A breast implant replacement is a common part of the long-term journey with breast augmentation. While implants don’t come with an expiration date, they aren’t designed to last forever. Eventually, most people will need a revision.
Here’s what you should know about when and why you may need a breast implant replacement.
Do Breast Implants Need to Be Replaced?
Yes, breast implants do eventually need to be replaced, but there is no hard and fast rule on when. Many people follow the “10-year rule,” which suggests your breast implants should be removed or swapped out every decade. But if your breast implants are doing just fine, you might not need to replace them yet. However, most breast implants won’t last a lifetime. At some point, you’ll likely need a revision or replacement.
Reasons For Breast Implant Replacement
There are a few reasons why you may choose to have your breast implants replaced. While many reasons may be due to cosmetic changes, other reasons can be due to medical causes or changes in your lifestyle.
1. Rupture or Leakage of the Breast Implant: Over time, the capsule of your breast implant can wear down and become susceptible to rupturing. This can cause the contents to leak out of the capsule.
If a rupture occurs with a saline implant, it is usually quite apparent as the implant deflates and the breasts lose their shape. However, with a silicone breast implant, it may not be as noticeable and may only be detected through an MRI or ultrasound.
2. Capsular Contracture: Capsular contracture occurs when scar tissue around the implant tightens, causing compression of the breast implant. This can lead to pain as well as a misshapen appearance of the breasts, requiring the breast implant to be replaced.
Implants Have Shifted or Rippled: Breast implants can move or shift for many different reasons. This can cause an unnatural appearance and, in some cases, discomfort. To restore a natural-looking breast contour, you may need to have your implants replaced.
3. Changes in Breast Tissue: Natural breast tissue can change over time due to things like aging, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or breastfeeding, even if you have breast implants. Changes in breast tissue can potentially affect the look and feel of your implants, which may prompt you to want to have them replaced.
4. You’ve Changed Your Mind: As you age, you may change your mind about what you’d like your breasts to look like. This may result in having your implants replaced or even removed altogether.
Breast Implant Replacement Surgery
Breast implants are replaced similarly to the original surgery. The surgery typically involves removing the old implants and replacing them with new ones. The new implants can either be placed in the same pocket or a new one created by your surgeon.
Breast Implant Replacement Cost
The cost of breast implant replacement depends on several factors. In most cases, breast implant replacement surgery can be less expensive than the original surgery. Costs range from $5,000 to $10,000, depending on your surgeon’s experience, geographical location, and other factors.
When To Speak With A Plastic Surgeon
Breast implants may not last a lifetime, but staying informed and proactive can help you feel confident in your next steps. If you’re unsure whether it’s time for a replacement, a conversation with a trusted surgeon is the best place to start.
Schedule a free consultation today to learn more about breast implant replacement.