How Long Do Breast Implants Last?

Breast implants are a type of implant placed under the breast tissue or chest muscles to augment the shape and size of the breast. This procedure helps women get their desired bodies and feel more confident in their skin. 

While it shows promising results, breast implants are not a permanent alteration. They do not last a full lifetime and need to be replaced after a certain period. How long do breast implants usually last and when do they need replacement? Let’s find out all before you get your breast implants in Colombia.

The very first thing you need to understand is that breast implants don’t have any exact expiration date. On average, breast implants are known to last 10 years before they need replacement. But many implants last patients 20 years or even more. Some patients may only need implant replacement once or twice in their entire lifetime. 

In reality, implants only need to be replaced when they get damaged, lose their shape, or due to any other complication that may arise. Of course, the longevity of the implant also depends on other aspects, such as the type of implant you have, the lifestyle of the patient, her age, and so on.

There are two types of breast implants: silicone breast implants and saline implants. While both implants have an outer silicone shell, they differ in the inner filling. 

• • Saline breast implants have a sterile saltwater solution inside and will last you around 10-20 years. 
  • Silicone breast implants, on the other hand, are filled with a silicone gel filling and will last you anywhere from 20 to 40 years at times.

There are many reasons why your breast plants may need to be replaced or removed. Here are some of the most common complications that may arise:

1. Breast Hardening

Breast hardening, or capsular contraction, occurs when the scar tissue from your surgery starts to harden or contract around your breast implant. This may lead to pain, distortion, discomfort, tenderness, or tightness in the breast. It can happen to one breast or both breasts at the same time. 

This could be due to the implanted gel’s leakage or external trauma from a fall or mishap. In other cases, bacterial contaminants could lead to inflammation of the scar tissue and cause hardening and discomfort.

3. Saline Rupture

A saline rupture occurs when the saline implant inside the breast ruptures and the saline fluid escapes its shell. When a silicone implant ruptures, it will deflate and lose its shape. As a result, the breast will appear distorted. The inner fluid is generally sterile and is absorbed by the surrounding tissue harmlessly but the breast will dramatically lose its augmented shape. 

A saline rupture can happen because of a tear or hole in the surface of the shell. In most cases, the change is gradual; the fluid leaks out over the course of a few days.

3. Silicone Rupture

A silicone rupture, like a saline rupture, happens when a silicone implant ruptures. But unlike a saline rupture, the inner gel isn’t absorbed into the surrounding tissues. Instead, the gel remains inside the implant or spreads around the muscle. 

The gel won’t harm your body, but the silent nature of the rupture makes it difficult to identify when it takes place. Over time, you may experience swelling, numbing, tingling, burning, or a change in breast shape.

4. Change in Implant Position

Some breast implants may change their position over time naturally. When this happens, the patient will lose the desired shape of their breasts. The effects of gravity, changes in weight, or even sagging of the breasts over time can cause this change in position.

5. Rippling

Rippling happens when the surface of the breast implant develops wrinkles or ripples. Sometimes these ripples can also appear over the surface of the breast or can be felt when you touch the breast. 

Rippling can happen if there isn’t enough soft tissue covering the breast implant when the capsule around the implant is larger than the implant causing the implant to droop, or due to overfilled/underfilled implants.

As with any surgery, breast implant replacement surgery carries risks. These risks include infection, bleeding, scarring, and anesthesia complications. There is also a risk of implant rupture during surgery, which may require additional surgery to repair or replace the implant.

Additionally, breast implant replacement surgery may be more complex than the initial implant surgery, as the surgeon must remove the old implant and any scar tissue that has formed around it before inserting the new implant. This can augment the risk of complications and may also result in a longer recovery time.

Always refer to a qualified professional if you want your breast implants to last you longer. A qualified plastic surgeon will ensure the implants are placed properly and there are minimal chances of complications. 

If you are looking for a reliable surgeon for breast implants in Colombia, visit Dr. Reyes Clinic. He has over 13 years of professional experience and hundreds of success stories to back it up. If you desire a stress-free breast augmentation Colombia experience with minimal complications, schedule your appointment today!