Will your breast implants need to be replaced?
The short answer is that yes they almost certainly will need to be replaced as they are man-made and won’t last forever.
There are two main reasons that implants need to be changed and they are implant leakage and capsular contracture. Let’s look at each one of these in turn.
Implant leakage
All silicone implants on the market in Australia are now cohesive gel implants which limits the spread of silicone if they do leak. We are now onto the 5th generation of implants and each one has improving technology driving their product development. Whilst the latest iteration of implants have only been around for a few years it is my belief that breast implants should last 20 – 25 years on average. Having said that there can be manufacturing faults and on average there is a leak rate of about 1-2% per year. The standard advice for a breast implant rupture is to have the implant removed and/or replaced.
Breast implants should last 20 – 25 years on average
Capsular contracture
The bigger unknown in the whole equation is capsular contracture. Whilst there are various theories regarding the cause, there is increasing evidence that it is caused by a subclinical growth of bacteria on the implant called biofilm. Unfortunately, a capsular contracture can occur at any stage from 6 months to 30 years. The longer implants are present in the body, the higher the capsular contracture rate and it also is increased in the presence of a leaking implant.
Similarly the average longevity of breast implants in a reconstructive setting is reduced to about 15 years on average.
This opinion piece was brought to you by Dr Damien Grinsell.
(AHPRA Registration: MED0001207555), Registered medication practitioner, specialist plastic surgeon (specialty registration in surgery – plastic surgery)
It is important to remember, any invasive procedure carries risks and individual results may vary depending on factors, not limited to but including age, genetics, diet, lifestyle and existing medical conditions. Before any surgery, we recommend you consult a qualified health practitioner who should discuss with you at length these risks including possible complications and recovery/aftercare instructions specific to your procedure. If unsure, always seek a second opinion from a specialist plastic surgeon.
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