How long do breast implants last?

Undergoing breast augmentation is a major decision and getting breast implants is one of the most common and effective way to improve the size, shape, and fullness of your breasts. That said, you might be wondering how long do breast implants last.

In this article, we will only focus on silicone breast implants because saline breast implants are way outdated and not recommended. If you are thinking of getting breast implants but are undecided between silicone or saline breast implants, read our article on saline vs silicone breast implants for more insights. If you are using saline breast implants, it is time for an upgrade!

Do breast implants last a lifetime?

While breast implants are generally safe and designed to last a long time, they are not guaranteed to last a lifetime. Though there is no set expiration date or “shelf life” for implants, the average silicone or saline implants can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years.

Some may need replacement sooner, while some will last longer, and for many indeed, a lifetime. The truth is although breast implants could last a lifetime, it doesn’t mean that they will last a lifetime. But that said, statistics has shown that less than 3% of silicone breast implants rupture or deflate. And if you take proper care for your breast implants, yours might just last for a long long time.

What causes breast implants to fail?

There are a couple of reasons for implants to fail. Most of the time, the causes are direct trauma and normal wear and tear of the implant over time. These factors could result in leakage, rupture or deflation. Other possible contributors to its shorter lifespan include capsular contracture or hardened scar tissues and rippling.

Signs that implants replacement or removal is required

1. When you develop capsular contracture

Everyone’s body handles internal scarring differently. Typically after breast augmentation surgery, your body responds to the foreign materials inserted by building a tissue capsule around each breast implant. This tissue capsule, made from interwoven collagen fibers or scar tissues, is usually soft or slightly firm, and helps keep the implants in place. 

Depending on individuals, in some cases, patients develop capsular contracture (hardened scar tissue). This can happen to one or both implants. Capsular contracture is when the capsule becomes thick and hard, tightening and squeezing the implants. This tightening adds extra pressure on the implants, making it feel hard and sometimes painful to touch. In some cases, it can cause chronic pain and distortion in the shape of the breast.

Unfortunately, it is not well understood why some individuals develop capsular contracture while others do not.

2. When your implants rapture

When a saline implant ruptures, it will leak and deflate quickly like a balloon and is very obvious. On the other hand, when a silicone implant ruptures, the gel will often stay within the implant or surrounding scar tissues. Because of this, it is often difficult to tell when a silicone implant ruptures. Hence its nickname, “silent rupture”. In some cases, you may notice reduced breast size, uneven appearance, or changes in breast sensation, such as tingling, swelling, burning or numbness.

Therefore, we recommend you to get your implants checked yearly, if not once every 2~3 years. By getting checked regularly, you can avoid silent ruptures and complications.

3. When you can see or feel rippling

In some cases, rippling occurs when the implant develops wrinkles or ripples. Sometimes, you can even feel these ripples when you touch your breast. In extreme cases, these ripples can also be seen through the skin.

4. When your implants changes its position

While breast implants can improve your body shape, as you age, gravity will still take its toll. Breast implants can’t prevent your breasts from sagging as you age. You may also notice that one breast hangs lower than the other, or that your nipples are pointing in different directions than before. In such cases, you might want to consider a breast lift or implant replacement to fix the sagging and displacement.

5. When you experience extreme weight changes

Extreme weight gain or loss may cause stretching, breast sagging, and alter the way your implant appears. As you gain or lose weight, you might be looking at changing to a smaller or larger implant to achieve better balance of your body shape.

Conclusion

Don’t go into breast augmentation surgery thinking that it will last a lifetime. Breast implants aren’t guaranteed to last a lifetime nor prevent aging. As time passes, you may need to have them removed or replaced for a variety of reasons.