A quick summary: breast implants can last between 10- 20 years, but there are some signs that you need them replaced earlier. Keep reading to find out more.
Getting a breast augmentation can be a great way to transform your appearance, but like everything, the initial results won’t last forever.
Over time, your body shape will change, and that will affect the appearance of your breast implants. Although there are potential complications associated with breast implants (which are outlined in other articles), breast implants are generally considered relatively safe. However, any medical procedure comes with risks, and in some rare cases, medical complications or pain may mean that your implants need to be removed.
Whatever the reason, breast implant removal is an option that every woman getting a breast enlargement needs to know about. Once the old implants are out, they can be exchanged for new ones if you want, or you can explore alternative ways to enhance your look.
What Is The Average Lifespan Of Breast Implants?
How long your breast implants last depends on a range of factors, including the type of breast implants you choose.
While 10-20 years is often considered the average time before your implants need to be removed or replaced, it can be more or less time.
Often, saline breast implants last less time than silicone implants, because saline implant ruptures are more common.
Saline implants can burst, and when they do, the salt water inside will leak out. If only one saline breast implant ruptures, this can mean that one breast hangs lower than the other, causing a noticeable issue.
While a silicone rupture is possible, silicone breast implants are made from a thick gel, which means that even if the outer shell is breached, your breast implants are more likely to remain intact for longer.
If this or other issues occur, then your implants will need to be replaced sooner, but some women have been known to enjoy their implants for 30 years or more without discomfort.
Signs Your Breast Implants Need To Be Replaced
It’s not always easy to tell when your breast implants need to be replaced. Many surgeons say that breast implants last between 10-20 years, but every woman is different, and yours might need to be replaced sooner. Here are some of the signs that you need to get your breast implants removed.
You Experience Breast Pain
A little breast pain and swelling are normal immediately after your breast implant surgery, but after a few weeks, the pain should be completely gone. If you feel your breast augmentation recovery isn’t going as planned and you’re still in pain several months after the procedure, consult your breast surgeon.
Breast pain following implant surgery could be due to a range of issues, including surgical complications or, in very rare cases, BIA-ALCL. This lymphoma is rare. Removing the implants is usually the only treatment needed, and it will be the first option to get you back to full health.
Your Breast Implants Rupture
Breast implants consist of a silicone shell filled with either saline solution or silicone gel. While these products are designed to last, there are instances when they might rupture.
With silicone implants, the consistency of the filling is a gummy texture, so most patients won’t notice if their silicone implants rupture, and there won’t be any change to their body.
If the filling does leak out and leave the shell of the implant, it is often still contained within the capsule of scar tissue that every patient develops around their implant, known as “intra-capsular rupture”. If this occurs, you may notice a slight change in the shape of your breasts, and you should report this to your breast surgeon.
You Notice Breast Asymmetry
As mentioned, your breast implants can change over time due to lifestyle factors, such as weight fluctuations. This can occur in both breasts or just in one, making them appear significantly different, which is referred to as breast asymmetry.
After a few years, you may notice that one breast has changed so much that you need to have a new implant fitted to that side. Usually, the issue is represented as acute swelling in one breast.
If you have implants, especially ones that have been in for a few years, and you experience an increase in asymmetry, it’s important to get in touch with your GP to seek referral to a specialist breast surgeon, who will use a “triple assessment clinic” to get the situation reviewed. You can then regain your confidence with both breasts looking the same.
Your Implants Rotate
As your body changes, your breast implants may move or rotate, causing pain and changing the appearance of your breasts. In some cases, you may not notice that your implants have rotated, especially if you have round implants.
With teardrop implants or breast implants that rotate significantly, you will notice a difference. In this case, you can have your implants replaced to reduce the chances of further rotation. If you had your procedure only a few months or years ago, you might not need your breast implants exchanged. Your surgeon can manually flip them over or conduct more surgery to adjust their position while keeping the existing implants.
You Develop Capsular Contracture
When you have breast implants inserted, your body forms scar tissue around them. In the case of breast implants, a small pocket is formed around the implant. This is entirely normal and is usually almost unnoticeable. However, some women develop capsular contracture, where the scar tissue tightens so much that the capsule becomes uncomfortable and causes further complications, such as implant rotation. If you notice breast hardening or tenderness, then this could be an early sign of capsular contracture.
One common treatment for a capsular contracture is known as a “capsulectomy”, where the whole capsule is removed. A capsulotomy used to be regularly performed, and some surgeons still perform this procedure routinely.
This is where cuts are made in the capsule to open it up and release the tension. However, research shows that doing this is associated with a high rate of early recurrence of capsular contracture, and so Mr Pieri rarely performs this as a treatment for capsular contracture. He prefers to completely remove the capsule, a process which is associated with lower rates of recurrence.
You Want A New Look
If you’ve had your old breast implants for a while, then it might be time to consider new ones. Whether they’ve moved as your body has changed or your tastes have evolved, and you want a different breast size, new implants could be the answer.
New breast implants can transform your look, but only if you take the time to consider all your choices. Think about and placement to help you achieve the look you want. If you’re unsure about how to get the right results from the procedure, your surgeon can talk you through the options during your implant sizing session.
What Happens During Breast Implant Replacement?
If you choose to have your breast implants replaced, then you will have an initial breast sizing consultation with your breast surgeon. They will discuss why you want to replace your implants and the new size you would like. You can have one or both implants removed and replaced at the same time, depending on your preference. If you only have one implant replaced, then you may need further surgery in the future if your other implant ruptures or requires replacement for another reason.
Once you have chosen the right size for your replacement implants, your surgeon will carry out the procedure. They will first remove the old implants, then insert the implant replacements. The recovery period will be similar to when you first had your breast augmentation, but there might be additional soreness.
Your surgeon will schedule follow-up appointments to ensure that your implants and the surrounding scar tissue are healing correctly.
How Long Do Breast Implants Last: Conclusion
Ultimately, how long breast implants last depends on a variety of factors. Today’s breast implants are high-quality and generally last for a decade or more. Most implants age slowly and will give you the look you want for many years to come. Issues such as ruptured implants, hardened scar tissue or other problems might mean that your breast implants need removing or replacing sooner.
If your existing breast implants aren’t giving you the look you desire, then further optional breast surgery to remove and replace them can allow you to get the look you want. You may also consider other procedures, such as a breast lift, rather than replacing your implants, to get you appearance you’ve always wanted.
Many women choose to return to the same surgeon for breast implant removal and replacement, but that’s not always possible. If your former surgeon has stopped practising, or you did not feel comfortable with them previously, then it might be time to explore a new option.
Whether you’re an existing patient or a new face, Mr Pieri has extensive experience providing breast augmentation and implant removal. He can provide you with top-quality care from start to finish. You can learn more about finding the right surgeon to replace breast implants for you here.
To start the breast implant replacement process, book a consultation by calling +447526556934 or emailing info@andrewpieri.co.uk.
