How Long Do Breast Implants Last with Proper Care?

Among the most popular questions women ask when first starting to consider breast augmentation surgery is how long their breast implants will last. It is important for patients to understand that breast implants will likely need to be replaced at some point in the future and to work that into their long-term plans. Still, many women are able to enjoy their implants for up to 15 years before replacement breast implants may be needed.

Here, Kansas City, MO board-certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Matthew Hlavacek and the knowledgeable team at Kansas City Surgical Arts share thoughts on what to know about getting breast implants, including when — and why — they may need to be replaced and how to keep breast augmentation results looking fantastic for as long as possible.

How long can you keep breast implants?

The lifespan of breast implants will depend on a number of factors, including the type of breast implant (silicone vs. saline), the patient's lifestyle and/or any incidents, injuries, or complications that may occur. On average, synthetic breast implants are typically designed to last for about 10 – 15 years before replacement breast implants may be recommended.

Why do breast implants have to be replaced?

There are several reasons why breast implants may need to be replaced, including:

• Implant rupture
• Implant displacement
• Bottoming out
• Personal preference
• Changing from saline to silicone implants (or vice-versa)

Even if a patient has had their breast implants for 10 – 15 years without experiencing a rupture or another complication, replacement is still advised. Some of the primary reasons that breast implants should be replaced after 10 – 15 years include:

• Manufacturer guidance and/or expired warranty
• Breast implant shells weaken over time, increasing the risk of rupture
• Increased risk of capsular contracture over time
• More advanced implants become available

Additionally, women can experience a great deal of physical changes over the course of 15 years — from weight fluctuation to changes associated with pregnancy, aging, and more. These can change the way their breasts look and feel despite having the same implants. Replacing breast implants after these life events with new implants that better suit their current figure often results in patients feeling more confident in their own skin.

How can I keep my breast implants more than 10 years?

Again, each patient's experience with breast implants is unique, including how long they can keep their implants before a replacement may be needed. However, there are some tips to preserve your breast augmentation results for longer, including:

• Maintain a stable weight
• Wait until you are done having children before getting breast implants
• Do not smoke
• Make healthy diet and lifestyle choices
• Wear supportive bras and clothing
• Be conscious of potential injury or trauma to the chest, such as during high-risk activities like contact sports
• Keep your skin moisturized and protected from the sun

With these simple steps and healthy habits, you can boost your chances of enjoying your current breast implants for as long as possible.

You can feel like the most feminine version of yourself with breast augmentation in Kansas City, MO

If naturally small breasts or changes in your breasts over time have impacted your confidence and sense of femininity, breast augmentation may be the answer. To learn more about your options for Kansas City breast augmentation surgery, or if you have questions about whether your implants need to be replaced, don't hesitate to contact us at Kansas City Surgical Arts to schedule a consultation with board-certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Matthew Hlavacek today.