Breast implants are medical devices used for reconstructive and cosmetic purposes. A common question concerns their long-term viability: Do they break down? The answer depends on the difference between decomposition and material degradation. Decomposition is the biological process where organic materials break down into simpler elements. Degradation is the physical or chemical weakening of a synthetic material over time. Since breast implants are synthetic, they are not subject to biological decomposition, but they do undergo material changes that affect their longevity.
The Composition of Breast Implants
Modern breast implants are engineered from stable, non-biological materials chosen for their inertness within the human body. Every implant consists of an outer shell made from a silicone elastomer, a durable and chemically resistant material. This shell is designed to contain the filler and maintain the implant’s structural integrity.
The shell is typically composed of multiple layers, sometimes including a barrier layer to minimize the “bleed” of silicone molecules. Inside the shell, the implant contains one of two primary filling substances: sterile saline solution (salt water) or cohesive silicone gel.
Saline is easily absorbed and harmlessly excreted by the body if the shell ruptures. Silicone gel implants use a highly cohesive, medical-grade silicone that maintains its shape even if the shell is compromised, often described as having a “gummy bear” consistency. These materials are selected because they are largely non-reactive and resist biological breakdown.
Internal Longevity: Stability Versus Degradation
Breast implants do not undergo biological decomposition or biodegradation because they are made from synthetic, inert polymers. The body’s biological processes cannot dissolve or metabolize the silicone shell or the gel filler. Instead, the implant faces risks associated with physical and chemical degradation over many years.
This degradation often manifests as shell weakening, which may eventually lead to a rupture. The body also forms a fibrous capsule of scar tissue around the implant as a natural reaction to a foreign object. Over time, this capsule can tighten and harden, a condition known as capsular contracture, which may necessitate removal.
If a silicone implant ruptures, the cohesive gel remains largely intact and does not flow widely. The material remains inert and does not break down into absorbable components. For saline implants, a rupture causes deflation as the sterile saltwater is harmlessly absorbed. Implants are not considered lifetime devices and will eventually require monitoring and replacement due to material degradation.
Environmental Fate: True Decomposition
When breast implants are removed, their synthetic composition ensures they remain stable in the environment. Medical-grade silicone resists natural decay; it is non-biodegradable and will not decompose in a landfill or soil. If buried, the silicone shell and gel would persist for centuries, far outlasting organic remains.
The fate of the implant changes during cremation due to extreme heat. The temperature in a crematorium retort, typically ranging from 1400 to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit, is sufficient to break down the silicone material. At these temperatures, the synthetic polymer structure thermally degrades, leaving behind a residue that can be separated from the ashes. This process is thermal destruction, not biological decomposition.
Saline-filled implants contain a sterile saltwater solution that evaporates completely upon exposure to high heat. The remaining silicone shell undergoes the same thermal degradation as a silicone gel implant. The materials are often separated post-cremation, though silicone is not typically recycled like metal implants.