No patient undergoes cosmetic surgery lightly and so it is natural to seek results that are long-lasting and lead to long term physical and psychological benefit.
This is perhaps never more true than with breast implants, a hugely popular procedure for patients in the UK often undertaking breast enlargement.
Just how long do the implants last? Will they need replacing in future and, if so, how soon? How likely is it that they will need replacing?
In this post we will seek to answer these questions but it is also worth noting that there is no singular answer.
Breast implants do not have an expiry date after which they suddenly need replacing. It is not possible for any surgeon to say to any patient that in 5, 10, 25 years’ time they will require further surgery, neither can they give a 100% certain guarantee that the implants will last for any set amount of time.
What we can say with certainty is that implants have continued to improve in performance and reliability and so confident assertions can now be made.
Any good quality breast implant, and of course you should only consider highly-rated surgeons using approved and verified implants, will have an expected lifespan of at least 10 years.
This means that the manufacturer is confident that in the vast majority of cases the implants will remain sound for a decade and so there will be no requirement for follow-up surgery during this period.
However, there will be a small minority of cases where implants rupture during this time and require attention.
The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) states that modern breast implants are designed to be long-lasting, but they are not expected to last a lifetime.
Studies estimate that up to 20% of women who have breast augmentation will have their implants replaced before the 10 year mark for one reason or another.
Hence it is advisable to have regular check-ups and scans to ensure that the implant is intact and there are no developing complications i.e. capsular contracture.
In some cases implants may last 15 years or longer but regular monitoring is essential.
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A Key Statistic To Remember
The chance of rupture for the leading modern implants has been found to be around 1% per annum. This means that after a decade, there is a 10% chance of rupture or that in 90% of cases the implant will still be in perfect order.
Factors That Affect the Longevity of Breast Implants
Several factors influence how long breast implants last, including:
1. Implant Type
The material and design of the implant play a significant role in its lifespan. The two primary types of breast implants are:
- Saline Implants – Filled with sterile saltwater, these implants are more prone to rupture than silicone implants. If a rupture occurs, the implant deflates, making it immediately noticeable.
- Silicone Implants – Filled with cohesive silicone gel, these implants often maintain their shape even in the event of a rupture, making detection more difficult without medical imaging (MRI or ultrasound).
- Gummy Bear Implants – A newer generation of silicone implants, these are designed to hold their shape even better than traditional silicone implants, reducing rupture risk.
2. Implant Placement
The position of the implant can influence its longevity.
- Subglandular Placement (Above the Muscle): Implants placed above the chest muscle tend to experience more wear and tear due to their exposure to external pressure and movement.
- Submuscular Placement (Under the Muscle): Placing implants beneath the chest muscle provides more coverage, reducing the risk of complications and prolonging the implant’s lifespan.
3. Implant Size and Shape
Larger implants exert more pressure on the surrounding tissues, which can increase the risk of complications such as rippling or implant rupture. The shape of the implant also plays a role—anatomically shaped implants tend to be firmer and more durable than round implants.
4. Lifestyle Factors
Active individuals, particularly those engaging in high-impact activities such as running or weightlifting, may experience implant wear more quickly. Smoking and excessive sun exposure can also contribute to implant degradation by affecting the quality of the surrounding skin and tissue.
5. Natural Aging and Body Changes
Breast implants don’t change on their own, but the body around them does. Weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and natural aging can alter breast shape, leading some individuals to seek implant replacement or additional procedures like a breast lift.
Common Reasons for Implant Replacement or Removal
While some patients never need to replace their implants, others may require a revision procedure due to one or more of the following reasons:
1. Implant Rupture
Both saline and silicone implants can rupture over time.
- Saline implant ruptures are easy to detect, as the breast deflates quickly.
- Silicone implant ruptures are often “silent” and require imaging, such as MRI or ultrasound, to diagnose.
2. Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture occurs when scar tissue forms tightly around the implant, causing discomfort and altering the appearance of the breast. This complication may necessitate implant removal or replacement.
3. Changes in Breast Appearance
Over time, factors such as aging, weight loss or gain, and pregnancy can alter breast shape, leading some individuals to opt for implant replacement or a breast lift.
4. Implant Malposition or Rotation
In some cases, implants may shift out of place, creating an unnatural breast appearance. This can happen due to gravity, trauma, or improper initial placement.
5. Desire for a Different Size or Type
Some individuals choose to replace their implants to achieve a different size, shape, or material. Advances in implant technology may also encourage patients to switch to newer models.
How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Breast Implants
Although no implant lasts forever, there are ways to help extend its longevity and maintain the best possible results:
- Follow Your Surgeon’s Post-Operative Care Instructions – Proper aftercare is crucial to prevent complications.
- Attend Regular Check-Ups – Routine visits to your plastic surgeon can help detect early signs of complications.
- Monitor Your Breasts – Be aware of any changes in size, shape, or texture, and seek medical evaluation if anything feels unusual.
- Maintain a Stable Weight – Significant weight fluctuations can impact the appearance of implants.
- Avoid Smoking – Smoking can weaken skin elasticity and increase the risk of complications.
- Wear a Supportive Bra – Proper support, especially during high-impact activities, can reduce unnecessary strain on implants.
What Happens If You Don’t Replace Breast Implants?
Many people assume that breast implants must be replaced every 10 years, but this isn’t necessarily the case. If your implants are intact and not causing discomfort or aesthetic concerns, there may be no need for replacement. However, regular monitoring is essential.
For silicone implants, the MHRA recommends regular check-ups and imaging, such as MRI or ultrasound, to detect any silent ruptures.
If an implant does rupture but remains undetected, it won’t pose an immediate health threat, but over time, the body may develop a reaction, leading to discomfort or changes in breast appearance.
Final Thoughts: Is Breast Implant Replacement Inevitable?
The longevity of breast implants varies from person to person. While some individuals may never need a replacement, others may require revision surgery due to aesthetic changes, complications, or personal preference.
If you have breast implants, staying informed, scheduling regular check-ups, and monitoring any changes are key steps in ensuring both your health and satisfaction with your results. Consulting a GMC-registered plastic surgeon can help guide you in making the best decisions regarding the longevity and maintenance of your breast implants.
Whether you’re considering breast augmentation or already have implants, understanding their lifespan will empower you to make informed choices that align with your long-term aesthetic goals.
Next Steps
If you would like more information about breast implants, are considering this form of surgery or have concerns about existing implants please contact us for an obligation-free consultation.
Anca Breahna is a renowned female surgeon who has held prestigious Fellowships and been consultant surgeon at world-leading institutions.
If you would like to arrange a consultation, please use our Contact Form.
Further Reading about Breast Implants Surgery with Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anca Breahna
- Read more about How to Choose the Best Breast Implant Profile and Projection
- Read more about How to Get a Natural Looking Breast Augmentation Using Smaller Implants
- Read more about Breast Augmentation with Mentor Breast Implants
- Read more about Benefits of Motiva Breast Implants
- Read more about Types of Breast Implants
- Read more about Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Breast Implants
- Read more about When is a Good Time to Get Breast Implants?
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Ms Anca Breahna, PhD, MSc, FEBOPRAS, FRCS (Plast) is a highly regarded Consultant Plastic Surgeon specialising in the field of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. Anca performs a range of 
