If you’re considering getting breast augmentation, you most likely have some questions about how long you can expect your new breast implants to last. The last thing anyone wants to do is undergo a required revision procedure every couple of years. The exact lifespan of your breast implants will depend upon a variety of factors, but clearing up any misunderstandings about the shelf life of these devices can help you develop the most realistic expectations.
The 10-Year Lifespan Is a Myth
The idea that breast implants last exactly 10 years before they ‘expire’ is a common misconception. In fact, there is no determined shelf life of implants. The 10-year myth derived from older implant types that had a much higher rate of implant failure than today’s protocols do. Breast implants are still not considered lifetime devices, but constant technological developments mean their lifespans are getting longer.
Revision Surgery Isn’t Just for Implant Failure
If you’re worried about going in for implant revision surgery in the future, keep in mind that the majority of revisions are performed for reasons unrelated to implant failure. One of the most common reasons women may choose to undergo revision surgery is to swap out their size for one that’s bigger or smaller. Woman may also change their implant type or alter the implant placement.
Surgical Expertise Counts
By choosing a breast augmentation specialist to perform your breast augmentation, you can maximize the lifespan of your breast implants by ensuring the highest quality techniques. Ask your cosmetic surgeon about your options for minimizing implant failure, such as proper breast implant care, as well as your incision options for making any prospective revision surgery you undergo as scar-free as possible.
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Author: Dr. Joseph Castellano
Dr. Joseph Castellano is a native Floridian who grew up in the Tampa Bay area. After medical school and residency, Dr. Castellano returned home and has opened a practice in Tampa, Florida focusing on breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, liposuction, facelift, and eyelid rejuvenation. He is a member of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, American College of Surgeons, and American Medical Association
