Silicone breast implants are medical devices used for breast augmentation and reconstruction, featuring a silicone outer shell filled with a cohesive silicone gel that mimics natural breast tissue. Understanding their durability is important for those considering or maintaining breast augmentation.
Expected Lifespan
Silicone breast implants are not considered lifetime devices and will likely require replacement. On average, both silicone and saline implants last between 10 to 20 years. A meta-analysis estimated the median lifespan of a silicone gel implant to be 16.4 years, with 79.1% intact at 10 years, falling to 48.7% by 15 years. Many individuals require removal or replacement sooner, with about 20% doing so within 10 years, often due to complications.
Factors Influencing Longevity
Several factors can influence the actual lifespan of silicone breast implants, extending or shortening their functional duration. The type of implant itself plays a role, as newer generations of cohesive silicone gel implants, sometimes referred to as “gummy bear” implants, are designed for greater stability and may last longer than older liquid silicone versions. The shell texture can also be a factor, with textured implants sometimes associated with a higher risk of complications due to increased friction.
Individual patient factors significantly impact implant longevity. Natural changes in the body, such as aging, weight fluctuations, and the effects of pregnancy and breastfeeding, can alter breast shape and implant position over time. Lifestyle habits, including smoking, can impair healing and increase the risk of complications, potentially shortening an implant’s lifespan. The skill and technique of the surgeon during the initial placement also contribute to the implant’s durability and can help minimize later complications.
Recognizing Potential Issues
Identifying when a silicone breast implant might be experiencing a problem is important for timely intervention. Unlike saline implants, which deflate noticeably upon rupture, silicone implant ruptures are often “silent” because the cohesive gel usually remains contained within the scar tissue capsule. Despite this, some subtle signs can indicate an issue. These may include gradual changes in breast shape or size, new pain or tenderness, lumps, increased firmness, swelling, or changes in sensation like numbness or tingling.
Another common issue is capsular contracture, where the body forms a tight, hard scar tissue capsule around the implant, which can cause discomfort, pain, and distortion of the breast’s shape. Given the potential for silent ruptures and other complications, regular monitoring is recommended. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises that individuals with silicone implants undergo routine imaging, such as an MRI or ultrasound, to screen for rupture. The first screening is typically recommended 5 to 6 years after the initial surgery, followed by subsequent screenings every 2 to 3 years.
Replacement Considerations
Implants may need replacement for various reasons, including the natural aging of the device, the development of complications, or a desire for aesthetic changes. When complications like rupture or significant capsular contracture occur, revision surgery becomes necessary. Individuals may also choose revision due to changes in their body, such as weight fluctuations or aging, or simply to achieve a different size or shape.
The process of implant revision surgery can involve several approaches. An implant exchange replaces the existing implants with new ones, which might be a different size, shape, or type. If complications like capsular contracture are present, a capsulectomy, the removal of the scar tissue capsule, is often performed concurrently. In some cases, individuals may opt for implant removal only, known as explantation, where no new implant is placed. For those desiring some volume after removal, fat grafting, which involves transferring fat from another part of the body, can be an option.
Recovery from revision surgery varies depending on the complexity of the procedure but generally involves a period of healing similar to the initial augmentation. Patients can expect some discomfort, swelling, and activity restrictions. The costs associated with implant replacement or removal can be substantial, encompassing surgeon’s fees, anesthesia, facility charges, and potentially the cost of new implants. These procedures are typically not covered by insurance unless they are medically necessary due to a complication.