How Long do Silicone Implants Last?

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If you’re interested in breast augmentation and some of the options you have as a patient, then this blog is for you. Breast augmentation is still one of the most popular plastic surgeries performed worldwide, and while there are a plethora of tailored options for all patients, many prefer or opt for silicone breast implants. Let’s take a closer look at silicone breast implants and their longevity.

Silicone breast implants are pockets filled with silicone (a viscous gel) to best resemble the shape and feel of a woman’s breast tissue. There are several types, sizes, and shapes — all unique to best suit the composition of the patient desiring a larger or more shapely chest.

The lifespan of an implant, theoretically, can last longer than you think. In recent decades, silicone breast implants have greatly improved and are much more well-manufactured than when they first appeared on the market. Their shells are more durable and they’re filled with a cohesive gel that stays in the implant capsule even if the shell tears (rather than a liquid that would pour freely when ruptured). These implants are very safely regulated and via tailored techniques by board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon Dr. Adibfar, contamination is minimized greatly.

While these implants are safer, and it may be difficult for a patient to notice a tear or rupture in their implant, is it always best to replace an implant that is no longer intact to avoid irritation. While the rupture rate is low, routine maintenance including ultrasounds can reliably reveal any tears in the implant’s shell.

Generally speaking, the lifespan of your implants should last anywhere from 10-15 years. If after 10 years your implants feel good and there are no issues, tears, or ruptures then there would be no need to replace them. While implants can be permanent, they should be seen as temporary considering that we do age and our bodies continue to change. A sensible timeline is 10-15 years, but as mentioned, it all depends on the individual patient, their bodies, and the wear and tear of the implants. While the implants are intact, they are consistently rubbing against a patient’s chest cavity and tissues which can result in a torn shell over several years.

Technically there is no absolute answer to predetermine the longevity of your silicone breast implant however a decade is a reliable recommendation for replacement. With the latest technologies and safest practices, these cohesive implants do not disintegrate or dramatically shift in the body when placed by an experienced, board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon.

If you’re considering breast augmentation and are curious about silicone breast implants then feel free to get in touch with one of our knowledgeable staff to ask any questions you may have. After a thorough consultation with Dr. Adibfar, you will be able to learn which implants would be best suited to you and your body while keeping your safety and health as the utmost priority.

Click here to learn more or to book a consultation with one of Toronto’s leading board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeons, Dr. Adibfar.

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