Getting breast implants is a common cosmetic procedure. What is the lifespan of breast implants? Briefly put, breast implants don’t last forever and typically need to be replaced after 10 years. However, this frequently depends on the type of implants you have, as well as any changes to your body in the years after the operation.

Being such a common procedure, it is understandable that many patients are curious about the procedure’s success, the anticipated lifespan of the implants, and the variables that may affect this durability.

While there are some general guidelines and rules we can use to assist in responding to these frequently asked questions, it can be challenging to offer conclusive answers. This is primarily because each person’s level of breast implant durability is unique and influenced by a variety of personal factors. In order to investigate this further, we’ve written a post specifically about it that covers the lifespan of breast implants as well as a few significant factors that may affect it.

What Is the Procedure to Implant Breasts?
A common breast augmentation procedure that aims to alter a woman’s breasts’ size, shape, symmetry, or proportion is breast implant surgery, also known as a “boob job.” The procedure involves inserting prosthetic implants into the breasts through incisions the surgeon makes. Either a silicone gel or a specialized saline solution is placed inside the implants for the prosthetics.

Compared to before, breast implant surgery is much more affordable. This has assisted numerous patients in overcoming the insecurities brought on by the size or shape of their breasts.

What Is the Lifespan of Breast Implants?
As was already mentioned, it’s challenging to offer a conclusive response. Breast implants, however, typically require replacement after 10 years. While breast changes may necessitate the removal or replacement of the implants, the implants themselves can last indefinitely and can be in good condition for 20 years. Patients frequently inquire “how long do silicone breast implants last?” as opposed to “how long do saline implants last?” because durability can also depend on the type of material used. We’ve listed a few of the most frequent causes for needing replacement breast implants below.

Capsular contracture, first
Around 30% of patients who have implants fitted experience capsular contracture, one of the most frequent causes of needing replacement breast implants. This issue arises as a result of the body’s natural response to the implants.

In essence, the implant is recognized by the body as a foreign object, and the body starts to form a tissue capsule around it to stop it from growing or moving. This tissue capsule usually forms without any issues, but occasionally it will start to thicken or contract. The implant will subsequently start to feel squeezed, which will cause it to move, harden, or change shape.

No matter the kind of implants used, capsular contracture can happen after any breast implant procedure. However, silicone implants are more likely to experience it. A surgical infection can also result in capsular contracture, though this is a relatively uncommon occurrence.

Rupture of an implant
If the implant itself ruptures, breast implants will need to be replaced. Both saline and silicone implants are susceptible to this. Because the implant’s solution can leak out very slowly, an implant rupture frequently goes undetected at first. But over time, the implant will start to lose its volume and the size of the breast might start to decline.

Particularly in the first few years after breast implant surgery, implant rupture is uncommon. In fact, a study found that 83-85% of breast implant cases went 10 years without rupturing and that 98% of breast implant cases remained rupture-free for the first five years.

3. Perceptibility
Following breast implant surgery, palpability, also known as wrinkling or rippling, describes a wavelike appearance that may develop on the middle, top, or sides of the breasts. Compared to silicone implants, palpability occurs more frequently with saline implants. In these situations, replacing the saline implants with ones made of smooth silicone is frequently done to address the rippling.

4.Movement of the Implant
If breast implants move or change position, this may also shorten their lifespan. Breast implants, whether made of silicone or saline, cannot stop sagging skin, which is frequently brought on by aging or significant weight gain or loss.

Even though these changes frequently happen naturally, you do have options if you start to feel self-conscious about the way your breasts look. The issue may be resolved by having the implants replaced, but there is still a chance that it will return as you age and gain or lose weight. Instead of doing this, many women decide to have breast lift surgery to help improve the appearance of their breasts. In some circumstances, a breast lift and implant replacement can be performed together, but this should be discussed beforehand with your doctor.

Extension of Breast Implant Lifetime
Many women who inquire about the durability of breast implants also want to know if there is anything they can do to prolong the life of their brand-new implants. Even though natural aging is unavoidable, there are a few key considerations that can help your breast implants last longer. Below, we go into more detail about each of these.

1. Select a Surgeon with Significant Experience
Whether you decide to get breast implants domestically or abroad, it’s crucial to pick a qualified physician working at a reputable facility. Some of the issues mentioned above, including an implant rupture, can arise from a breast implant procedure that is not done properly.

With Qunomedical, we’ve done the legwork of finding reputable medical facilities and practitioners for you. We evaluate doctors using our in-house developed scoring system, Qunoscore, which considers 21 distinct data points, such as credentials, experience, value for money, and patient testimonials. This guarantees that you will receive the best care possible from a qualified professional wherever you decide to have breast implant surgery.

2. Spend time selecting the appropriate size and shape.
Because they are dissatisfied with the size and shape of their breasts after surgery, many women choose to have their breast implants removed. Take your time when deciding on the size and type of implant you want to have fitted as one way to help prevent this scenario.

The type of breast implant you choose will probably depend on the specific outcomes you are hoping to achieve from the procedure. However, keep in mind that you’ll probably have these for at least ten years, so choosing something you know you’ll be happy with in the long run is crucial for ensuring their longevity.

3. Take Note of the Post-Op Instructions
You can minimize any potential complications from breast implant surgery by carefully adhering to your doctor’s post-operative instructions. For instance, allow yourself time to recover from the procedure by taking at least one week off of work, and dress comfortably for the first few weeks.

4. Routine Exams and MRIs
Following surgery, it’s crucial to schedule routine checkups with your doctor to monitor the condition of the implants. Attending magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans is a useful way to lengthen the life of breast implants. The first MRI should be done five to six years after your breast implant surgery, and then it should be done every two to three years after that. Implant ruptures and other potential complications can often be found using MRI scans, which are particularly good at doing so.

Alternative Procedure: Fat Transfer to Breast Augmentation
You might believe that getting breast implants is not the best course of action given your particular circumstances. There are other options for breast augmentation surgery besides this one. A popular alternative is a natural breast augmentation. In order to improve the shape of the breasts, this procedure involves removing fat from one area of the body and injecting it there. As it doesn’t involve the creation and implantation of prosthetic implants to enhance the size and shape of the breasts, this is a fantastic alternative for those seeking a more natural solution.

What Should I Do First?
Are you curious to learn more about breast implant surgery? Are you prepared to schedule your treatment now? If you get in touch with us, one of our patient managers will get back to you to get you going. Whether or not you decide to book a treatment, our initial assessments are completely free and non-committal. Then, your Patient Manager will do the research and present you with a variety of treatment options, both domestically and abroad. We can find the ideal physician together.