Breast implants are medical devices placed under the breast tissue or chest muscle to augment breast size or reconstruct the breast. Many wonder about their long-term behavior and whether they decompose like organic materials. Understanding the materials used and their interaction with the body clarifies their longevity and maintenance.
What Are Breast Implants Made Of?
Breast implants consist of an outer shell and a filler material. The shell is made from a solid, flexible silicone elastomer, a type of synthetic rubber. This silicone shell is designed to be durable and biocompatible, meaning it can safely interact with human tissue.
Inside, implants are filled with either sterile saline (saltwater) solution or a cohesive silicone gel. Both saline and silicone gel are synthetic substances, not derived from living organisms. These non-organic materials are engineered for medical use, differing significantly from natural biological compounds.
Do Implants Decompose Like Natural Materials?
Breast implants, composed of synthetic materials, do not decompose like natural, organic substances. Biological decomposition involves the breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms into simpler chemical compounds, characteristic of living tissues or plant matter.
Implants are not subject to biological decomposition due to their inert, non-organic composition. Instead, they undergo material aging or degradation over many years. This involves gradual physical and chemical changes to the implant materials, which can affect their integrity and function. While these materials can weaken or change structure over extended periods, they do not break down into basic elements through biological means.
How Implants Change Over Time
Despite not decomposing, breast implants undergo various changes over their lifespan. The silicone elastomer shell, while durable, can gradually weaken and become more permeable or fragile with prolonged exposure to body fluids and mechanical stresses. This weakening can eventually lead to a rupture, where the shell develops a tear or hole. For silicone gel implants, this can result in “gel bleed,” a microscopic diffusion of silicone molecules through an intact shell.
The body reacts to the presence of an implant by forming a fibrous capsule around it, a natural immune response to a foreign object. Over time, this capsule can tighten and contract, a condition known as capsular contracture. This can cause the breast to feel firm, appear distorted, or become painful. While not a decomposition process, these material changes and bodily reactions contribute to the finite lifespan of breast implants.
When Implants Require Medical Care
Breast implants are not designed to last indefinitely and often require medical attention or replacement. A common reason for intervention is implant rupture, which can be symptomatic (causing pain or changes in breast shape) or “silent” (occurring without noticeable symptoms). For silicone implants, silent ruptures are typically detected through imaging like an MRI.
Severe capsular contracture, causing discomfort, significant firmness, or cosmetic issues, often necessitates surgical correction or implant removal. Even without these complications, many individuals choose to replace their implants after 10 to 20 years. Regular monitoring, including physical examinations and appropriate imaging, is important to assess implant integrity and address any issues.