Through a breast augmentation in Nashville, TN, it’s easier than ever to redefine your figure on your own terms. But with breast augmentation, comes the requirement of breast implant removal or breast revision. Since breast implants can last more than a decade for most patients, it’s common to question why it is important to replace breast implants and what happens if you don’t follow this practice.
While breast implants are medically safe devices, they carry the risk of being ruptured after a decade, leading to issues like discomfort, pain, and deflated breasts. Each patient is different, and breast implants can safely last over 20 years for many patients. That is why it’s important to learn the reasons for breast implant replacement so you can take care of your health according to your body’s response to breast implants.
To help you learn more about this safety practice, here’s an overview of what can happen if breast implants are not replaced in time.
What Are the Risks of Not Replacing Old Breast Implants?
Breast implants are biocompatible and safe, but their risk of rupture increases even after a successful breast augmentation. This risk increases by 1 percent each year, which means that breast implants placed a decade ago carry a 10 percent chance of experiencing rupture. If you don’t replace your breast implants in time, a possible rupture or leak can cause issues like deflated breasts, pain, and discomfort.
The risks of not replacing old breast implants can also vary based on the type of implants you have. A saline implant rupture causes the saline to be safely absorbed by your body. However, they deflate rather quickly and leave your breasts with a sagging and punctured appearance. When silicone implants experience rupture, silicone may leak into nearby breast tissue and cause health complications.
Can Breast Implants Last a Lifetime without Replacement?
While breast implants have come a long way in terms of their average lifespan, they still do not last a lifetime for many patients. In some cases, they can easily last for over a decade; in others, they may reach a 20-year milestone without complications. This range is why it is important to have annual checkups from a qualified plastic surgeon and review signs that call for breast implant replacement.
What Signs Indicate the Need to Replace Breast Implants?
Some of the most common reasons for breast implant replacement include the following signs.
- Your breasts look deflated
- Your breasts look saggy
- Your implants have dropped to the bottom of your breasts
- You feel pain or discomfort in your breasts
- Your breasts feel hard to the touch
- Your implants are moving within your breasts
In some cases, these signs may indicate that your implants have ruptured. In other situations, they might mean that you have capsular contracture—the development of scar tissue around your breast implant. Your plastic surgeon can do a physical checkup and determine if these symptoms suggest a breast implant replacement is necessary.
How Does the Integrity of Breast Implants Change Over Time?
Implant integrity is one of the most important reasons why it is important to replace breast implants. From the time of your breast augmentation surgery, your implants have a 1 percent chance of rupturing or leaking. But each year, this risk increases by 1 percent due to the gradual degradation of the breast implant shell material, making the implant more prone to ruptures as more time passes.
However, not all implants need to be replaced after a decade. If your breast implants look great, seem fine to the touch, and don’t cause any symptoms or discomfort, you can choose to delay their replacement. This is a personal decision that you can make with your plastic surgeon.
Is It Safe to Keep the Same Breast Implants for Over 10 Years?
Understanding the reasons for breast implant replacement can help you become more confident in choosing this procedure. If your implants continue to maintain their optimal structure and function within your breasts, you can opt to keep them for well over 10 years. However, your plastic surgeon will recommend the best approach for your breast implant replacement.
How Often Should Breast Implants Be Checked by A Professional?
You should get your breast implants checked by an experienced plastic surgeon annually to look for signs of ruptures, leaks, and capsular contractures. Your surgeon can also determine if your implants have dropped within your breasts or rotated. This can help you discover why you may need to replace your breast implants.
Can You Experience Breast Implant Illness from Old Implants?
Preventing breast implant-related illness is one of the most important reasons for breast implant replacement. Since old implants have a higher chance of rupture, they also have higher risks of pain, discomfort, and scar tissue development. However, by replacing your implants with the guidance of an experienced plastic surgeon, you can mitigate these risks.
It’s also important to remember that old implants, even when ruptured, do not lead to breast cancer. Discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon for detailed answers.
What Steps Should You Take If You Decide to Replace Your Breast Implants?
If you feel that your implants are causing discomfort or pointing to other signs of replacement, you can take the following steps to get them replaced.
- Schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon
- Discuss your concerns with the surgeon
- Get a physical checkup
- Choose your replacement implants
- Finalize your surgery date
- Follow instructions to prepare for the surgery and recovery
Schedule Your Breast Implant Replacement in Nashville, TN
After learning the reasons it’s important to replace breast implants, you might want to start the process without any delay. With double board-certified plastic surgeon Michael Cash, MD, you can prioritize your health with a personalized breast implant replacement plan and ensure your aesthetic goals.
To schedule your consultation, contact Nashville Plastic Surgery online or call (615) 454-2271.