Modern implants are designed to last for ten years or more.
Breast implants can effectively increase the size of the breasts, and can also enhance their overall projection and symmetry. If you are considering breast augmentation surgery, you may be wondering how long you can expect the results of the procedure to last. The good news is that modern breast implants are designed to last for many years. In fact, you can expect your implants to last for more than a decade and even up to 20 years. Read in to find out more about the average lifespan of breast implants and when they may need to be replaced…
How long do they last?
Breast implants are a safe and effective treatment and are designed to last for many years. Thanks to modern advancements, breast implants should last for more than 10 years. In many cases, breast implants can last and stay in good condition for up to 20 years. It is important to note, however, that breast implants are not considered a lifetime solution. Every individual is different, and the lifespan of your breast implants will depend on a number of factors, including your overall health and whether or not any complications occur.
What are the reasons for replacement?
Although rare, it is possible for certain complications to affect the lifespan of breast implants. These complications may result in the need for the removal or replacement of breast implants.
Capsular contracture is a possible complication that occurs when scar tissue hardens around an implant. When scar tissue hardens, it can cause breast pain as well as tightness and hardness in the breast.
Other possible complications that require breast implant removal and replacement include implant rupture, which affects the appearance and size of the breast; rippling, which causes wrinkles in the skin; and position changes, which can be caused by changes in weight, as well as ageing.
What does a replacement involve?
If you need to have your breast implants removed and replaced because of changes to your body or certain complications, you can undergo revision surgery. The procedure takes generally over hour to complete and involves replacing implants with new ones in order to correct complications, defective implants or unsatisfactory results from a previous procedure.
How should you care for your implants?
In order to improve the longevity of your breast implants, there are a few things you can do. The first thing you can do to take proper care of your implants is to follow your surgeon’s guidelines for the recovery stage following surgery. This includes wearing your surgical bra for the recommended time, and sticking to your follow-up appointments.
It is also important that you see your surgeon once a year for a general check-up. This will ensure that any potential issues are identified and resolved as early as possible, and that you remain satisfied with your results. If you have any concerns or questions regarding your implants, be sure to raise them with your surgeon.
How can we help?
Associate Professor Dean White offers a number of breast procedures, including breast augmentation. Breast augmentation involves the placement of implants, which improve the appearance of the breasts by increasing the size and enhancing the shape and symmetry. The surgery is often a highly effective option for women who are looking for improved breast projection, or who would like to restore volume after weight loss, breastfeeding or childbirth. If you would like to find out more about breast augmentation surgery, please have a look here.
Associate Professor Dean White also offers breast implant removal and replacement for patients who are not happy with the results of a previous surgery, or who would like to correct complications. To find out more about breast implant revision surgery, please have a look here.
To arrange a consultation, please don’t hesitate to give us a call on (03) 9895 7631 or get in touch here.