Do Breast Implants Last Forever?

Are you interested in undergoing breast augmentation, but nervous about potential upkeep with your breast implants?

It’s understandable. After all, breast augmentation isn’t a one-time surgery; you may need to have additional surgeries to replace any ruptured implants, or if you decide you want to change the size of your implants.

But first, let’s answer one of the most popular questions we hear during breast augmentation consultations: “Do breast implants last forever?”

BREAST IMPLANTS DO NOT LAST FOREVER

Breast implants aren’t designed to last forever, but it may feel like forever to you, as today’s generation of breast implants last about 20 to 25 years before they need to be replaced. This represents a significant upgrade from breast implants in the past, where most implants lasted up to ten years.

In more good news, most breast implant manufacturers offer warranties for their implants that last around the same timeframe. That means if your implant ruptures or you experience implant-related issues, you can replace the old ones without spending money on new breast implants.

SIGNS YOU MAY NEED TO GET YOUR IMPLANTS REPLACED

While there’s no defined timeframe for replacing your implants, we do recommend refreshing your implants if you’ve had them for thirty years.

Too-firm breasts may be a sign of capsular contracture or excessive scar tissue. This could warp the shape of your breast implant, so we recommend getting your implant replaced if you feel as though your breasts are too hard.

If there’s any change to the size or shape of your breasts, it may be a sign that your implant has ruptured. In that case, it’s important to replace your implants as soon as possible, especially if you have silicone breast implants.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

Want to learn what else you can expect from your breast implants? Schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kyle Song at Song Plastic Surgery in Irvine, CA to find out more.