How Long Do Silicone Breast Implants Last?

The decision to get breast implants is a major one. It helps to boost your self-confidence by achieving or enhancing your feminine curves. However, be aware that breast implants do not last for an entire lifetime.

How Long Do They Last?

The average duration of silicone breast implants is between 10 to 20 years. However, please note that the longer you stay with them, the more the likelihood of developing complications. Most people remove or replace their implants after a duration of between eight to ten years. They may do this because of many other reasons. 

Here are some signs and symptoms to watch out for. They will help you know when it is time for removal or replacement.

Rupture

Silicone is thicker than saline. So when silicone implants rupture, the gel will stay in the implant or within the surrounding scar tissue. Due to this, it takes a while before you notice there is a rupture in your silicone implants. It is why doctors refer to them as silent ruptures. 

They also do not present any symptoms. But when they do, the symptoms include swelling, tingling, numbness, and a decrease in breast size. Some people may also experience burning, pain, or tenderness. When you notice any of these, seek medical attention immediately.

Hardening

Hard scar tissue may develop around one or both implants. The hardening may cause pain, tightness, tenderness, and abnormal changes in the size and shape of the breasts. When you notice this, seek advice from your doctor. Let him take care of the problem before complications set in.

Palpability and Rippling

The implant may develop wrinkles or ripples. The development is what medics refer to as rippling. Palpability is when you can feel the ripples when you touch the breast. Sometimes the case may be severe enough to see the changes through the skin. When you notice this sign, it is time to remove or replace your implant.

Change in Position

Even if you have breast implants, your breasts will still sag with age. Gravity, weight loss, and weight gain take their toll on your body. They cause the stretching of the skin and sagging of your breasts. 

Your nipples may point in different directions unlike they were before, or one breast may hang lower than the other. When you notice these changes, you can remove and replace your breast implant or get a breast lift.

How to Increase Implant Longevity

Sometimes, one may not be happy with the shape and size of their breast implants. It is normal because as we age, grow, and mature, our tastes and preferences change. The best way to ensure a change of preference does not affect you is to pick a reasonable shape and size. One that, according to you, will be satisfactory for the next 10 to 20 years.  

To avoid complications from ruptures and wear, or surgical error, you can take some precautions. These include choosing your surgeon carefully, following the postoperative instructions, and getting regular MRIs. The MRIs will help you note if there are any silicone ruptures.

Implants do not last for a lifetime, but you can take care of them. When you do, they will give you the best service for quite a while.

For more on silicone breast implants, visit Clark Plastic & Hand Surgery at our office in McKinney, Texas. You can also call (469) 675-3659 to book an appointment today.