Ask a Surgeon - Breast Augmentation - I've had breast implants for 16 years. Do implants have a "life span" so to...

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I've had breast implants for 16 years. Do implants have a "life span" so to speak,...

Q:

I've had breast implants for 16 years. Do implants have a "life span" so to speak, or is it possible that they will last the lifetime of the patient?

A:

There is no absolute "life span" of breast implants, whether silicone gel or saline filled devices. The implant manufacturers currently recommend follow-up examinations regularly by the surgeon as well as routine monthly self examination by the patient. They emphasize that the implants are not lifetime devices, but do not state any specific expectation of the longevity of the implants. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation of silicone gel devices is recommended by both manufacturers starting at 3 years after implantation, and then every two years as the best means of detecting a "silent" rupture. Mammograms are recommended for women with breast implants on the same schedule as for women without implants.

Replacement of the breast implants, or their removal is recommended only to treat problems associated with the implants, such as rupture, leakage, clinically significant capsular contracture (hardening), malposition, asymmetry, desire for style/size change, etc. If no problems occur, there is no need to replace breast implants.