Breast augmentation can be transformative, boosting your confidence and helping you feel more comfortable in your skin. However, many women wonder about the longevity of their breast implants.
Understanding the lifespan of breast implants and the factors that may make replacement necessary can help you make informed decisions about your long-term care.
At Brooks Plastic Surgery in Hollywood, Florida, board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Christopher Brooks, and his team are dedicated to providing personalized care and expert guidance to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Whether you're considering breast augmentation for the first time or have concerns about your existing implants, we're here to help. Keep reading to learn about breast implant replacement.
Most breast implants are made from saline or silicone. Saline implants consist of shells made of silicone that get filled to size after insertion with sterile salt water. Silicone implants are filled with a viscous silicone gel.
One of the most common questions about breast implants is how long they last. Though breast implants can last for a long time, they aren’t considered lifetime medical devices.
On average, breast implants can last between 10 and 20 years, but many women have implants that last much longer without any issues.
How long your replacement lasts depends on various factors, including the type of implant, your body’s response, and any complications that may arise.
There isn’t any one reason for breast implant replacements. Although various factors can necessitate a replacement, some of the most common include:
Implant rupture is one of the primary reasons for breast implant replacement. Saline implants can deflate and be absorbed by the body if they rupture, leading to an obvious change in breast size.
Silicone implants, on the other hand, may keep their shape even if they rupture. This is referred to as a "silent rupture." Regular MRI scans are recommended to monitor silicone implants for any signs of rupture.
Capsular contracture develops when the naturally forming scar tissue around the implant becomes unusually hard and tightens. This leads to discomfort and distorts the appearance and feel of your breast.
Over time, your aesthetic preferences may change. Some women decide to replace their implants to achieve a different size, shape, or type of implant.
Additionally, changes in weight, pregnancy, and aging can alter the appearance of your breasts, leading you to consider implant revision.
Implant malposition occurs when the implant moves from its original position, causing asymmetry or an unnatural appearance.
Women experience implant malposition for different reasons, including trauma (e.g., car accident), aging/gravity, and changes to your musculature. Corrective surgery may be needed to reposition or replace the implants.
If you and Dr. Brooks decide implant replacement is necessary, know the procedure is similar to your initial breast augmentation surgery.
Dr. Brooks first reviews your medical history, discusses your goals, and examines your current implants to determine the best approach.
This may include choosing new implants that better meet your current aesthetic preferences and needs.
During surgery, Dr. Brooks removes the old implants and inserts new ones. In some cases, additional procedures like a breast lift may be performed to achieve the desired outcome.
Your surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and the recovery period is similar to that of your initial augmentation.
After your surgery, be sure to follow Dr. Brooks’s post-operative care instructions, which may include wearing a supportive bra, avoiding strenuous activities, and coming to all follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.
Deciding whether to replace your breast implants is a personal decision that depends on different factors, including your health, aesthetic goals, and any complications you may experience.
At Brooks Plastic Surgery, we’re committed to providing personalized breast implant care and helping you make informed decisions about your breast implants.
Our team also give you tailored information about maintaining implants, including:
If you have concerns about breast implants or are considering a replacement, schedule an appointment with Dr. Brooks and the Brooks Plastic Surgery team in Hollywood, Florida.
