One of the most common questions patients ask about breast implants is whether they must be replaced after ten years. The short answer is no.
Breast implants are not lifetime devices, but they also do not have a fixed expiration date. Some patients need another operation within ten years, while others have intact, comfortable implants for considerably longer. Dr. Bogue does not recommend replacing implants solely because they have reached a particular anniversary.
Do Breast Implants Need to Be Replaced Every Ten Years?
There is no rule requiring routine replacement every ten years. If a patient remains happy with her breasts, has no concerning symptoms and her implants appear intact, surgery may not be necessary.
However, the likelihood of rupture and other implant-related changes increases over time. The FDA advises patients that breast implants are not lifetime devices, making continued monitoring important.
What Can Cause an Implant to Be Replaced?
A patient may consider breast implant revision because of:
- Implant rupture or saline deflation
- Capsular contracture or increasing firmness
- Changes in breast or implant position
- Persistent pain or discomfort
- Rippling or implant visibility
- Changes following pregnancy, aging or weight fluctuation
- A desire for a different implant size or breast shape
- A personal decision to remove the implants
Some patients replace their implants, while others choose breast implant removal or explant surgery. A breast lift may also be considered when stretched skin or sagging is present.
What Happens When a Saline Implant Ruptures?
When a saline implant develops a leak, it usually deflates noticeably. The sterile saline is absorbed by the body, but the empty implant shell remains and must be surgically removed.
A deflated implant is not generally a medical emergency, but patients should contact their surgeon promptly to discuss removal or replacement.
What Happens When a Silicone Implant Ruptures?
A silicone implant rupture may be more difficult to detect because the implant can retain much of its shape. This is often called a silent rupture.
Some patients notice a change in shape, firmness or comfort, while others have no symptoms. Ultrasound or MRI may be used to evaluate the implant.
Current FDA labeling recommendations advise screening silicone implants with ultrasound or MRI beginning approximately 5–6 years after surgery and every 2–3 years thereafter, even when there are no symptoms.
Do “Gummy Bear” Implants Last Longer?
The term “gummy bear” refers to silicone implants made with a more cohesive gel. Cohesion affects how the gel behaves and helps create different combinations of shape, width and projection. It does not establish a guaranteed implant lifespan.
No implant should be selected based on the assumption that it will never require monitoring, revision or removal.
What Changes Should Patients Watch For?
Contact your plastic surgeon if you notice:
- A sudden or gradual change in breast size
- Increasing firmness or hardening
- New pain, swelling or tenderness
- A change in implant or breast position
- A new lump or unusual contour
- Noticeable rippling or asymmetry
Continue routine breast-cancer screening based on your age and individual risk factors. Always tell the imaging facility that you have breast implants.
It is also helpful to retain your implant identification card, which contains information about the manufacturer, implant style and size. Bring it to future consultations whenever possible.
When Should I See a Plastic Surgeon?
You do not need to wait for a problem to discuss aging breast implants. Dr. Bogue’s experience includes primary augmentation, complex implant revision, implant removal and breast reconstruction. He can evaluate the implants, surrounding breast tissue and your current goals before recommending whether observation, imaging or surgery is appropriate.
To discuss your breast implants with Dr. Bogue in Boca Raton, call 561-886-1000 or request a consultation online.