Saline breast implants how long

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Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Catherine Hannan, M. Signs that replacement or removal is necessary. What to expect with implant removal. What to expect with implant replacement. How to increase implant longevity. The bottom line. You may be wondering: how long do breast implants last? How often do they need to be replaced? What happens to breast implants over time: do they sag or ripple? Many women mistakenly believe that breast implants have to be replaced every 10 years.

Although the average lifespan of a breast implant is years, breast implants actually only need to be replaced if you have a problem such as implant rupture or capsular contracture. When I see a patient for breast augmentation or reconstruction, one of the first things we talk about is the lifespan of a breast implant. Breast implants are not lifetime devices.

Unless you have a fairly short life expectancy, you will need to have your breast implants removed or replaced at some point during your lifetime. I tell my patients their implants will last, on average, years. You may wonder what causes a breast implant to rupture.

Although mammograms or trauma to the chest have been blamed, the most common cause of breast implant rupture is simply time. Breast implants wear out over time: eventually the shell cracks, causing a rupture. The rupture rate does start going up after 10 years, which is where that number comes from. What happens when a breast implant ruptures depends on the type of implant it is. Both silicone and saline breast implants have a tough, silicone outer shell. With saline implants that shell is filled with saltwater solution saline.

If the implant ruptures the saline is gradually absorbed by your body. With silicone implants the shell is filled with a thick silicone gel called cohesive gel. In the newer gummy bear implants the gel is so thick that it stays within the implant, even if the shell cracks. Want to see an implant rupture in action? Head on over to my Youtube channel where I ruptured both a silicone and a saline breast implant to show you what happens. In the older generation silicone implants the silicone gel filling the implant was much thinner- about the consistency of honey.

This is not harmful, but since most people get breast implants with the expectation of larger, smooth breasts, rippling is not ideal. In addition, as you age, your implants may shift, especially if you have had children.

If your implants move position, it is a good idea to have them replaced. Breast implants can also shift if you gain or lose significant amounts of weight. Last but not least, you may want to trade your current implants for larger or smaller implants in the future.

This is a perfectly valid reason to get your implants replaced! Fill out the form below to schedule a consultation or send us a question. Internet search Realself Referral Other. Rippling: In some cases, implants can develop wrinkles or ripples. You may be able to feel these ripples and, in extreme cases, the ripples may be noticeable through the skin. Changes in Position: While breast implants can change your appearance, they cannot stop the aging process. As you age, gravity will still take its toll and you may develop breast sagging.

Extreme changes in weight can also contribute to position changes. When this occurs, you may consider a breast lift or implant replacement in order to return your breasts to the desired appearance. Personal Choice: Some women want to change up the appearance of their breasts sometime after their initial surgery.

This may mean a revision surgery with larger or smaller implants, or even the removal of the implants entirely. Replacing or removing your breast implants You have a few options for breast implant removal. Proper care of implants helps prolong the lifespan Proper care for your breast implants can help to improve their longevity, and this care begins during your breast augmentation recovery.

More Like This. Updates, advice and lifestyle tips from the ASPS delivered directly to your email inbox. Join Connect. Related Posts. Will your breast implants last a lifetime? Fat grafting for breast augmentation What you need to know about breast augmentation revision Dr. Find Your Surgeon.