Breast augmentation with implants is a popular way for Atlanta women to enhance their shape. Implants add feminine curves and flattering volume—but how long do these results last?
Many of our breast augmentation patients want to know if breast implants eventually expire. The good news is no: Breast implants don’t have an expiration date, but a few factors may affect their longevity.
In this blog post, we answer some of your top questions about breast implants, how long they last, and how to know if you need to replace them.
What are breast implants made of?
Breast implants are made with a silicone outer shell that can be filled with different materials. The 2 most common filler types include saline solution (sterile saltwater) or silicone gel. Both of these material options are FDA-approved and provide beautiful results. The kind of material you choose depends on several factors, including the look, the feel, or the price you want.
Regardless of your decision, your choice of fill material won’t affect your breast implants’ longevity. You can choose the implant type that is best suited to your goals without worrying about compromising results.
Do breast implants have an “expiration date?”
No, breast implants don’t “expire” after a certain time period. However, they aren’t guaranteed to last a lifetime and may wear down after years of use. Saline or silicone implants typically last about 10 to 15 years, but some women have them for much longer. Only about 20% of women have their implants removed or replaced within that 8- to 10-year window.
When do breast implants need to be replaced?
Breast implant removal is a very personal decision that should be made between you and your doctor. Some women remove their implants so they can upgrade to a different style or size. Others need to remove them due to complications or to make necessary adjustments.
A few signs that you may need to replace your implants include:
- Rupture: Saline implants shrink in size when ruptured, while silicone implants require a physical exam, ultrasound, or MRI. Report any suspected rupture to your doctor as soon as possible so you can address any issues.
- Hardening: Capsular contracture is a condition where thick scar tissue forms a hardened pocket around the breast implant. If you feel unusual tightness, pain, or tenderness in your breast, implant removal may be required.
- Change in position: Implants occasionally move within their surgery “pocket.” If one breast begins to hang lower than the other, your implants may be shifting.
How can you maintain your breast implant results?
The most commonly cited reason for breast implant removal is unhappiness with the implant’s size or shape. When choosing an implant, pick a look that you think will satisfy you for many years to come. If you want to prevent complications or other implant side effects, be sure to choose a doctor you can trust. A board-certified surgeon is the best way to guarantee safe, satisfying breast augmentation results.
If you’re considering breast augmentation and you’re in the Woodstock to Atlanta, GA, area, please request a consultation at our Marietta practice. You can also contact our practice office by phone at (770) 421-1242.
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