Breast implants are a popular choice for both cosmetic enhancement and reconstructive purposes. While designed to be durable, they are not permanent. Over time, breast implants may require replacement or removal due to wear, body changes, or complications. This potential need for future procedures is a consideration for anyone with implants.
Typical Lifespan of Breast Implants
Breast implants generally have an expected lifespan of 10 to 20 years. This is an average, and some implants may remain intact longer, while others might need attention sooner due to individual circumstances or specific issues. For instance, a meta-analysis estimated the median lifespan for silicone gel implants to be around 16.4 years, with about 79.1% remaining intact at 10 years and 48.7% at 15 years. The type of implant (saline or silicone) and individual patient factors like lifestyle and overall health can influence longevity.
Reasons for Implant Replacement
Implants may need to be changed for various reasons, including complications and personal preferences. A frequent reason for replacement is implant rupture, which manifests differently depending on the implant type. Saline implants typically deflate noticeably when ruptured, as the sterile saline solution is absorbed by the body. Silicone gel implants, however, can experience “silent ruptures” where the gel remains contained within the scar tissue capsule, often without immediate symptoms.
Capsular contracture is another common issue, where the scar tissue capsule around the implant tightens and hardens. This can cause the breast to feel firm, appear distorted, or even become painful. Less common reasons for replacement include malposition, where the implant shifts, or visible rippling or folding of the implant shell, which can sometimes be felt or seen through the skin.
A rare but serious consideration is Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a type of lymphoma that can develop in the fluid or scar tissue surrounding breast implants. This condition is primarily linked to textured implants, although it has been reported with both saline and silicone types. While rare, the average time from implant placement to BIA-ALCL development is typically 7 to 10 years. Beyond medical reasons, patients may also choose replacement due to changes in their desired breast size or shape, or to update to newer implant technology.
Signs It Might Be Time for a Change
Recognizing potential issues with breast implants involves observing changes in the breasts. For saline implants, a sudden decrease in breast size or a noticeable change in shape can indicate a rupture due to the deflation of the saline solution. Silicone implant ruptures, often “silent,” may not show obvious symptoms, as the cohesive gel tends to stay within the surrounding scar tissue. However, some individuals might experience subtle signs like breast pain, changes in breast contour or shape, or the development of hard lumps in or around the breast.
Capsular contracture can present with symptoms such as a new firmness or hardening of the breast, which may feel like a tight ball. This can be accompanied by pain, discomfort, or a distorted breast shape. Other indications that an implant might need attention include persistent pain or discomfort, visible rippling or wrinkling of the skin over the implant, or asymmetry between the breasts. Regular self-examinations and follow-up appointments with a plastic surgeon are important, especially for those with silicone implants, as imaging tests like MRI or ultrasound are often necessary to detect silent ruptures.
The Replacement Procedure
When breast implants require replacement, the process typically begins with a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. During this initial meeting, the surgeon will assess the current implants, discuss any concerns or symptoms, and review the patient’s medical history and aesthetic goals. Diagnostic imaging, such as an MRI or ultrasound, may be recommended to evaluate the implants’ condition.
The surgical procedure itself, often referred to as breast implant revision or exchange, usually involves removing the existing implants and, if necessary, the surrounding scar tissue capsule. New implants can then be inserted, potentially with a different size, shape, or type to address the patient’s updated preferences or to correct previous issues. The surgery is generally performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia and typically lasts between one to three hours, depending on the complexity. Recovery often mirrors that of the initial breast augmentation, with specific post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon to ensure proper healing.