Breast implants do not necessarily require any special care or attention beyond regular breast self-exams. As with all surgeries, there may be a slight risk of infection and complications, so it’s always important to stay on top of follow-up care with your doctor to monitor for any issues.
Additionally, it’s important to have regular mammograms to ensure that the implants have not shifted or become infected.
In regards to when or if you would need to replace your breast implants, the procedures have improved significantly over the years and it’s not uncommon for many to last upwards of 15-20 years or more depending on the implant type.
However, it is possible that your implants may need replacing sooner if you experience any of the following issues such as malpositioning, a deflation or rupture of the implant, capsular contracture (hardening of the area around the implant) or other changes in aesthetics that can occur throughout the life of the implant.
Discuss with your doctor and plastic surgeon about your own circumstance and timeline for replacement or removal if needed. Regularly attending your yearly doctor’s visit to monitor any potential changes is important to best ascertain when replacement is necessary.
Table of Contents
How do I know if my breast implants need to be removed?
If you have breast implants, it’s important to monitor your body for any signs that your implants may need to be removed. Signs can vary from person to person and will depend on the type of implants, the age of the implants, and any potential complications.
It is important to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon to evaluate your individual situation.
Common signs that may indicate a breast implant needs to be removed include pain, abnormal swelling, changes in breast shape or feel, unevenness or a hard lump or mass. You should also look out for any other changes in the implant, such as visible rippling or displacement, or a rupture that can cause deflation of the implant.
If you experience any of these changes or develop any new or worsening symptoms, it is essential to contact a plastic surgeon as soon as possible to determine if a breast implant removal is required.
Additionally, the FDA recommends that women with breast implants receive regular medical checkups and MRI scans at least three years after the initial implantation date, and every two years after that to check for changes in the implants and to monitor the breast tissue for any complications, such as anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL).
By regularly monitoring your implants and staying in touch with your plastic surgeon, you can ensure your implants continue to be safe and are not in need of removal.
What happens if you leave breast implants in too long?
Leaving breast implants in too long can result in a variety of different problems. Over time, the implants may break down due to age and degrade, resulting in painful hardening or lumping of the breasts.
Moderate to severe pain can occur when the silicone layers of the implants thin out due to age. This can also cause the implant to lose its shape, resulting in asymmetrical breasts. There is also an increased risk of infection due to age and wear of the implant, as the implant shell is prone to tearing.
The risk of reproductive issues or autoimmune diseases, such as scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritis, may increase if breast implants are left in too long. Finally, the scar tissue around the implants may harden and cause an aesthetic distortion of the breasts.
Do breast implants get saggy with age?
Yes, breast implants can get saggy with age due to gravity and other factors. Over time, the skin and tissue around the breast may start to lose its elasticity, causing the implant to drop. This process, known as “ptosis” or “bottoming out,” occurs when the implant slides down and away from its original position.
Aging-related changes in the body can also cause ptosis. Breastfeeding, weight loss and gain, and even certain activities involving the chest muscles may contribute to ptosis. In addition, some brands of breast implants may be more prone to ptosis than others.
To help minimize sagging, patients should maintain a healthy lifestyle, follow their plastic surgeon’s post-operative instructions, and explore other supportive measures.
Can old breast implants cause health issues?
Yes, old breast implants can cause a variety of health issues, depending on the type of implant used. Common health issues associated with old breast implants include capsular contracture, implant rupture and deflation, wrinkling of the implant shell, infection, and immune-related responses.
Capsular contracture is a condition where cells grow around the implant and tighten, leading to painful and hardened breasts. Implant rupture or deflation can occur over time as the implant shell breaks down or the implant material deteriorates.
Wrinkling of the implant shell may also occur as the implant ages.
Infection is another risk associated with old breast implants. Bacterial growth and fungus can enter the implant pocket and create masses called biofilms. These can cause pain and inflammation, as well as further implant deterioration.
Some patients have also reported having immune-related responses to old breast implants, such as the development of auto-immune diseases and inflammation of the surrounding tissue. These issues could be due to an incompatibility of the implant material with the body, or an accumulation of toxins in the area.
In short, old breast implants can cause a variety of health issues, so it is important to speak to your doctor if you experience any pain or discomfort related to your implants.
Should breast implants be removed after 20 years?
