Technically, breast implants have no expiration date. Modern innovations in breast implant materials and technology have made them more durable and long-lasting than ever before. However, you should not expect your breast implants to last forever. Given enough time, implants can wear out and deteriorate like all medical devices.
In most cases, you can expect your breast implants to last anywhere from 10 to 25 years before needing replacement, and some will last even longer.
Why Do Breast Implants Fail?
Certain variables can affect the lifespan of your breast implants, including:
- Type of breast implants – Saline breast implants are slightly more prone to rupture than silicone gel implants, and they are more likely to be replaced for aesthetic reasons, such as rippling. However, saline breast implants do have a lower rate of capsular contracture than silicone breast implants.
- Activity – Your lifestyle can have an impact on the longevity of your breast implants. For example, women who are athletes usually endure more trauma to their breast implants than women who engage in moderate exercise. Your surgeon will take all of these factors into account when recommending the right size and type of breast implant for you.
- Poor surgical placement – So many factors in breast augmentation surgery can affect the structural integrity of your breast implants. Having your implants placed by an experienced and qualified plastic surgeon can make all the difference in the quality of your results.