How Long Do Breast Implants Last?

If you’re considering getting breast augmentation surgery then you’ll likely have a list of questions, such as: What type of implants are best? Will I be happy with the results? How do I choose the right surgeon?

One key question that women who opt for breast surgery usually ask is, “How long do implants last for?”. Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to this question since each result is uniquely dependent on the individual.

For some women, their implants last for 20+ years, whereas other times the implants may need to be replaced after less than 5 years. However, implant manufacturers state that they last for 10 years on average, so this is a good figure to go by.

Signs that implants need to be replaced

• The implants have ruptured: Over time, implants can wear down and eventually rupture. A rupture is not as dramatic as it sounds since implants are designed to be safe even in the event of a rupture. Whether or not you immediately notice a rupture will depend on the type of implants you have. With saline implants, it’s very easy to spot a rupture as the implant(s) will noticeably deflate. It is trickier with silicone implants since they’re made from a much more cohesive material. This is why regular MRI scans are recommended for women who get silicone implants.
• The implants are rippling: Rippling is most common with saline implants and in women who have a very slight build. Placing the implant over the chest muscle can also lead to rippling since there isn’t a lot of tissue to cover the implants. This is why silicone implants are usually recommended for women who are very thin.
• The implants are hardening: Hardening is more rare than ruptures or rippling but it is still a possibility. Hardening occurs when scar tissue builds up around the implants as a reaction to their being a foreign object in the body. If you find that your implants start to noticeably harden then you should contact your surgeon immediately so they can decide on the best course of action.