Removing breast implants after 20 years is not a necessity and should depend on the individual’s goals and preferences. Generally speaking, breast implants are designed to last a long time, with most manufacturers stating that they should last 15-20 years or longer.
This being said, some complications and problems may arise after 10-20 years, such as they may need to be replaced due to a ruptured implant. The FDA also recommends that implants be replaced every 10 years with an MRI to check for silent rupture.
Other issues that may lead to their replacement include gradual leaking, deflation, capsular contracture, changes in breast shape, visible wrinkling, and pain or discomfort. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide if they would like to replace their implants after 20 years.
If there are no signs of problems, it is not necessary. However, it is always important to stay on top of regular breast exams and appointments with your physician to ensure that all is well with your implants.
What are the symptoms of breast implant illness?
Breast implant illness (BII) is an umbrella term that refers to an array of systemic symptoms which women may experience after they have a breast implant inserted or a breast augmentation procedure. While the precise cause of these symptoms is uncertain, some believe they are caused by the body’s response to the silicone or other materials used to create the implants.
Symptoms vary, but some of the common indicators of BII include fatigue, brain fog, joint or muscle pain, rash or hair loss, chest pain, digestive issues, poor sleep quality, cognitive impairment, and mood swings.
Some women may also experience breast implant movement, hardening of the skin and/or an infection in the breast area. Other symptoms may be more systemic, such as chronic headaches, skin rashes, sicca symptoms (dry eyes and/or skin), and tingling sensations in the skin, muscles, neuropathy, and/or organ damage.
It is important to consult with a doctor if you have had a breast implant inserted and you are experiencing any signs of what might be considered breast implant illness, such as any of these listed symptoms.
A doctor can run tests to rule out any other medical conditions and recommend additional treatments.
Is replacing breast implants painful?
Replacing breast implants can be associated with some degree of pain, just as with any medical procedure. Pain levels will vary from person to person depending on the techniques used, and any pain associated with the procedure can typically be managed with medication prescribed by a physician.
Generally speaking, the incision area may cause some discomfort during and after the procedure but pain should be minimal. It is important to follow the surgeon’s instructions for post-operative care, allowing time for proper healing and reducing the risk of complications.
During the initial stages of healing it may be necessary to take pain relievers for discomfort, and the recovery process may take several weeks before the patient is back to normal exercise and activity.
What is the divorce rate after breast implants?
The divorce rate after breast implants is difficult to determine because it is highly dependent upon numerous factors. Studies conducted in 2003, 2004, and 2009 indicated that those who chose to undergo breast implant surgery had higher rates of divorce in comparison to those who did not; however, these studies did not take into account the motivations of individuals who resorted to surgery.
In 2006, a survey conducted by Cosmetic Surgery Magazine showed that 23% of women who received breast implants had divorced within three years of the surgery, whereas 16% who did not get implants divorced.
However, this survey only included a sample size of 204 women, which makes it difficult to conclude any relationship between implants and divorce rate.
Furthermore, a study conducted in 2010 that included 27,201 women reported different results. It found that only 4. 5% of the participants who had undergone the procedure got divorced within five years of the breast implant surgery, while 5.
8% of control group participants got divorced. These findings suggest that the divorce rate among women who got implants was slightly lower than among those who had not chosen this procedure.
Research on this topic is still limited and further studies and data will need to be collected in order to draw a clear conclusion about the divorce rate after breast implant surgery. On the one hand, there are people who argue that implants often require high maintenance, as well as other financial, emotional, and psychological burdens, which might lead to a higher divorce rate.
On the other hand, some studies indicate that implants can improve self-esteem, body image and self-confidence, which could potentially lead to healthier relationships and lower chances of divorce.
How does your life change after breast implants?
Having breast implants can be a life-changing experience for many women. On the physical side, women often report feeling more confident and attractive after getting implants. This newfound self-confidence can boost self-esteem and empower a woman’s outlook on life.
On a practical level, breast implants can expand wardrobe options, open new career opportunities and even give a woman an edge in the dating world.
Beyond the aesthetic and fashion-related changes, breast implants may also affect a woman’s life in more meaningful ways. Many women report feeling more feminine and liberated with implants. For women with existing psychological issues related to body image, breast implants can give them the freedom of feeling attractive and more secure in their own skin.
Furthermore, women with physical abnormalities or asymmetry may experience improved body balance and symmetry after breast implants.
