San Antonio Cosmetic SurgeryAn Expiration Date on Breast Implants?

If you are considering breast augmentation, one of your unspoken expectations is that your new look will be your look for life. One of your unspoken questions may be “am I going to have to replace my breast implants every 10 years?” This is an idea that was, at one time, quite widespread. Fortunately, more women have come to understand the nuances of breast implants a little better. Because there are still potential patients who may stop short of their desired look due to a misperception, we want to focus on this question about the longevity of breast implants.

How long do breast implants last?

Doing any amount of internet research can lead to more questions than answers. It's a virtual rabbit whole that should be avoided. The theory that breast implant revision may be required every 10 years was borne from a years-old FDA study that, today, may have far less merit than one would think.

The study report revealed a 1 in 5 ratios related to breast implant replacement at approximately 10 years after augmentation. If you stop right there, you may consider your chances of needing revision surgery pretty high. However, if you knew that only 100 cases of silicone breast implants were reviewed in that study, you would then see that 80% of the patients involved had zero issue with breast implants after 10 years.

Here are the Details You Need to Know

1. There is a small risk of capsular contracture or rupture for all implants. The risk does not increase after 10 years, or even after the warranty on breast implants has expired. The warranty may expire, but the breast implants do not.
2. Breast implants have evolved in their composition over the years. The form-stable cohesive gel implants that are the norm today are durable and less likely to rupture than implants used at the time of the 2011 FDA study. This may further decrease the idea of replacement at a given time.
3. It is impossible to predict how breast implants will fair over time. Women are advised to maintain routine breast exams with their doctor, and mammography as recommended to easily detect changes that may indicate a need for revision.

San Antonio Cosmetic Surgery patients are treated with friendly, professional care that supports the best outcome from breast augmentation or other procedures. To learn more about our technique and types of breast implants we use, call 210-951-2483.