Anyone who’s considering breast implants likely has dozens of questions. How often do breast implants leak? How often do breast implants need to be replaced? What will breast implants look like when I’m older?
These questions are all too common—in fact, every patient should be asking their surgeon these questions.
The answer? It depends.
The life of your breast implants depends on a few factors. Your lifestyle, your surgeon, the type of implant, and even chance can impact the longevity of your breast implants.
Let us explain.
When do breast implants need to be replaced?
Many women avoid the topic of breast implants because they fear that implants will need to be replaced or altered every few years. While breast implants don’t last forever, they’re actually quite long-lasting.
The reality of life with breast implants is that you’ll probably need one or possibly two follow-up procedures in the future. While these numbers aren’t set in stone, it’s important to be aware of the possibility before you undergo any procedure.
As for the average lifespan of breast implants? Some women may have the same implants for their entire lives, will others may need to have them replaced in six or seven years. The FDA reports that roughly 20% of women will need their implants replaced or repaired within 10 years of their original surgery, while the majority of implants last between 10 and 20 years without issue.
How often do breast implants leak?
Breast implant complications can happen. One of the most common types of complication is leaking or ruptured implants. Although this is a possibility, bear in mind that surgery is NOT typically urgent (or even necessary). Of course, you’ll want corrective surgery for purely cosmetic reasons.
What happens to breast implants as you age?
The natural effects of aging don’t stop just because you have implants, and many women seek corrective surgery later on to account for sun damage, gravity, the effects of pregnancy, etc.
Over time, you may notice increased breast sagging, size changes due to hormone fluctuations, etc. If you receive your implants before deciding to get pregnant, you may notice that pregnancy can change the appearance of your implant results. Many patients return after they’re finished having children in order to restore the look of their original implants.
How do I mitigate risk with breast implants?
At least some of the risk of complications can be decreased by choosing a skilled, experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Jones. If you’re considering breast augmentation in order to boost your self-confidence and achieve your dream body, get in touch with us right away to schedule your FREE consultation.