Breast implants replacement, when do I need it?

Breast augmentation is one of the most performed cosmetic plastic surgeries, but when it comes to complications after the operations everybody has dozens of questions about:

Do breast implants need to be replaced after 10 years?
How do I know when I need a breast implants replacement?
How often should I change my breast implants?

These common questions made us research why there are this 10 years perception and discovered that this is mostly related to the breast implant guarantee period, provided by breast implant manufacturers before the beginning of the 2000s.

Then we decided to write an article about the lifespan of today’s breast implants and when there is a necessity for replacement. We asked our contracted plastic surgeons and we ask you to please read the summary of their opinions.

Until 20 Years Ago Breast Implant Removal or Change Was Necessary After Around 10 Years

20 years ago the quality of silicone implants was not as good as today

If you have silicone implants that were inserted before the beginning of 2000, you should change them. The silicone elastomer shells of breast implants before the beginning of the 2000s were not as good as they are today.

The previous breast implants were of a liquid type that was much more susceptible to gel bleed and rupture. Today, silicone implants are made of a cohesive gel. From the inside, they look like jello and if you would cut the implant, no flow will come out.

Saline Breast Implant Change Could Be Necessary in Some Cases

Saline vs silicone implant

We would like to spend a few words on saline implants, which our contracted plastic surgeons no longer apply. Saline implants, even with today’s products, most certainly will start leaking at some point and therefore will have to be replaced eventually, whereas today’s silicone implants are incredibly durable so they will rarely need to be changed.

Today’s Silicon Material and Technology Are Offering Lifetime Guarantee Breast Implants

the silicon breast implant in operation room

The new silicone implants are lifetime guaranteed.

Today silicon implants are a completely different medical device than the implants that were used 20 years ago. Technology is improving every day and so are medical devices and supplies. Today’s silicone breast implant producers, such as Allergan or Mentor, provide a lifetime warranty. This was not the same 20 years ago.

Based on the opinion of MCAN Health’s contracted plastic surgeons, if you have a silicone breast implant inserted today, it will no longer have to be replaced. You need to change the implant only if there is a problem related to the implant itself.

When Is the Time for Breast Implant Replacement?

1. If You Get a Rupture, You Should Undergo a Breast Implant Change

Breast implant rupture should be changed

Rupture cannot always be diagnosed in a physical exam and sometimes does not cause problems for women. This is called a silent rupture. However, if you do have a diagnosed rupture in a physical exam or a mammogram or MRI, breast implants should be removed.

The symptoms of rupture can be joint pain, fatigue, and fibromyalgia. But as mentioned, this is not always the case. That is why it is better to have had your breasts checked regularly.

2. Breast Implant Removal Surgery Should Be Applied and Should Be Replaced If You Experience a Harsh Capsular Contracture

In case there is a capsular contracture breast implant change might be necessary

The formation of a “capsule”, a protective scar around the breast implant, is a normal part of the healing process. The body automatically reacts to any foreign object it detects and will isolate the object by creating a barrier of scar tissue around it. This is the response of our immune system to foreign materials.

In some patients, the scar capsule can be unusually hard and thicker and can start to contract around the implant. This could lead to discomfort, cause the implant to have an unnatural shape and in extreme cases, it can cause pain in the breasts. In these cases, the implant must be changed in addition to other measures that have to be taken to remove the trouble caused by the capsular contracture.

3. You Should Undergo a Breast Implant Change If You Want a Bigger or Smaller Size

If you want to have bigger or smaller boobs you should undergo a breast implant replacement

You may want to go with a bigger breast implant and renew your breast augmentation surgery. Or you may want to make your breast implants smaller. In these cases, you need to change the implanted silicon with a new one.

If Your Breast Gets Saggy After an Implant You May Need a Breast Lift

breast lift without implants

After a certain time, you may experience saggy breasts due to pregnancy, weight loss or gravity. After all, all the parts of our body will go down in time. This may lead to the sagging of your breasts. However, if your breast implants are fine, a breast uplift could suffice.

A Lifetime Guarantee of Breast Implants

Lifetime guarantee breast implants with Mcan Health

Breast augmentation is the second most preferred plastic surgery by MCAN Health’s patients coming from abroad. They want breast implant surgery mostly together with other plastic surgeries, such as liposuction and tummy tuck. If you consider having a breast implant, simply contact us to get a free consultation and a free quote.