When undergoing breast surgery, most patients ask the question: how long do breast implants last?
It’s normal to be curious about this before starting surgery as you want to enjoy your new breasts for as long as possible.
There are lots of reasons why people undergo breast surgery including improving the shape and volume, correcting asymmetry, or restoring the breasts after pregnancy or weight loss.
With this in mind, you want to know your implants are going to last and stay looking great for years to come.
At LASE Cosmetic, we have over 40 years combined experience in surgical and non-surgical procedures. Our qualified surgeons have carried out numerous breast enlargements so you can be sure you’re in safe hands. Furthermore, all treatments are delivered in a CQC-certified clinical environment using medically approved products and equipment giving you total peace of mind.
We know that getting a breast augmentation (also known as a ‘boob job’) is a big decision so we want to help you make the most informed choice. In this blog, we’ll be discussing:
- The different types of breast implants
- How long breast implants last
- How to identify when your breasts need replacing
- What’s involved in a breast enlargement
- Breast enlargement FAQs
Understanding Different Types of Breast Implants
There are two different types of breast implants which are: saline and silicone.
Both types have an outer silicone shell but they differ in terms of what they’re filled with and how they feel to touch.
We’re breaking this down more below.
Saline Breast Implants
Saline breast implants are made with a silicone outer shell filled with sterile salt water. They’re usually placed empty and filled during surgery, which allows for smaller incisions. In terms of how they feel, saline implants are often a bit firmer and are more prone to visible rippling, especially in patients with thinner breast tissue. However saline implants are uncommonly used in the UK.
Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone breast implants on the other hand come pre-filled with a silicone gel that’s designed to feel like natural breast tissue. Generally they look and feel more natural than saline implants and are less likely to ripple.
Modern breast implants are safe and are designed to meet strict medical safety standards. At LASE, we use two of the leading breast implant manufacturers, GC Aesthetics and Motiva. Our surgeon will consult with you on the best option for your procedure, but the choice is ultimately up to you.
How Long Do Breast Implants Last?
As qualified surgeons with many years of experience in breast surgery, we get this question a lot! We know that patients want to have breasts that look and feel great for years to come and we’re committed to ensuring that happens.
Many people believe the lifespan of breast implants is 10 years. However, there is no specific time frame, but they should not be considered a lifelong device. This time frame also differs from patient to patient, as factors such as implant size, placement, your body’s natural healing response, and lifestyle choices can influence longevity.
At LASE Cosmetic, our advice is, even if you have no problems with your implants, once they have been in place for 10-12 years it might be worth booking a review with your surgeon to confirm that all is well. As well as a physical check, an ultrasound or MRI might be considered. If these investigations are normal and no concerns are found, we would suggest a further review every 3-5 years thereafter, unless symptoms occur.
How Will I Know When My Breast Implants Need Replacing?
Most patients only need to replace their implants if they develop symptoms or a complication, such as:
- Changes in breast shape
- Any sort of discomfort / breast pain
- You develop capsular contracture (tightening of scar tissue around the implant)
- A suspected rupture (rippling, tenderness, changes in sensation)
That said, even if everything feels completely normal, it can still be helpful to keep an eye on your implants over time.
As mentioned above, we always recommend that once your implants have been in place for around 10-12 years, you book a review with your surgeon, even if you’re not experiencing any problems. If these investigations are normal and no concerns are found, we usually advise a further review every five years, unless you develop symptoms sooner.
Should You Replace or Remove Your Breast Implants?
If you’re considering changes to your breast implants, whether due to age, rupture, or personal preference, you can either remove or replace them.
We’re exploring both of these options below.
Breast Implant Replacement
If you’re still happy with your breast shape but want to refresh your implants, replacement surgery means you can remove the old implants and insert new ones. When implants are reaching the 10-12 year mark or if a rupture or other complication occurs, this is often the recommended course of action. Also in the time since having your breast implants, you might have changed your preference on the size or shape you want so breast implant replacement is a good opportunity to resolve that.
Breast Implant Removal
In other cases, some patients prefer to have their implants removed without replacement. There’s lots of reasons for this such as personal choice, discomfort, or changes in lifestyle. Also known as explant surgery, this can be performed with or without a breast lift, depending on how your breast tissue responds after the implants are removed. Removing implants without replacing them may lead to changes in breast shape but your surgeon will discuss this with you in your consultation.
At LASE, we guide you through both options so that you have the right information to make an informed decision. We never push a particular procedure and instead insist on a one-to-one consultation where your surgeon can assess your unique needs.
Need Help Deciding Which Treatment Is Right For You?
Book your consultation with our experts here.
Reasons For Breast Implant Replacement or Removal
There are a few different reasons why people might have a breast implant or removal which we’re exploring here. The choice is yours and it’s always best to consult with your surgeon first.
- Improving the look/ feel – Over time, breast implants are subject to natural wear and tear so a replacement may be considered to maintain shape, feel, and safety.
- Rupture / leak – While silicone implants are safe, ruptures can occur, and in such cases, implant replacement is generally recommended.
- Changes in appearance – Factors such as ageing, pregnancy, weight fluctuations can change the shape of your breasts so a replacement or removal can help restore your desired appearance.
- Personal choice – Some patients might decide they want smaller or bigger breasts since they initially had breast implants so this means you can change your breasts to suit your current aesthetic goals better.
What’s Involved In A Breast Implant Replacement
You can choose to have one or both implants replaced at the same time. If only one breast is being replaced, it’s important to note that the other breast might need an update later, often sooner than if both were replaced together.
The process begins with a consultation and measurements, where your surgeon discusses your desired size and type of implant.
During surgery, the old implants are removed, and any necessary adjustments are made to the surrounding tissue in preparation for the new implants. The new implants are then inserted and checked for symmetry before closing the incision.
Breast Implant FAQs
How do you reduce breast implant related complications?
At LASE, our surgeons are all consultant plastic surgeons and thus highly trained in minimising post-operative complications. The best ways to minimise implant complications include avoiding contamination of the implant at the time of surgery, minimising the risk of trauma to the implant as it is inserted into the breast, and minimising trauma to the implant as the surgical wounds are closed. Your surgeon will advise how they perform the surgery during a consultation.
What is breast surgery recovery like?
Post-surgery you will notice some swelling and tenderness which is normal, and painkillers will be prescribed to manage any initial discomfort. You might be kept overnight to monitor your wellbeing. Patients are given full aftercare information, including how to care for scars and advice on when to return to work. On average, patients usually take around 4-6 weeks to recover but this varies patient to patient. Our aftercare for breast enlargement surgery at our Newcastle clinic is the best available and 5-star rated.
Exercise should be avoided initially, and you should wear the compression garments provided. A follow up check up appointment allows your surgeon to make sure you’re healing well and the implants are settling well.
How Long Do Breast Implants Last? Everything You Need to Know
Knowing roughly how long breast implants last is important to help you plan for the future and make informed decisions. While every patient is different, being aware of the typical lifespan means you can anticipate when a review or replacement might be needed.
Regular check-ups (even if you feel no problems) can help identify any issues early and ensure your implants remain safe and looking their best.
At LASE Cosmetic, we guide patients through every stage of implant care, from initial placement to replacement, or removal if needed. Whether you’re considering an update for personal reasons or simply planning ahead, understanding the lifespan of your breast implants allows you to make confident decisions about your body.
Need Help Deciding Which Treatment Is Right For You?
Book your consultation with our experts here.
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