How Long Do Breast Implants Last?
If you’re considering a breast augmentation, if and when the implants need replacing is probably not at the forefront of your mind. You’re likely to be more focused on finding the right surgeon and thinking about the size and shape of your implants. However, it’s important to note that your implants will not last forever. They should be good for at least 10 or 15 years, but they will need replacing or removing at some point.
With that in mind, we’ve created this quick guide to how long breast implants last, the signs they need replacing and the steps you can take to prolong their life.
How long do different types of breast implants last?
Today’s breast implants, with their stronger shells and more stable fillers, are designed to last at least 10 years, but many patients have them for an awful lot longer. Many factors determine the longevity of your breast implants, from the type of implant you have to your surgeon’s expertise and your overall health.
There are two types of breast implants: silicone and saline. Generally speaking, we expect silicone implants to last longer, around 15-20 years, while saline should have at least 10 years before they need to be replaced. That’s due to the highly cohesive gel used in the latest generation of silicone implants and the potential for more complications with saline.
At Enhance Medical, we only use silicone implants due to their longevity and more natural look and feel. They also have a greater range of customisation options and a lower risk of rippling and wrinkling.
Do breast implants need replacing?
At some point, you will have to remove or replace your breast implants. If your implants reach the 10-year mark with no issues, we’d advise you to arrange an appointment with your surgeon. They may refer you for an MRI or ultrasound scan to check their quality. If there are no problems, there’s no need to have them replaced.
If you’ve had your implants for 15 years or more, again, we wouldn’t necessarily automatically replace them. If you’ve not noticed any changes to your breasts then you can continue with them, but again, we’d want to arrange an MRI scan to make sure they’re still intact and in the right position.
If you get to the 20-year mark, at that point, we’d usually recommend either removing or replacing the implants as there is an increasing risk of complications. We can then discuss the pros and cons of removal vs. replacement.
Of course, you don’t have to wait that long to have your breast implants replaced. Plenty of patients decide they want to change the type or size of their implants. Thanks to modern breast augmentation techniques, that’s always an option.
Should I remove or replace my breast implants?
If you’re happy with your implants but they have a fault or are reaching the end of their life, we can replace them to maintain the appearance of your breasts. On the other hand, you may decide you want a more natural appearance or feel your breasts are too large, in which case, you could choose to have the implants removed.
Generally, if you have a breast implant removal, you can expect your breasts to go back to their original size. They may sag, particularly if you have had large implants, but some patients find their skin retracts over time. If not, you could consider a breast lift procedure to give you a more lifted appearance without the need for an implant.
Before you make a decision, we recommend having a consultation with one of our surgeons so you understand the different treatment options and have a realistic expectation of the results.
Do breast implants sag when you get old?
The implant itself won’t sag but the loss of elastin and collagen in the skin as you age reduces skin elasticity. That leads to sagging of the breasts regardless of whether you have implants or not. If you have larger implants, the additional weight means your breasts will typically droop more than if you had smaller implants.
Signs your breast implants need replacing
As we’ve discussed, a boob job does not last forever, but as well as time, several signs indicate that your breast implants need replacing.
- Breast hardening – The scar tissue around one or both breasts can harden, causing tightness, pain and changes in breast size and shape.
- Rippling – Breast implants can develop ripples or wrinkles you may be able to feel or even notice through the skin.
- Changes in position – Although your implants can shift slightly and settle as you heal, they should not move to a noticeably different position on the chest wall.
- Saline implant rupture – Implants can rupture due to a hole or tear, the saline leaks out harmlessly and the implant deflates. Ruptures are more likely as the implants get older.
- Silicone implant rupture – Silicone ruptures are more difficult to notice but can cause an uneven appearance, tingling, swelling or numbness. Although it’s not a medical emergency, ruptured silicone implants should be replaced promptly.
How to Make Your Breast Implants Last
To a certain extent, your actions can impact their longevity, and that starts with your recovery. Immediately after your breast augmentation procedure, you should wear a support garment or surgical bra as advised by your surgeon. And even after you’ve healed, you should still wear a good support bra, particularly when exercising.
You should also attend all your follow-up appointments as part of our comprehensive aftercare package. We also recommend a checkup three years after your procedure and every two years after that, even if you’re not experiencing any symptoms.
Safe and affordable breast implants with Enhance Medical
At Enhance Medical, we are proud to work with some of the UK’s most experienced and well-respected surgeons and offer a first-class service from consultation to aftercare. We also use the best quality Mentor implants with a lifetime warranty for confirmed rupture or deflation.
Book a free consultation to find out more about a breast augmentation procedure or discuss your implant replacement and removal options.