If you have breast implants, they may eventually need to be replaced. Don’t worry—this doesn’t mean they are a short-term thing. In fact, while breast implants are designed to last 10 to 15 years, many last longer, and there’s no need to replace them unless you have problems.
However, in some circumstances, having your implants replaced can improve your results and protect your health.
Why Should Breast Implants Be Replaced?
There are two primary reasons to replace your breast implant:
- Breast implant rupture. This can happen with silicone and saline implants, however, saline implants are safer. When they rupture, the saline is absorbed by your body. With silicone implants, it can travel through your body. Modern “gummy bear” implants have gel that is designed to stay within the implant. If a saline breast implant ruptures, it will shrink as your body absorbs the saline, resulting in noticeable asymmetry. With silicone gel implants, the rupture may not be noticed. You can have an MRI if you are concerned about a rupture, and the FDA recommends checking every two years, beginning three years from implantation.
- Capsular contracture. Breast implants are a foreign body, and your body will form scar tissue around them. If too much scar tissue is formed, your implant will become firm, and it may be painful. Mild capsular contracture may not need to be fixed…it might still look great, although you or your intimate partner might notice. At the other end of the spectrum, the implant can become hard and distorted. Once you have had capsular contracture once, you are more likely to experience it again.
In both cases, the implant should be removed and can then be replaced if you desire. There’s no medical reason to remove implants after capsular contracture, but most women choose to do so for cosmetic or comfort reasons.
Long-Term Results of Breast Implants
Without the two problems above, breast implants can stay in for a long time. We generally say ten to fifteen years, but it can be longer (or shorter if you have a history of capsular contracture.
Breast implants generally hold their size and shape and you should keep the look you want for many years to come. However, breast implants can, over time, increase ptosis…droopiness. Your implants might also create rippling over your skin. Finally, in some cases, breast implants can shift, leading to discomfort or changes in appearance.
Do You Have to Replace Breast Implants?
Ruptured implants should always be removed. Implants affected by capsular contracture should be removed if they are causing discomfort or an undesired appearance.
You don’t necessarily have to replace the implants. You can choose to return to a natural look and have both implants removed. However, many women want to keep the look and feel of the implants. If you do return to a natural look, talk to your surgeon about dealing with changes to your breasts caused by the implants. Many women choose to have a mastoplexy (breast lift) when going natural to counteract those shifts.
How Long Should You Wait to Replace Breast Implants?
If an implant has ruptured, especially an older silicone implant, never wait to have it removed. Silicone can travel through your body. Newer silicone implants that have ruptured “silently” are less of a problem and can theoretically be left in place, but you should still talk to your surgeon about replacement. If you have swollen or painful breasts, or redness or warmth over the breast, talk to your doctor right away.
With capsular contracture, it depends on your physical symptoms. If, for example, the implant has become rock hard, it may interfere with sleep or intimacy, in which case you should get it fixed quickly.
Other Considerations
Most women have long-term satisfaction with their breast implants. But here are some other things you should consider:
- Replacing your implants is similar to the original surgery in preparation and downtime.
- You can replace your implants earlier if you are not satisfied with the initial results, or if you decide you want a larger or smaller breast size.
- You can replace your implants if you have older silicone implants and want safer, newer ones.
Consult With a Breast Implant Surgeon
If you have something going on with your implants that you aren’t happy with or are worried about rupture, you should consult with a qualified breast implant surgeon right away. We perform a variety of cosmetic surgery, including breast implant removal and replacement. Contact us to find out more or schedule surgery today. We take both in-state and out of state patients and work hard to give you the best results.
Photo credit: Tetiana Tychynska