When should breast implants be replaced?

Breast implants aren’t lifetime devices and may need to be replaced or removed over time. Here’s a general guide on when they might need replacement:

1. Rupture or Leakage: For silicone implants, a rupture might be “silent,” meaning you may not notice it. Regular MRI scans or ultrasounds are recommended every 2-3 years to check for ruptures. Saline implants typically deflate visibly if they rupture.
2. Capsular Contracture: This is when scar tissue hardens around the implant, leading to pain, discomfort, or changes in appearance. In such cases, replacement or removal may be necessary.
3. Implant Aging: Breast implants are not meant to last forever. While some can last 10-20 years or longer without issues, manufacturers often recommend considering replacement every 10-15 years, even if there aren’t any obvious problems.
4. Change in Cosmetic Goals: Over time, you may want to change the size, shape, or type of your implants for personal or aesthetic reasons.
5. Wrinkling or Rippling: Visible wrinkling or rippling of the implant may warrant a replacement, especially if it causes discomfort or affects the appearance.
6. Discomfort or Pain: If you experience pain, discomfort, or swelling, it may indicate a problem requiring an evaluation.
7. Breast Implant Illness (BII): Though not officially recognized as a medical diagnosis, some women report symptoms like fatigue, pain, or cognitive issues, prompting implant removal or replacement.

It’s important to have regular check-ups with a board-certified plastic surgeon and to address any concerns or changes in your implants as soon as they arise.

8. Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL): Though rare, this cancer has been associated with textured breast implants. If you experience swelling, a mass, or fluid accumulation around the implant years after surgery, it’s crucial to consult a doctor. In such cases, implant removal may be necessary.
9. Weight Fluctuations or Pregnancy: Significant weight changes, pregnancy, or breastfeeding can alter the shape and appearance of your breasts, which might prompt you to consider changing or replacing your implants.
10. Shifts in Implant Position: Over time, implants can shift or change position, leading to asymmetry, sagging, or an unnatural appearance. In such cases, surgery might be needed to adjust or replace them.

Regular Monitoring: Always follow your surgeon’s advice for regular follow-ups and imaging tests to monitor the condition of your implants. Even if there are no apparent issues, routine check-ups help ensure that any potential problems are identified early.

If you suspect any issues with your breast implants or have concerns about their condition, consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can guide you on whether breast implant replacement or breast implant removal is needed.

11. Implant Technology Improvements: Newer breast implant technologies and materials have emerged over the years, offering better durability, a more natural feel, or a lower risk of complications. If your implants are older, you might want to replace them to benefit from advancements in implant technology.
12. Scar Tissue Development: While capsular contracture (hardening of the scar tissue around the implant) is the most common issue, other scar-related problems might occur over time. These can sometimes lead to pain, changes in the appearance, or displacement of the implant.

Financial Considerations: Remember that replacing breast implants is often considered an elective procedure, so it’s typically not covered by insurance unless there’s a medical necessity, such as a rupture or complications.

Lifestyle Changes: If you change your lifestyle or preferences, such as becoming more athletic, you might feel that your current implants no longer suit your body or activity level, leading to a desire for removal or replacement.

Listening to Your Body: The most important thing is to be aware of any changes in your breasts, such as swelling, lumps, pain, asymmetry, or a change in size or shape. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

In summary, while there’s no set timeline for when breast implants should be replaced, most women need replacement or removal surgery at some point, often after 10-15 years. Regular monitoring, staying informed about potential complications, and keeping in touch with your surgeon are key to maintaining your breast health over the years.

In addition to the points mentioned, there are a few more important considerations regarding breast implant replacement:

13. Changes in Breast Tissue Over Time: As you age, your natural breast tissue may change due to gravity, hormonal shifts, menopause, or weight fluctuations. This can alter the appearance of your breasts and may prompt a desire to adjust or replace your implants to maintain the desired look.
14. Regular Imaging Recommendations: For women with silicone gel implants, the FDA recommends that you have an MRI three years after your implant surgery and every two years afterward to detect silent ruptures. Alternatively, a high-resolution ultrasound is becoming an accepted and less expensive option in some cases.
15. Assessing Risks vs. Benefits: If you’ve had implants for a long time and aren’t experiencing any issues, you may wonder whether it’s worth replacing them. This is a personal decision, but it’s important to weigh the potential risks of keeping older implants against the risks and costs of replacement surgery. Discussing these factors with a qualified plastic surgeon can help you make an informed choice.
16. Psychological Factors: Your feelings about your body and implants might change over time, which could lead you to consider replacement, removal, or a different size. Emotional well-being is an important aspect of any decision related to your implants, so consider how they make you feel and whether they still align with your self-image.

Preparation for Replacement Surgery: If you decide to replace your implants, the procedure may involve additional steps such as addressing scar tissue, lifting the breast, or choosing a different implant type or size. Recovery times for replacement surgery can vary, and you may need to plan for time off work and other activities.

Key Takeaway: While some women may never need to replace their implants, many will face this decision at some point, often due to changes in personal preferences, physical changes, or complications. It’s essential to maintain an ongoing relationship with your plastic surgeon and monitor the condition of your implants to make informed decisions about replacement. This proactive approach helps ensure your long-term health, safety, and satisfaction with your breast implants.

17. Types of Replacement Options: If you decide to replace your implants, you have various options, including switching to a different type (e.g., from saline to silicone or vice versa), changing the size or shape, or opting for newer implant technologies like cohesive gel (“gummy bear”) implants. These choices can impact the feel, appearance, and longevity of your new implants, so discussing the pros and cons of each with your surgeon is crucial.
18. Implant Removal Without Replacement: Some women opt to have their implants removed entirely without replacement. In such cases, a breast lift (mastopexy) might be performed to reshape and lift the natural breast tissue. This option might be suitable if you’ve experienced complications, want to return to your natural breast size, or no longer feel implants align with your lifestyle or aesthetic goals.
19. Scarring and Recovery: Implant replacement or removal surgery often involves incisions, which can lead to additional scarring. Your surgeon can usually use the same incision sites from your original surgery to minimize new scars, but it’s still important to consider this aspect. Recovery time varies depending on the procedure’s complexity, your body’s healing process, and whether any additional procedures like a breast lift were performed.
20. Consulting with a Specialist: Not all plastic surgeons specialize in breast implant replacement or removal. Therefore, seeking a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast revision surgery is important. They can provide personalized advice based on your unique situation and help you understand the potential risks and outcomes.
21. Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can support the longevity of your breast implants and overall breast health. Regular exercise, maintaining a stable weight, avoiding smoking, and eating a balanced diet can help minimize the risks of complications and maintain the appearance of your implants over time.

Final Advice: The decision to replace or remove breast implants is highly individual and depends on various factors, including your health, preferences, and any complications that arise. Stay proactive about monitoring your implants, keep up with regular medical check-ups, and address any concerns promptly with your healthcare provider. Doing so can help you maintain optimal results and address any issues before they become more serious.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to when breast implants should be replaced, and staying informed, vigilant, and in communication with your surgeon is the best way to ensure your long-term health and satisfaction.