Choosing to have breast implants is an investment in your appearance that gives you the body contours you desire. While most breast implants can last as long as 20 or more years, every year the risk of rupture increases and you should never plan on your implants lasting a lifetime. In many cases, women choose to replace their implants 10 to 20 years after their initial surgery for a variety of different reasons. But how do you know when the right time is for you and what are your options for implant removal and replacement?
How Long Do Breast Implants Last?
Today’s modern implants, whether silicone or saline, are designed to last at least 10 years or more. However, the chance of implant rupture increases by one percent each year, leaving many women to choose implants replacement between 10 and 20 years after their initial breast augmentation.
Choosing a breast implant revision can occur due to personal preference or noticeable changes to your breast appearance that can occur with ruptures or changes to your body.
Reasons For Breast Implant Removal
While the age of an implant is often the reason behind breast implant removal, there are several other reasons and concerns that can affect your need or desire to replace your current implants much sooner than that. These can include:
- Silicone implant rupture – Because silicone gel ruptures are often silent, the FDA recommends you have an MRI screening five to six years after implant placement and every two to three years after that. If a rupture is detected, you will require a replacement or removal.
- Saline implant rupture – When a saline rupture occurs, you will notice your breasts ‘deflate’ over the course of a few days.
- Unhappy with your breast size and want larger or smaller implants
- The development of capsular contracture, or scar tissue, that affects the appearance or feel of your breasts or causes discomfort.
- Noticeable implant ripples appear and affect the breast appearance
- Changes to your weight and age have contributed to breast sagging
Options for Breast Implant Removal and Revision
When it comes to breast implant removal and revision, you have many different options depending on what your ultimate goal is. If you are simply considering implant replacement with the same or slightly different size, then your surgeon can simply remove the existing implant and replace it with a new implant. If you have experienced a rupture or capsular contracture, your surgeon can remove the damaged implant and/or scar tissue and replace it with a similar implant. In many cases, you may also consider a breast lift to help reduce signs of aging, such as sagging breasts.
Dr. Drew Davis specializes in breast augmentation and breast implant revisions and will work with you to determine the best plan of action based on your goals, current body structure, current breast implants, and your reason behind implant removal. To learn more about how Dr. Davis can deliver the breast appearance you are looking for, contact our office today at 916-318-5770.
Author: Dr. Drew Davis
Dr. Drew Davis completed his residency in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Stanford University Medical Center and is proud to be board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. After practicing for many years in the Bay Area, Dr. Davis has chosen private practice in the Sacramento area to allow him to provide the most personal and individualized patient care.
