Today's breast implants are designed to be durable, but not eternal. Many women wonder about their future. service life and the need for replacement over time. In this article, we'll look at how long they last on average, when and why a replacement may be necessary, and the risks of a lack of follow-up. To find out more, take a look at our dedicated dossier Frequently asked questions about breast augmentation.
Breast implants have evolved enormously over the years thanks to technological innovations. Today, they are stronger and safer than ever. Manufacturers design implants which can last from 10 to 15 years, or even longer, depending on model and conditions of use.
Saline-filled implants tend to show signs of wear more quickly than silicone implants, which are designed to offer greater longevity. Modern silicone implants have a thicker envelope and a more cohesive gel, reducing the risk of breakage.
Dr Djian uses only breast implants in silicone Motiva Ergonomix ® designed to look and feel as natural as possible.
Certain signs should be taken very seriously and may indicate that a replacement may be necessary:
Implant rupture can result in visible volume loss in the case of saline implants, or progressive asymmetry in the case of silicone implants. The breast may lose tone, roundness and firmness, taking on a «deflated» appearance. However, if the rupture involves a leak-free silicone gel, The shape and appearance of the breast may remain unchanged for several weeks, making it difficult to detect without a medical examination.
This complication occurs when the body forms an excessive fibrous shell around the implant, which can lead to breast hardening, pain and visible deformity. Capsular contracture can be classified into several grades according to severity, ranging from a simple sensation of firmness to marked deformation accompanied by intense pain.
An implant may shift or rotate in its pocket, altering the appearance of the breast. This can occur following significant weight loss, shock or tissue fragility. In such cases, a rapid aesthetic change will be perceptible, sometimes accompanied by pain or discomfort requiring medical consultation.
Regular follow-up with your surgeon is essential to detect these signs early and avoid more serious complications.
Over time, the body changes and these transformations can influence the appearance and comfort of breast implants:
These natural events considerably alter breast morphology. Increased breast volume during pregnancy, followed by a possible loss of tone after breastfeeding, can alter the position and shape of implants, leading to sagging or asymmetry of the breasts.
Consequent weight change alters the distribution of fatty tissue in the body, including in the breasts. Weight gain can lead to skin stretching, while weight loss can reduce breast volume and affect implant retention.
Over time, the skin loses its elasticity and can lead to natural sagging of the breasts, regardless of the presence of implants. This can have an impact on the aesthetics of the breasts, particularly if the skin is no longer able to properly support the implants.
Body changes over time may lead to the need for implant replacement, even in the absence of medical complications.
For all these reasons, we recommend consult a plastic surgeon every year to check the condition of the implants. Imaging (MRI or ultrasound) may be required every 5 to 10 years to detect invisible complications.
This is not a life-threatening emergency, but it does require treatment to prevent possible complications. Silicone is one of the most stable and inert materials known. To date, no studies have shown that a ruptured breast implant can cause cancer, autoimmune disease or other systemic disorders. In theory, therefore, it can be left in place. However, over time, the formation of silicomas (clusters of silicone encapsulated by scar tissue) can lead to hardening and irregularities in the breasts. What's more, the presence of silicone deposits in breast tissue can complicate breast cancer screening, a major issue given that one in eight women will be affected by this disease during her lifetime.
While you're waiting for your appointment with your plastic surgeon, avoid strenuous physical activity and watch out for pain, redness or other unusual signs. It is also advisable not to massage the affected area. In the event of pain, you can take painkillers if necessary.
The liquid is safely absorbed, but replacement is essential. It is recommended to replace a ruptured saline implant within one month of rupture. A longer delay may result in retraction of the skin and capsule surrounding the implant, making the procedure more complex and compromising the achievement of optimal symmetry.
As previously explained, capsular contracture is the body's natural reaction to form a fibrous tissue envelope around a breast implant. However, when implants are not replaced within an appropriate timeframe after rupture or wear, this capsule can thicken and contract, leading to hardening of the breast. This can become painful and affect the appearance of the breast, making it misshapen or asymmetrical. The more the contracture progresses, the more complex surgery to remove or replace the implant becomes. It is therefore essential not to delay replacement in order to limit this risk.
Although very rare, infections can occur several years after implant placement. Signs such as persistent redness, abnormal swelling or significant pain should prompt prompt prompt consultation of a specialist.
Contrary to popular belief, there is no strict rule that implants must be replaced every 10 years. Some implants can last 15 years or more without problems, while others need to be replaced sooner.
The lifespan of implants depends on several criteria:
Not necessarily. The appearance of your breasts after implant removal depends on a number of factors, including your natural breast volume, skin elasticity and the length of time you've worn the implants. For some patients, breasts regain their natural shape, while others may experience slight sagging or loss of curvature. In such cases, Dr. Djian may suggest a breast lift (mastopexy) to restore your breasts to a more harmonious shape.
Modern silicone breast implants are rigorously tested and comply with medical safety standards. The cohesive silicone gel used minimizes the risk of leakage in the event of rupture. However, regular follow-up is recommended to monitor the integrity of the implants and detect any abnormalities using tests such as ultrasound or MRI.
The weight of breast implants generally varies between 200 and 400 grams per breast, depending on their size and composition. After removal, the difference in total weight is therefore small and does not translate into significant weight loss on the scale. However, some patients experience a sensation of lightness and improved comfort, particularly in the back and shoulders.
No, breast implants are not designed to last a lifetime. Their longevity depends on a number of factors, including the type of implant and the body's reaction to it. They need to be monitored regularly and replaced if complications arise, usually after 10 to 15 years.
Several factors, such as your age, breast form size and the length of time they have been worn, can influence the appearance of your breasts after breast implant removal. At first, your breasts may appear empty, but their volume will gradually return over the 2 to 3 weeks following surgery.
However, their appearance will not be the same as before your breast augmentation. Many patients experience sagging breasts after implant removal, due to tissue stretching, weight loss or the natural aging process.
As your body evolves, so do your implants! Even the most resistant prostheses require monitoring. Consult your breast augmentation surgeon regularly to prolong the life span of your breast implants and preserve your figure with complete peace of mind.
Don't wait for the first signs of complications!
Make an appointment with Dr. Djian today for a check-up and ensure the longevity of your implants.
Dr Jérémy Djian is a plastic surgeon based at 5 square Thiers, near the Victor Hugo roundabout, in the 16th arrondissement of Paris.
He trained in Paris and remains attached to the hospital in the prestigious department of Pr Laurent Lantieri.
