Choosing to get breast implants is a big decision and a significant investment. When considering the procedure, our breast augmentation patients, who come from Salem and other cities to our practice in Eugene, Oregon, are often concerned about how long their implants will last.
In this blog post, we’ll answer that question, explain some of the reasons women choose to replace their implants, and offer tips for maintaining breast implant results.
What is the average lifespan of breast implants?
Most patients keep their breast implants for 10 to 15 years, although some implants last for much longer. Some women have had implants last for as long as 35 years.
Implant durability depends on many factors, including the type of implant used and the patient’s lifestyle. Some breast implants also carry warranties for issues such as rupture or deflation for a specific time frame. It’s often helpful to take that warranty information into account, so you have realistic expectations for your breast implants.
How do I know when my breast implants need replacement?
For most women, choosing to replace their implants is more related to personal preference than a necessity. If you still like how your implants look and feel and aren’t experiencing any complications, you can probably keep your original implants indefinitely.
However, if you have any issues with your implants or are ready for a new shape or style, it’s time to think about your next steps. Breast augmentation revision surgery is an option if you want to replace your implants with newer devices to maintain the quality of your breast augmentation. Removing the implants altogether, called explant surgery, is also usually an option.
Why do women replace breast implants?
Some of the reasons women choose to replace their implants include:
- Advances in implant shapes, structure, and filling offer appealing new options.
- A change in lifestyle or aesthetic preference prompts a desire for a different size or implant type.
- An implant tear or leak requires replacement, or a health issue compels implant removal.
- Concerns about the age of the implant.
How can I make implants and results last as long as possible?
While your implant’s longevity may depend mostly on the implant itself, there are a few steps you can take to protect your breast implant results:
- Choose an experienced breast augmentation surgeon who uses advanced techniques to protect your implants and health during surgery. As a respected authority on breast implant safety, Dr. Jewell reduces his patients’ risk of infection by using a “touchless” Keller Funnel to insert the implants. He also applies Betadine to further reduce the risk of bacterial infection.
- Closely follow your surgeon’s surgical recovery and care instructions.
- Take charge of your implant and breast health by getting regular MRIs to check your implants and schedule routine mammograms to screen for breast cancer.
- Notify your surgeon or physician right away if you notice any changes to your breasts, such as swelling, shrinking, or unusual firmness.
Breast augmentation is incredibly satisfying for most women, even with the understanding that implants will eventually need to be replaced. Take a look at our patients’ breast augmentation before-and-after photos to see why this procedure has such a high satisfaction rate.
If you’re ready to talk about your breast augmentation options with an experienced Oregon plastic surgeon, request a consultation using our online contact form. You can also call our office at (541) 683-3234 to schedule an appointment.
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