The Big Question about Breast Implants
- Posted on: Aug 30 2017
Breast implant procedures are performed on a regular basis all around the world. Over the past few decades, we have been gifted with some innovations that have improved patient outcomes, not only immediately after breast augmentation but also years later. This is an important point to discuss because there continues to be a widespread perception that breast implants must be replaced every 10 years.
The belief that breast implants have only a 10-year lifespan can inhibit a woman from obtaining the treatment she would like to enhance her satisfaction with her own body. We want to take a direct approach to the big question: do breast implants have to be replaced every 10 years?
The direct answer is that it’s not likely. But there’s more.
Several years ago, the idea that breast implants may require replacement every decade or so stemmed from factual data. However, that data was misrepresented just a wee bit. The actual statistics that spawned this idea of replacement came from the FDA’s report on the safety of silicone breast implants. Included in this report was a statement that 1 in 5 women required some revision approximately 10 years after initial augmentation with silicone implants. This could have been due to rupture, capsular contracture, or another issue.
When you look at that number, 1 in 5, you can see that a large percentage (80%) of women who have breast implants do not require any revision after the first 10 years.
The Bottom Line
Breast implants do not necessarily require heavy upkeep. However, patients should stay vigilant about breast exams at home and with their doctor. Should an issue arise, the potential for revisional surgery should be discussed.
Another important note about this idea of a replacement is that the initial study that brought it about was published in 2011. Since that time, the trend in silicone breast implants has sharply leaned toward newer, form-stable models that seem to be more durable than the implants frequently used at the time of the study.
Data about breast augmentation and the different types of implants are in continual accumulation. We stay up to date with the latest, safest procedures, so you don’t have to. Learn more about breast implant surgery during a consultation with NYC plastic surgeon Dr. Shridharani.
Posted in: Breast Procedures
