Breast Implants

Breast enhancement surgery results typically last for many years, and as there is no expiration date for breast implants, it’s difficult to determine when or if they need to be replaced. Women whose implants are intact and who are happy with the way their breasts look and feel, do not need to undergo replacement surgery. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautions that implants are not devices that can last a lifetime. Therefore it’s prudent for women to have regular check-ups with their surgeon to evaluate their breast implant health. If there is any change in the position or feel of the implants, or in case of a rupture, women can have a secondary procedure to ensure breast safety.

There are two types of breast implants, that is, Saline implants, here, saline solution is injected regularly into this balloon-like device that gently stretches the skin over a period of 4 to 6 months. When it leaks cannot cause any harm because saline is just salt solution. The body absorbs it and changes breast volume within 48 hours. Silicone implants, on the other hand, do not leak when they rupture, and the rupture can only be detected by an MRI.

breast implantMost women are satisfied with their breast augmentation procedure, but some individuals may wish to replace their implants in order to choose a different size, shape or type of implant. Factors such as pregnancy, weight loss or aging may cause changes in the appearance of the breast over time. When this occurs, women may want to replace their implants to enhance their appearance. Women may also choose to have their implants replaced when there is wrinkling or rippling, which is a more common occurrence in textured and saline implants.

Most women, therefore, choose to replace their breast implants when they want to change the size or type of their implant, to change the implant to meet their body proportion and if there is leakage or rupture. It’s therefore important for women to monitor their implants with MRI scans. Although there is no clinical evidence that indicates that implants should be changed at any particular time interval, surgeons recommend that implants should be replaced in 10-15 years’ time for long-term safety. However, if a woman experiences any problems, then a secondary augmentation might be required earlier