of symptoms associated with breast implant illness, and autoimmune disease are considered when treating patients who have breast implants and are concerned about foreign body reaction. In our office, we begin this journey with a consideration of symptoms and exclusion of obvious autoimmune problems. In many of our patients, en bloc removal of breast implants with capsulectomy is important and beneficial. Further clinical evidence about breast implant illness is evolving and will continue to guide treatment. I would suggest removal if there is a possibility of foreign body reaction.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

A good quality implant tends to be long-lasting.  The lifespan of breast Implants is not known, however the warranty from most implant companies is 10 years.  We have had patients who have needed their implants to be replaced sooner and patients who have had trouble free implants and not replaced them for more than 15 years.  Implants will last for varying durations in different people. The complications of implants include rupture and capsular contracture that do play a part in the life of the implant. 

Hi, thank you for your questions. Breast implant lifespan is variable and revisional surgery after 10 - 15 years is usually due to implant rupture (deflation in the case of saline implants), capsular contracture (which can vary from the rippling you describe to hardening which is palpable or visible) or malposition which is implant displacement. I would recommend consulting your surgeon if you experience these issues and regular imaging with ultrasound studies. Where no significant issues are identified, there is no requirement for revisional surgery. Best wishes. 

Implants, contrary to popular belief, do not have a defined lifespan. The incidence of rupture does rise with age and anecdotally speaking the average age for replacement is 10-15 years. However, this is often independent of implant integrity.While your implant will slowly age over time, your native breast will age and sag relatively quickly such that patients will often present after ten years to address a change in the overall breast appearance which is a function of their native tissue rather than the device itself. Often times the implants will be replaced at out of convenience ("might as well change them while you are in there").That being said while saline ruptures are easily identified, silent silicone gel ruptures or bleeds are more difficult to appreciate (without imaging). They look the same, feel the same, and behave the same intact or ruptured. As such, many patients are living with silicone ruptures unbeknownst to them.With regards to your specific question, you may be exhibiting early signs of a saline rupture. Ultimately, if ruptured they will eventually deflate completely resulting in a fairly obvious volume differential. Replacement of a saline implant if addressed quickly is fairly uncomplicated and involves re-entering the pocket removing the failed device and replacing.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

It's a great question. There's an old belief that implants that are 10 years old require replacement. Implants will last an average of 10-15 years, but if you're doing well there's no need to replace them simply because they are 10 years old. Most commonly people have a revision surgery for a size change, to have a lift performed, to address a capsular contracture (scar tissue around the implant) or for other reasons such as visible rippling. A straightforward implant replacement has less pain than the initial augmentation surgery, because the old incision can be used and there is typically little internal work that is performed. Make sure to find an experienced plastic surgeon for your procedure.

If your breast #implants are ruptured or more than 10 years old, consideration should be given to replacement.  Plastic surgeons who have specialized in breast surgery and cosmetic surgery are suitable to perform your breast augmentation. Aside from checking board-certification, it is suggested that you look at before and after photos of the surgeons actual patients, and read patient reviews. Gathering all of this information will help you make a well-informed decision.

Hi there,
Average life span of breast implants can vary widely depending on implant types (silicone vs saline), implant brands, implant related complications (functional vs aesthetic) as well as changes of patients' circumstances and preferences. 
It can be difficult to put an "expiry" date on breast implants based on considerations of factors above. In general, silicone implants tend to last longer than saline versions; modern silicone implants from reputable brands also tend to have better track records compared to the earlier generation models in terms of more favourable complication rates in relation to risks of capsular contracture and implant rupture. 
Assuming there is no major issues to patients' dissatisfaction from either functional or aesthetic points of views, there is no reasons why breast implants cannot last for a long time. However, it's prudent to be realistic and prepared for the possibility for any unforeseen change of circumstances that will render a revisional procedure necessary. For that reason, I always advise my patients for annual check up for any forms of  breast implant procedures and prepare them that statistically a significant proportion of females with breast implants will elect to have another breast revision procedure in their life time depending on individual circumstances. A time frame of around 10-15 years post 1st breast implant surgery is generally not unrealistic in preparing patients with that particular mindset.
Hope that helps
Best wishes
Ellis Choy

There is no way to know exactly how long an implant will last. We do know that the longer an implant is in place the greater the chance of it leaking. We also know that the older saline implants generally do not last as long the newer silicone implants. If there is no leaking of the implant or hardening of the tissue around the implant there is no immediate need to do anything. Consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon will assist you to know when the implants should be removed and replaced.