Do Breast Implants Have to Be Replaced?

At Berman Plastic Surgery & Spa, we ensure you have a full understanding of breast augmentation. It’s about more than choosing silicone or saline and more than enhancing your appearance. It’s also about comprehending the long-term impact on your body.

Dr. Berman is a leading, double-board-certified plastic surgeon in the Boca Raton area. He’s successfully completed hundreds of breast implant procedures using the safest techniques and modern approaches. Here’s what you can expect from your breast augmentation results in the years to come.

Breaking Down a Myth

Most patients are under the impression that breast implants need replacing every 10 years. This is a common misunderstanding that resulted from some studies performed by the FDA that found most patients replace their breast implants after ten years for a variety of reasons, and many people take this to mean that they should be replaced after this period.

In fact, the average lifespan for implants is between 10 and 15 years– some last for less, and some last for longer. The implants actually need replacement only if there’s a rupture, capsular contracture, or other medical problem. Breast implants are designed to be lifelong medical devices and are actually the most studied medical implant on the market.

Breast Implant Ruptures

Implants rupture for a variety of reasons, one of them being wear over time. The surface can deteriorate and wear thin if it comes into contact with itself, leading to a greater chance of rupture over time. However, things like trauma or misplacement can also increase the chances of rupture.

A rupture can look different for each implant type. Saline implants will have a noticeably deflated look, while silicone implants often need to be detected with a medical scan. These are sometimes called “silent ruptures” because they’re not noticeable. Dr. Berman will make sure you understand what to look for when it comes to ruptures and how to proceed if you detect one.

The Effect of Time on Breasts Implants

Breasts age with time, implant or not. Weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and breastfeeding can all cause size and shape changes. Skin stretches and tissue shrinks, the result of which is droopiness. Depending on their size, implants can increase stretching.

Thinning tissue around the implant can be prominent. Remember that, while the impact of the aging implant affects appearance, the breasts also undergo their natural changes. If removed, the change can be even more obvious. Some patients will, after removal, choose to have a breast lift and fat transfer to restore some of the natural tissue.

Why Remove Breast Implants?

You’ll need to remove or replace your implants if there’s a rupture. A ruptured silicone implant can lead to inflammation and pain, as well as scarred tissue. In the case of capsular contracture, if the breast becomes painful or hard, it might be wise to remove the implant and capsule to relieve the stress. Your plastic surgeon can recommend the right course of action in this case.

Schedule a Consultation

There are plenty of reasons to remove or replace your implants, so it’s important to find a double-board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your best options. To meet with Dr. Berman and learn more, we invite you to contact our Boca Raton practice by calling or filling out our online form.

Dr. Jonathan Ross Berman is a Boca Raton plastic surgeon who has been certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery with over 30 years of service experience specializing in Breast Augmentation, Rhinoplasty, Face Lift, Liposuction, and many other types of plastic surgery in Boca Raton, FL.

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