In the end, how your life will change after breast implants really depends on the individual woman’s motivations and mental state prior to the procedure. If a woman’s reasons for getting implants is driven by genuine self-love and a desire to feel more confident, then chances are she will find the experience life-changing for the better.
Why are so many people getting breast implants removed?
There are a variety of different reasons why people choose to get their breast implants removed. In some cases, people feel that the implant size is too large or that it impacts the overall symmetry of their body.
In other cases, people may experience physical side effects such as capsular contracture, skin breakdown, or implant rippling. Furthermore, some people want to avoid the long-term risks associated with breast implants.
This includes things like implant rupture, interference with mammograms, and the potential for breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). There is also the potential for the body to reject the implant due to a variety of factors, ultimately leading to an unwanted appearance.
In addition, some people no longer feel that their breast implants represent their current style or aesthetic preferences. Ultimately, the decision to remove a breast implant is a very personal one, as no two situations are alike.
What happens to breast implants after 10 years?
Most breast implants are typically known for lasting around 10 years, but this is not always the case. The average lifespan of implants varies from patient to patient and is based on the type of implant and how it is maintained.
It is important to check on the implants through regular doctor’s visits so that any issues can be identified and taken care of.
Most commonly, saline implants may need to be replaced with 10 years due to changes in the shape and feel of the implant. During the 10-year period, the salt water held by the implant may break down causing deflation of the implant, wrinkling in the implant, decreased firmness, and swollen tissue around the area of the implant.
Silicone implants may last longer than 10 years and may only need to be checked (not replaced) after 10 years. However, this is true if the patient shows no signs of any unnatural movements of the implant, rippling of the skin, firmness change, and discomfort.
Beyond 10 years, regardless of the type of implants, it is important to monitor for signs of deflation, rupture, viral infection, and other issues. If any of the above issues are present, the implant may need to be removed and replaced.
It is important to discuss the expected lifespan of the implants with your doctor and to keep up with regular check-ups. Additionally, it is important to discuss any changes or concerns with the doctor regarding the implants.
How painful is it to replace breast implants?
Replacing breast implants can be a painful experience, depending on the type of implant being replaced and the procedure being used. The removal and replacement of saline implants typically does not involve too much pain due to its smaller incision, but a more extensive surgery may be required for silicone implants.
The pain experienced during the surgery can vary greatly from patient to patient and will be related to other factors including the amount of tissue and muscle the implant covers, the size of the implant, and the length of the surgery.
After surgery, patients may experience swelling and soreness in the chest area, along with general fatigue and discomfort. The pain and soreness should subside over a few days as the body begins to heal.
Pain medications may help manage the discomfort in the short-term. Overall, it is important to follow your medical team’s instructions and discuss any concerns or questions before and after the surgery to ensure a safe and successful procedure with minimal pain.
How can you tell if breast implants are leaking?
It can be difficult to tell if breast implants are leaking, as the condition itself is often not readily visible. However, as silicon gel and saline implants contain different types of materials, they can be diagnosed differently.
With silicone gel implants, a surface rupturing is usually indicated by abnormalities to the shape or feel of the device. This could include visible lumps, knots, swelling in the implant area, or an increase in breast size and firmness.
If silicone gel is present on the area of the skin, it can also be an indication of a leak. On the other hand, a ruptured saline breast implant is generally very noticeable as the breasts typically deflate quickly, often unevenly.
This deflation, in addition to causing the breasts to reduce in size, also causes redness and changes to breast shape, and in some cases, discomfort. Aside from these usual signs, in some rare cases it may be necessary to have either an MRI or ultrasound to accurately detect if a breast implant has indeed ruptured.
How often should breast implants be checked?
It is recommended that you have a checkup from your doctor every three to five years after you have received breast implants. However, Dr. Mark Jewell, an internationally recognized plastic surgeon and author of “Making the Choice: A Woman’s Guide to Breast Implants” recommends that women who have had breast implants should schedule a checkup at least once a year.
During the checkup, your doctor will exam your breasts and check the implants for any signs of hardness, lumps, or changes in size or shape. They will also check your incisions to make sure they are healed properly.
Your doctor may recommend specific imaging technology to examine the integrity of the implant and to assess the condition of the surrounding breast tissue. These tests may include an ultrasound, a mammogram, or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.
Regular checkups are very important for monitoring the condition of your breast implants, as well as for detecting any signs of complications.
