by Dr. Anne Steve
Lots of women wonder, “do I need to change my implants every ten years?”
The answer is, no! The lifespan of an implant is often much longer than ten years.
It is important to consider that if you’re having breast augmentation in your 20’s, it’s likely that you’ll have further breast surgery at some point. Many women will add a breast lift after the changes of pregnancy and breast feeding, decide to ‘restyle’ their implants for a different size or shape, or to remove their implants entirely once they reach a certain age. Below is the story of a woman who has had breast implants for nearly 3 decades.
One Woman’s Breast Implant Story
In the mid- nineties she underwent breast augmentation with smooth round saline implants. Her implants were 275 cc saline implants overfilled to 300 cc.
Before
After 275cc implants filled to 300cc
Sixteen years later developed capsular contracture and underwent capsulectomy with implant exchange for 350cc sound round silicone implants. These implants were very durable, but after three pregnancies, she was bothered by droop and deflation.
Moderate droop and deflation after breastfeeding 3 children
At this time, she underwent breast lift. The breast lift was performed over her existing implants, as they were not causing her any problems and she wanted to maintain volume.
After anchor pattern breast lift
Over time, the redness to her scars will fade to become a fine line white scar by the one-year mark.
The lifespan of implant is different for every individual, but it can be much longer than ten years in many cases. Important considerations for keeping you implants longer than 1- years are following appropriate imaging guidelines and monitoring for any changes in shape and position.