Can Breast Implants Last A Lifetime?
When you’re getting breast implants, one question you might have is how long they can be expected to last after your breast augmentation. New Jersey’s The Peer Group reminds potential breast surgery patients who are deciding whether this surgery is right for them that the results of an augmentation should be expected to be long-lasting—but they aren’t designed to be permanent.
While fat-transfer procedures are available, most breast augmentation patients choose implants to increase the size and improve the shape of their breasts. Your surgeon will discuss the life of your implants with you prior to your surgery. The good news is that you can reasonably expect the results from your implants to last for many years. Breast implants are tough devices that don’t actually expire and there’s no need to have them replaced after a set amount of time—say, 10 years—but they are not expected to last a lifetime.
On average, thanks to modern technological advances, implants may last from 10 to 20 years or more. If there are complications or the patient has cosmetic concerns, the implants can be removed earlier.
Some signs of complications that may necessitate removal or replacement of the implants include hardened scar tissue around one or both implants, rupture or deflation, rippling and palpability, or changes in position as a result of changes to the breasts due to gravity, weight fluctuations, hormonal changes, and aging.
Note that implants aren’t always replaced as a result of damage. Since preferences and tastes can change throughout a lifetime, patients might also choose to have them removed or replaced if they decide that they want a new size, shape, or overall look.
The type of implants you have, the natural characteristics of your breasts, and how the two variables interact will also influence how long the implants last.
Continue reading for some of the best ways to increase the longevity of breast implants so that you can confidently enjoy them for years.
• Choose a size and shape for your implants that you’re likely to be satisfied with for the next 10 to 20 years. Don’t automatically assume that trends—such as the obviously large “Baywatch” look from the ’90s—will last. Do what’s best for you.
• Follow aftercare instructions to ensure the success of the surgery. Your surgeon will provide directions for how to care for the incisions. You should also take your medications and avoid exercise or other strenuous activity that could delay healing. Consume nutritious foods to help your body recover. Prepare your home in advance so that you can get plenty of rest during your recovery.
• Taking care of your breast implants during recovery and in the following months will extend their lifespan. You’ll need to wear a support garment or surgical bra to prevent sagging. It’s also important for patients to take time to heal and get enough rest during recovery from breast augmentation. Avoid lifting heavy objects for the first four to six weeks. If you don’t wear the support garment as directed, there may be increased sagging of the breasts over time.
• Complications can occur as a result of normal wear and tear, but to reduce the risk of complications due to surgical error, patients should choose their surgeon carefully. It’s best to work with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon to enjoy the best results possible.
• Have regular follow-ups and self-checks for your implants. Comply with all of your surgeon’s post-operative instructions, and get MRIs as suggested to make sure silicone “silent ruptures” haven’t occurred. The FDA advises having an MRI scan done three years after the initial breast augmentation with silicone implants, and every two years after that. Follow your surgeon’s instructions for annual check-ups and regular self-checks.
For more advice about breast augmentation, contact New Jersey’s The Peer Group. Call 973-822-3000 or fill out a contact form to request a consultation if you’re interested in learning more about what to expect from breast-related procedures.