Breast implants are not lifetime devices.
Breast implants approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are silicone elastomer shells filled with either a silicone gel or saline solution. These medical devices are designed for women who seek cosmetic breast augmentation or for breast reconstruction following surgery, such as a mastectomy, or injury to the breast. Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices and will typically need to be replaced at least once during the patient's life.
Informed Decision
Before undergoing breast augmentation or reconstructive surgery that involves breast implants, be fully informed about all of the ramifications, benefits and potential complications of this procedure. Consult with your physician regarding the type of breast implant, whether silicone or saline-filled implants are the best choice for you, and whether there are differences between the quality available from different manufacturers. You should have a clear understanding of the life expectancy of your implants so you can be prepared when they need to be replaced. You should also discuss possible scenarios that would make implant replacement either necessary or advisable. These may include an implant rupture, leaks resulting in deflation, capsular contracture (scar tissue development) or infection.
Time Frame
Breast implant patients will have different experiences regarding the longevity of their devices. Some women report their implants have lasted for 25 years or longer, while others have had to have their implants replaced during the first year due to rupture or for other medical or personal reasons. According to the European International MRI Study (Hedén, P., et al. 2006. Prevalence of rupture in Inamed silicone breast implants. Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 118:303-8), the average life expectancy of breast implants was approximately 11 years.
Complications
Silent rupture is a significant complication of breast implants. Three to 4% of women will experience a silent rupture of their implants within the first four years. Silent ruptures can rarely be detected by physical examination. This condition is typically discovered through an MRI. Allergan, a major manufacturer of breast implants, recommends patients obtain an MRI three years after receiving their implants and every two years thereafter. If a silent rupture is detected, the implant and any silicone gel that may have leaked out should be removed whether or not the implant is replaced.
Tags: breast implants, their implants, Breast implants, breast augmentation, life expectancy, lifetime devices
