Whether they are done for personal style reasons or as part of a larger medical procedure, breast implants have become increasingly popular for many women. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, nearly 300,000 women had breast augmentation surgery in 2022, making it the most commonly performed elective surgical procedure in the United States. However, many women — whether they’ve undergone surgery for breast implants or are considering it — still ask the same question: How long do breast implants last?
The Types of Breast Implants
Before we delve into the answer to that question, let’s first examine the different types of breast implants. Breast implants can generally be categorized into two types: saline or silicone.
Saline implants are composed of a silicone outer shell and are filled with a sterilized salt solution. They are considered to have some benefits over silicone models, namely being more easily detected in case of rupture and requiring an initially smaller incision site for placement. Their main disadvantage is that they’re more likely to cause rippling under the skin, making them potentially more noticeable than silicone implants.
Conversely, silicone implants are composed of both a silicone shell and silicone gel. They generally move and feel more like a natural breast, but are made of a more durable, longer-lasting material. They also have a relatively lower rupture rate. It should be noted, though, that women with silicone implants will need to have the gel pads in their implants periodically checked for leakage.
The Longevity of Breast Implants
While breast implants are designed to be long-lasting, they are not designed to be permanent. As a result, most women will need to have them replaced at some point. In some cases, women may have to replace their implants in as little as 10 years. According to the FDA, the average life expectancy of breast implants is around 10 years. However, many women can expect to their implants to last for 20 years or longer.
The longevity of breast implants can depend on a variety of factors, including both the type and placement of the implants. Women who have implants placed behind the breast tissue or beneath the pectoral muscle may have longer-lasting results than women who have their implants placed above the breast tissue. The quality and care taken during the procedure itself can also be a factor, as improperly placed or damaged implants are more likely to fail earlier than expected.
Dr. Jack Peterson’s Expertise in Kansas
Whether you have already had surgery for breast implants or are considering it, it’s important that you consult with an experienced plastic surgeon before making any decisions. Dr. Jack Peterson is one of Kansas’ most trusted plastic surgeons, with over 20 years of experience. He keeps up to date with the latest innovations to provide his patients with the best and most reliable results. Dr. Peterson specializes in breast augmentation and is highly skilled at identifying the most appropriate implant for his patients’ needs.
Furthermore, Dr. Peterson and his team are dedicated to ensuring that each patient understands their procedure, its risks, and its follow-up care before they make any decisions. Dr. Peterson will take the time to listen to your concerns and provide you with personalized plans to ensure satisfaction.
To learn more about breast augmentation surgery and to schedule an appointment, give Dr. Peterson’s office a call today.
