The decision to receive breast implants involves a long-term commitment to monitoring and eventual management. Breast implants are not considered permanent and will likely require a subsequent procedure over time, often referred to as revision surgery. Patients should anticipate the need for possible replacement or removal. Understanding the lifespan of these devices and the signs that warrant a consultation with a surgeon is necessary for long-term breast health management.
Understanding the Expected Lifespan
Breast implants are manufactured to be highly durable, but they are not considered lifetime devices. While some implants may remain functional for two decades or more, the average functional lifespan typically falls within 10 to 20 years before replacement is necessary. The likelihood of failure or developing complications increases steadily with the age of the device. Therefore, the need for replacement depends more on the implant’s condition than on a fixed expiration date.
Regular check-ups and screening are mandatory for monitoring implant integrity, especially for silicone-filled devices. Since a silicone implant rupture may not present immediate physical symptoms, diagnostic imaging is necessary for detection. The current recommendation is to undergo an MRI scan five to six years after the initial surgery, and then repeat the scan every two to three years thereafter. This surveillance allows for the early detection of issues and timely intervention.
Recognizing Signs of Implant Failure
Device failure most commonly involves a rupture, which is the breakdown of the implant’s outer shell. Signs differ significantly by implant type. A saline-filled implant rupture is usually obvious, as the breast will deflate quickly, often over a period of a few days. This rapid loss of volume causes a noticeable change in the breast’s size and shape.
Silicone implant rupture is often more subtle and is frequently referred to as a “silent rupture.” This is because the thick, cohesive gel often stays contained within the surrounding scar tissue capsule (intracapsular rupture). This may not cause visible changes to the breast, necessitating MRI for definitive diagnosis. When symptomatic, signs may include breast pain, swelling, changes in breast shape or contour, or palpable lumps in the breast or armpit area.
Elective Reasons for Revision or Explantation
Rupture is not the only reason for revision; the most common complication is capsular contracture. This occurs when the natural scar tissue capsule around the implant tightens excessively. This causes the breast to become firm, painful, and distorted in shape. The surgical approach involves removing the thickened scar tissue surrounding the implant.
Many revision procedures are performed for aesthetic reasons years after the initial augmentation. Natural changes like weight fluctuations, aging, or gravity can lead to breast ptosis, or sagging. Patients may seek revision to correct the aesthetic outcome, often involving a change in implant size, shape, or profile. Some patients simply choose permanent explantation, opting to have the implants removed without replacement due to personal preference.
The Breast Revision Surgery Process
Once a decision is made, the procedure is defined as either a revision (replacing the implant) or an explantation (removal without replacement). Revision surgery is often more complex than the original augmentation because the surgeon must address existing scar tissue and the breast pocket condition. For complications like capsular contracture, the procedure requires a capsulectomy, which is the surgical removal of the constricting scar tissue capsule.
The surgeon generally uses the original incision site to minimize new scars. If the patient has significant sagging, the procedure may be combined with a mastopexy, or breast lift. This combined approach removes excess skin and reshapes the breast tissue alongside the implant exchange. Recovery involves rest and monitoring, similar to the initial augmentation.