January 26, 2026 | Breast Surgery
6 minute read
Breast augmentation is an exciting opportunity to achieve the curvaceous silhouette you desire. If you’re considering breast enhancement with implants, you may be wondering how long breast implants last—how long will you be able to enjoy your results? When will you have to start thinking about replacement? This blog will discuss how long implants last, factors that affect their longevity, and when it’s time to replace them.
Table of Contents
- How Long Do Breast Implants Last?
- How To Increase Implant Longevity
- When Should I Replace My Breast Implants?
- What Is Breast Revision Like?
- Breast Implant Warranties
How Long Do Breast Implants Last?
Breast implants don’t technically expire, but they aren’t guaranteed to last forever. The FDA approves breast implants for up to 10 years, although if a patient is satisfied with her implants, there’s no need to replace them even after 10 years.
The average lifespan of breast implants is 10 to 20 years, although some women have implants that last well beyond 20 years. Modern implant technology uses safer materials that last longer than devices made before 2000. They’re also safer in the event of rupture. Still, some people will experience complications or aesthetic concerns that require their implants to be removed or replaced within 10 years or as they age.
How to Increase Implant Longevity
One of the most common reasons patients have their implants removed or replaced is unhappiness with size and shape. It is natural for aesthetic tastes to change over time. However, one way you can make your implants last is to choose a size and shape you can see yourself living with for 10 to 20 years.
It’s worth the time in planning your breast augmentation. Choosing a plastic surgeon with experience relates to a final good outcome. It is important that you do your research and choose your surgeon carefully.
Dr. Elisa Burgess is a double board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast surgery. During consultations, she takes the time to understand your goals and guide you through your options so you’ll love your results. To offer her patients the best possible experience, she uses advanced technologies such as Mindray, a high-resolution ultrasound device that allows for breast implant monitoring without exposure to radiation.
When Should I Replace My Breast Implants?
As long as you’re happy with your implants and aren’t experiencing complications, you don’t have to replace your implants. The following issues may be signs that breast implant replacement or removal is necessary.
Breast Implant Hardening
If your implants feel hard, it may be a rare sign of capsular contracture. You may experience changes in sensation, such as tightness, pain, or tenderness. Cosmetic changes can also indicate contracture, such as distorted or overly round implants, implants that sit too high on the chest, or visible implant edges.
Silicone Implant Rupture
Silicone gel is thicker than saline solution, so when a rupture occurs, the gel is often contained within the implant or the surrounding scar tissue. Ruptured silicone implants often fly under the radar, which is why they’re also known as silent ruptures. Symptoms of silicone implant rupture can include breast firmness, change in size or shape, new lumps, swelling, pain, and tenderness.
It’s a good idea to have your implants monitored every year or so, to catch silent ruptures and assess implant health.
Saline Implant Rupture
When a saline implant ruptures, the saltwater solution leaks out and is safely absorbed by your body. This leak can occur instantly or over a few days. Usually, it’s quite obvious when a saline implant has ruptured—your breasts will look noticeably different from each other.
Breast implant ruptures are typically rare in the first few years, but the risk increases over time.
Implant Rippling or Palpability
If your breast implants have developed wrinkles or ripples that are noticeable under your skin, it may be time to replace them. Palpability means you can feel these wrinkles when you touch your breast.
Change in Position
As you age or experience weight fluctuations, your breasts may stretch or start to sag. Some patients notice one breast hangs lower than the other, or their nipples point in different directions than they did before.
If these changes result in a breast appearance that bothers you, a breast lift or implant exchange can help rejuvenate the breasts and restore their previous aesthetic.
What Is Breast Revision Like?
If you’re experiencing changes in your breast implants or want to change size or shape, you might be considering breast revision surgery. Just like with your initial breast augmentation, you’ll schedule a consultation with a highly qualified plastic surgeon, ideally one who’s board-certified and has robust experience with breast surgeries.
During your consultation, you and your surgeon will discuss which surgical plan best suits your needs and goals. Your options may include:
- Implant removal
- Implant removal and breast lift
- Implant exchange, with or without breast lift
Breast Implant Warranties
All the breast implants from companies, such as Motiva®, Natrelle®, Sientra®, and Mentor®, have a lifetime rupture warranty for peace of mind. Sientra® implants also offer a 20 year warranty for revision surgeries due to Baker grade III and IV capsular contracture, late forming seromas, and double capsules. Motiva® implants offer a capsular contracture policy, providing financial assistance for revision surgery for Baker grades III and IV for 10 years. Additionally, Motiva®, Natrelle®, Sientra®, and Mentor® all offer enhanced warranties that can be purchased by the patient for even more coverage. Please note that these enhanced warranties often need to be purchased within the first 30-90 days after surgery.
Learn More About Breast Implants in Portland, OR
If you’re considering breast augmentation or breast revision, the surgeon you choose can be the difference between beautiful, long-lasting results and unpleasant complications. Dr. Elisa Burgess has over 20 years of experience in breast surgery and helps patients achieve stunning results they truly love every day.
To schedule your breast augmentation or revision consultation at Burgess Plastic Surgery, please call (503) 699-6464 or use our online contact form. We look forward to aiding you on your journey!