Is It Time For Breast Implant Repair?

How Long do Breast Implants Last?

One of the most common questions I get as a plastic surgeon who completes breast implants is, “How long will they last?”. 

The best answer is that breast implants have no expiration date. Commonly patients hear that breast implants need replacing after 10 years. However, a better answer equates to the old saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” 

Many patients have had their implants for 2-3 decades and longer without having problems. Originally the gel inside of the implant shell was too liquid, and it often leaked out, causing lumps called granulomas. These had to be removed and the implants replaced. For the last 20 years, the gel has been thicker and much better, called Memory Gel, and the gel doesn’t leak out even with a tear in the implant shell. 

 

When do my breast implants need to be repaired? 

If a patient has an encapsulation, which is when scar tissue surrounds the implant and makes it look abnormally round and firm, they may request to have them replaced. In such a case, the surrounding scar tissue may need to be removed as much as possible. Some plastic surgeons prefer to simply incise (cut) the scar in many places to allow it to expand. My preference is to excise much of the scar capsule and replace the implant(s) with new ones. When they encapsulate, they become under pressure and often are painful. Unfortunately, usually, only one implant encapsulates, causing obvious asymmetry of the breasts. 

How long do breast implants last_- Finger and Associates

Like everything else, from joints to tires, breast implants wear out. Though many and maybe most patients never know because ruptured implants are usually asymptomatic, causing no problem. These patients may go through life never having the implants exchanged. However, if a mammogram exposed a rupture, the patient may elect to have them replaced at a convenient time, certainly not an emergency. Other reasons for replacement are to change the size, or, as with most everything, sagging has occurred with time. This is a common reason and occurs more often if the patients had significant breast tissue prior to the implants or if they had very large implants. Another reason is following pregnancy and long-term nursing. 

Fortunately, all these problems can be corrected with either breast implants replacement or removal and, if necessary, a breast uplift called a mastopexy. A mastopexy does create scars, easily hidden with a bra or bathing suit. There are several varieties of mastopexies. We give our patients various different options. There should never be “stitch” marks in such scars. Book your consultation by calling our clinic at 912-214-3379.

Rejuvenate with Renuvion

When indicated, a minimally invasive mastopexy (breast lift) can be performed by tightening the breast with the Renuvion. This is a device that shrinks and tightens skin by applying very intense heat just under the skin through a tiny hole. This requires local anesthesia, or if preferred, general anesthesia. Learn more by booking a consultation in Savannah, GA, or Bluffton, SC; fill out the form below! 

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