I’m aware that it must be all over the internet that the lifespan of a breast implant is 10 years.  And, like all things in medicine, the issue just isn’t that simple.  In short, plastic surgeons use a 10-year period to discuss the risk of needing to go back to surgery for some sort of implant-related issue.  Because of us choosing this timeline, the common perception is that implants somehow last 10 years and then just run out of steam, but this simply isn’t true.  In fact, there is a greater chance that a patient will not have to go back to surgery in 10 years than a chance that she will.

But just how long do they last then? And what are the new complication rates for the more advanced, modern implants?  Well that’s a difficult question to answer until we have more data.When the US Food & Drug Administration finally lifted its 14-year ban on silicone breast implants for use in the US in November 2006 it set some restrictions and limitations.One of those was that the manufacturers of the silicone implants are obliged to collect follow-up data on 40,000 implant users for 10 years following surgery.

This was a very conservative step, especially since the FDA approval was based on safety studies carried out over the previous 10 years.The next 10 years will surely settle the question of implant lifespan.

Silicone implants have been in use worldwide without restriction for over thirty years and in the US for reconstructive surgery and approved trials throughout the years of the FDA ban.Studies show that silicone implants are as long lasting and safe as saline implants and that both, while classified as non permanent, can last a lifetime.

One of the most important decisions in breast augmentation is the choice of breast implant size. There are many steps to finding a good size, but really the best and most accurate method is to use a real implant to show patients how it will look. In my office patients place real implants on their bodies to see how comfortable they feel with each size level.

Natural breast augmentation is all about bodily balance, and it’s best to put a little work in trying on implants in order to really get this right. Actually, most breast augmentation patients find that trying on implants isn’t work at all – it’s actually very enlightening and fun for patients to explore their breast size comfort zone with implant sizers.

Because it is not often discussed, most women with considerable breast asymmetry feel that they are alone in their situation.However, I can say that the majority of women I see, regardless of the reason, have a difference in size, shape or position of the breasts from side to side.

One of the goals of all types of breast surgery is to improve the symmetry of the breasts.In breast augmentation, different amounts of volume can be added, and in breast reduction or breast lift surgery a small amount of extra breast tissue can be removed from the larger side.

There is really no such thing as “poisoning” from silicone.  Over the years there have been extensive studies and research done by respectable universities that show medical grade silicone is nontoxic.  This was following intense debate on the risks associated with silicone and silicone implants, and as a result the topic has been thoroughly examined and the fears proven to be unfounded.

Another thing to remember is that silicone is actually found in the body in small amounts, and it abounds in modern day products such as foods and lotions, just to name a few.

However it is possible that if silicone leaks, the body can react to the silicone and get inflamed in the region where the silicone has leaked. This inflammation is not common but is possible, and seems to be more common with older implants. If there are any questions about silicone leaks in your implants, or you fear the possibility see your doctor.

The FDA has approved silicone breast implants as safe for implantation (in November of 2006) after being off the market for several years due to fears they could be linked to autoimmune disorders, cancer, and other health issues.  These issues were shown in large good studies to be unsubstantiated, and so silicone is once again being used for modern day implants.  Some of the greatest risk factors seem to be capsular contracture, or hardening and scarring of the breast tissue.

Silicone implants since being allowed back on the market are generally the top choice over saline implants because they tend to feel more ‘real’ than saline implants.  Regardless, it’s always best to have a detailed discussion with your doctor during a consult so you understand the pros and cons of silicone, and can make an informed and educated decision on what type you’d like to go with.

This is an intensely debated question without a simple answer. Some doctors suggest a rupture may happen in 10-15 years.  Others remind us that for many patients a rupture may never happen.  The FDA cites a rupture rate of about .05% at 3 years.  Because of these figures the implant companies have recommended an MRI to scan for ruptures 3 years after implantation, and every two years following.

The rate really depends on what generation of implant you are using, as it will vary with each. Like all human made objects, implants keep getting safer and more advanced all the time. Regardless, for whatever the reason the life of an implant is not indefinite.  For modern implants today, the rate of rupture is probably around 2-7% within 5 years.

On November 17, 2006 the FDA finally approved silicone breast implants for breast augmentation. This was certainly a momentous day for breast augmentation surgery as it allows for women to have this important option when they consider breast enhancement surgery. Certainly there is a lot to talk about regarding the pros and cons of breast augmentation with saline or silicone implants – much that is beyond the scope of this short blog entry.

All the while that silicone implants have been banned in the United States for cosmetic breast augmentation, they still have been used widely throughout the world, and even were used routinely in the United States for breast reconstruction surgery. Just as automobiles have advanced dramatically in the past 15-20 years, so have silicone breast implants. Now we have a chance for our cosmetic patients to benefit from the knowledge and technical improvements gained in those years.

I’m aware that it must be all over the internet that the lifespan of a breast implant is 10 years.

And, like all things in medicine, the issue just isn’t that simple. In short, plastic surgeons use a 10-year period to discuss the risk of needing to go back to surgery for some sort of implant-related issue. Because of us choosing this timeline, the common perception is that implants somehow last 10 years and then just run out of steam, but this simply isn’t true. In fact, there is a greater chance that a patient will not have to go back to surgery in 10 years than a chance that she will.

But just how long do they last then? And what are the new complication rates for the more advanced, modern implants? Well that’s a difficult question to answer until we have more data.When the US Food & Drug Administration finally lifted its 14-year ban on silicone breast implants for use in the US in November 2006 it set some restrictions and limitations.One of those was that the manufacturers of the silicone implants are obliged to collect follow-up data on 40,000 implant users for 10 years following surgery.

This was a very conservative step, especially since the FDA approval was based on safety studies carried out over the previous 10 years.The next 10 years will surely settle the question of implant lifespan.

Silicone implants have been in use worldwide without restriction for over thirty years and in the US for reconstructive surgery and approved trials throughout the years of the FDA ban.Studies show that silicone implants are as long lasting and safe as saline implants and that both, while classified as non permanent, can last a lifetime.