Breast augmentation with implants has always been one of the poster procedures for plastic surgery. With approximately 200,000 procedures performed yearly in the US, breast implant surgery remains a top-5 procedure.
One of the most common questions breast implant patients ask Dr. Waltzman is how long will their implants last? Will they last a lifetime, or will they need replacing?
With improvements in technology and products used, the answer to this question has changed over the years.
Given the average life expectancy of a US woman is 79 years, and many women get breast implants in their 20s, 30s, or 40s. So, no, breast implants don’t last a lifetime.
While modern breast implants are designed to last longer, materials inevitably degrade over time, and the action of the body’s metabolism working on foreign objects means implants can eventually break down after several years.
The average lifespan of modern breast implants ranges from ten to fifteen years, but this doesn’t mean all breast implants need to be changed every ten years. As long as a patient remains happy with their breast implants, implants only need to be changed if a problem arises, such as an implant rupture or capsular contraction (hardened scar tissue).
After ten years, most professionals say the chance of an implant leak or rupture starts to increase by 1%.
If a breast implant ruptures or you start to experience capsular contraction, you’ll need breast implant removal surgery. This process safely removes your implants and scar tissue.
After breast implant removal, breasts generally appear deflated, which is why many patients subsequently choose a breast lift after breast implant removal to reset the breasts into a higher, more youthful position. Other patients may choose new implants made of updated materials.
Generally, good candidates for breast implant removal surgery include patients who are in good overall health and looking to improve the appearance of their breasts or are concerned about their current implants.
The decision to remove or replace implants is a highly individualized decision. There are many reasons to consider removing or exchanging breast implants, including:
Typically, Long Beach, CA breast implant removal candidates should:
Breast implants help women achieve a sense of confidence and pride. If you’re considering breast implants, the best way to ensure lasting satisfaction from the procedure is to understand it fully and choose a highly skilled and board-certified plastic surgeon.
Reach out to Dr. Waltzman in Long Beach, CA, to have a proper discussion about your aesthetic goals by calling (562) 448-6100 or complete his online form.
