Breast Implant Replacement: How To Know When Your Implants Need Replacing

When you choose to go ahead with breast augmentation surgery, your priority will rightly be finding the perfect size and shape of implants to achieve your aesthetic goals. The idea of replacing your breast implants will probably be the last thing on your mind. However, at some point, breast implant replacement is something you’ll need to consider.

These days, improvements in surgical techniques and the quality of the materials involved mean breast implants typically last between 10 and 15 years. However, in our line of work, it’s not unusual to meet a patient who proudly says, “I’ve had my breast implants for 20 years!”

At Enhance Medical Group, we are proud to use Mentor Implants, part of the prestigious Johnson and Johnson group, in all our breast augmentation procedures. We believe they offer the most natural look and feel and more closely resemble breast tissue than any other implant. They are also known for their longevity, but you will need to consider replacing them at some point in the years to come.

Do you have to replace breast implants?

Breast implants are not designed to last forever, and you should consider their lifespan when you have a breast augmentation procedure. Choosing an implant with a strong safety and patient satisfaction track record will provide reassurance and enable you to get the most out of your implants.

Breast implants may also need to be replaced if something goes wrong. That could be due to an implant rupture or a condition called capsular contracture, which occurs when thick scar tissue forms around the implant, causing pain and an abnormal appearance.

Only around 1% of breast implants rupture every year, and less than one in six women who have breast augmentation surgery experience some form of capsular contracture. In the majority of those cases, it’s a mild contracture that’s painless and almost undetectable and does not always require the implant to be replaced.

If you do need a breast implant replacement, the good news is that the implants can easily be removed and you can choose to have a new implant put in. With Mentor Implants, you have the bonus of their lifetime product replacement plan. That means if your implants rupture or deflate, you’ll receive up to two replacement implants for free.

Why might you decide to have a breast implant replacement?

There are several reasons why you might have a breast implant replacement. The most common is personal choice. Over the years, you may decide that the aesthetic you want to achieve has changed. For example, you may want more natural-looking implants or to increase the size of your breasts. Alternatively, you may decide to change your implants after a pregnancy when the shape of your body has altered.

Aside from personal choice, there are a few other reasons why you might need a breast implant replacement. If you have had your implants for over 10 years, your surgeon may recommend you replace them even if you haven’t had any symptoms. Alternatively, you may have an issue with one of your implants.

How do I know when my breast implants need replacing?

It’s recommended that you attend a breast implant checkup with your surgeon after three years and then every two years after that. By contacting your GP or visiting a private breast clinic, you can also receive an ultrasound or an MRL scan to check the condition of your implants. They may recommend you get checked more regularly as your implants age.

Here are a few things to look out for that could indicate it’s time for your implants to be replaced.

Silicone implant rupture

If a silicone implant ruptures, you may notice a change in the shape of one of your implants, it may decrease in size or hard lumps may develop over the implant area. It can also cause pain and soreness, swelling and a change in the feeling of the breast. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your surgeon immediately and they will usually replace it.

However, it’s not always obvious when a silicone implant ruptures. A silent rupture occurs when the implant leaks or ruptures but the silicone remains within the scar tissue that forms around the implant. A silent rupture may not cause any symptoms, which is why it’s so important to have your implants checked regularly.

Saline implant deflation

We do not use saline implants at Enhance Medical as silicone implants have a more natural look and feel, a greater range of customisation options and a reduced risk of rippling, wrinkling and folding. However, some surgeons, particularly in America, still use saline implants. They can develop leaks and deflate, which is usually very visible as the shape and size of the breast changes. In this case, replacing the breast implant is essential.

Capsular contracture

Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue around the breast implant hardens and contracts, causing discomfort and leading to a change in the shape of the underlying implant. If one of your breasts feels firmer or looks a different shape, you should arrange to see your surgeon urgently as your implants may need replacing.

Implant malposition

Breast implant malposition occurs when the implants are not properly positioned within the breast pockets. If your implants are not symmetrical or centred behind the nipples, it can create an unbalanced appearance. In this case, the old implant will often be removed and replaced with a new implant that’s properly positioned.

Implant rippling

There’s rarely such a thing as a bad breast implant, but in some cases, ageing implants can weaken over time, causing rippling of the outer shell that can become visible through the skin. Implant rippling is more common with saline implants, and any implants that develop it should be replaced.

Breast implant illness

Breast implant illness (BII) is believed to be caused by your body’s immune response to the implant or the materials used in it. Symptoms of your body rejecting breast implants include headaches, fatigue, depression, anxiety, brain fog, joint pain and even hair loss. In this case, most surgeons recommend removing the implant rather than replacing it.

How long do breast implants last?

Breast implants usually last at least 10 years before they need replacing. However, it’s common for breast implants to last 15 years, with some patients having the same breast implants for 20 years or more.

Certain types of breast implants last longer than others, and that’s something to discuss with your surgeon. Mentor Implants are designed to last 10 to 15 years on average. After 15 years, even if there’s nothing wrong with the implants, we’d usually recommend removing or replacing them as the risk of complications increases.

Can I have my implants replaced if I’m no longer happy with them?

Absolutely. Most patients are very happy with the results of their ‘boob job’. However, over time, some decide they would like different sized implants. Of course, this is down to your preferences and lifestyle, but once they become comfortable with their implants, many women feel they could go a little larger.

Whether you want to go bigger or smaller, we recommend you wait at least a year after your original surgery before having a breast implant replacement. That will give your implants the time to settle so you can see their final position before making a decision. It will also allow your body to heal properly.

Another common reason for replacing breast implants is because they start to droop. This can be due to ageing, pregnancy or rapid weight loss. Even with implants, breasts can droop and sag. Implants lift the breasts and keep them looking perkier and fuller for longer. However, if you see noticeable differences in the appearance of your implants, replacing them is an effective solution. You may also consider a breast lift.

High-quality breast implants by Mentor with Enhance Medical

Enhance Medical is the UK’s leading day case provider of breast augmentation surgery. Whether you want implants for the first time, breast implant replacement or removal, our surgeons will help you achieve the best possible results. We use Mentor Implants in every augmentation procedure to achieve your aesthetic goals. Find your nearest clinic and book a free consultation to start your journey.