Will Breast Implants Ever Need to Be Replaced?
Posted October 10, 2024 in Breast Augmentation
Many patients assume that breast augmentation is a one-time procedure, but the reality is that some patients will need to replace their implants at one point in their lives. This blog discusses the common reasons patients need to replace their implants and some helpful tips for maintaining the lifespan of breast implants.
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How Long Will My Breast Implants Last?
Although breast implants are designed with longevity in mind—some lasting decades without incident—they are not intended to last a lifetime. The reality is that after breast augmentation, chances are some women will need to replace or remove their breast implants at some point in their lives.
Several factors can determine your breast implant’s lifespan, including your age, health, personal preferences, the type of implant you have, and the expertise of your surgeon. Many women never have to replace their implants—but that doesn’t guarantee everyone’s ability to do so. Below, we’ll discuss some common reasons patients replace their implants, how to maintain the life of your implants, and what options you have for revision if necessary.
Why Do Breast Implants Need to Be Replaced?
Modern breast implants are designed to be durable and long-lasting, but they are not meant to last a lifetime. The FDA cautions that the longer patients have their breast implants, the greater the chance they will need replacement. While each patient is different, we’ll briefly cover some common reasons women replace their breast implants.
Capsular Contracture
Although rare, capsular contracture is a possible cause for the replacement or removal of breast implants. When implants are placed within the chest, the body responds by forming a protective pocket of scar tissue around them. This process is completely normal; however, some patients experience an overproduction of scar tissue, which constricts the implants, causing them to become misshapen and even painful. This condition is called capsular contracture, and it’s one of the more common issues that breast augmentation patients face.
Rupture or Leak
Breast implant ruptures are always a possibility, although the longer you have your implants, the greater the risk. A rupture can occur due to trauma or injury, with varying signs depending on the type of implant you have. Signs of a ruptured implant include a change in breast size, change in breast shape, pain or tenderness, and lumps or ripples in the breast. It’s obvious when a saline implant is ruptured as it loses its shape, but silicone implants should also be monitored closely for signs of rupture, including scheduling an MRI to detect silent ruptures.
Personal Preference
Some women find that, due to changes in lifestyle, aesthetics, and weight, their breast implants no longer work for them, so they have them removed or replaced. It’s possible that unforeseen weight fluctuations or changes to the body due to pregnancy can alter the appearance of the breasts, especially if the patient initially chooses large implants. Subsequent weight gain can cause the breasts to become too large for the patient’s liking or any other combination of aesthetic choices.
How Can I Make My Implants Last Longer?
It’s important to note that the above issues are all relatively uncommon; breast augmentation has some of the highest satisfaction rates of any cosmetic procedure. Still, there are a few things you can do to take care of your breast implants.
The best insurance against an undesirable breast augmentation result is choosing an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon. While many of these risks are up to chance—an implant rupture after a car accident, for example—some of the other parameters can be helped with the guidance of an experienced surgeon.
Your board-certified plastic surgeon will be able to help you make the right decision as far as implant type, material, and size, which can help prevent you from changing your mind down the road. Additionally, it’s helpful to maintain a consistent weight or at least avoid major weight fluctuations, as these can lead to prematurely sagging breasts, stretched skin, or misshapen breasts.
Breast augmentation is a fantastic and safe procedure that has helped countless women experience new heights of confidence and self-empowerment. Choosing an experienced surgeon who can help you make the best choices in implants will benefit you greatly and increase the likelihood that your breast implants will last for years to come.
Want to Learn More About Breast Augmentation in New York City?
Call Fifth Ave Plastic Surgery today at (212) 717-2222 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon and breast augmentation expert, Dr. Eric K. Cha.