With its ability to enhance the size and shape of your breasts, breast augmentation can work wonders for attaining your ideal figure. But as you look towards improving the symmetry of your breasts through implants, the question of how long do breast implants last may also come to your mind.
With the expertise of Beverly Hills breast augmentation specialist Dr. Gabrielle B. Davis, you can get the answer to this pressing question before your procedure. During your consultation, you’ll learn not only the projected duration of your breast implants but also how to make long-term plans to maintain your new physique.
To help you learn more about how long your breast augmentation can last and exactly why do you need to replace breast implants, here is an overview of the procedure and its aftereffects.
What Are Breast Implants?
Breast implants are biocompatible prosthetics that are placed under your skin and within your breast tissue. In turn, they enhance the size, shape, and overall definition of your breasts. These implants are used in breast augmentation surgery to enhance the contours and appearance of your breasts.
There are two types of FDA-approved breast implants, which include:
- Silicone Implants. These implants have a silicone outer shell that is filled with a silicone gel.
- Saline Implants. These implants also have a silicone external shell, but they are filled with a saltwater solution.
How Long Do Breast Implants Last?
Typically, breast implants can last up to 10 years before they start showing any signs that call for their replacement or removal. However, for many patients, breast implants can last as long as 20 years without causing any problems. This makes breast augmentation a long-lasting procedure that helps you retain your ideal proportions for the foreseeable future.
It is important to note that the chance breast implant rupture increases by 1 percent each year after your surgery. With that being said, many patients can easily retain their implants for multiple decades. Since the actual duration varies from person to person, it is important that you discuss your needs with your surgeon at any sign of discomfort with your implants.
Why Do You Need to Replace Breast Implants?
You may need to replace your breast implants due to the following reasons.
Implant Rupture
If your implant ruptures, it can cause visual and functional problems. In the case of saline implant rupture, the saline solution gets resorbed by the surrounding tissue. This causes your breasts to deflate, losing their volume and shape.
If your silicone implant ruptures, it can gradually change your breast’s appearance and cause issues such as muscle ache, tingling, and burning sensations. This is often trickier to spot, which is why it is necessary that you see a doctor after noting the physical symptoms. It is important to schedule your annual mammogram, MRI, or other testing per your doctor’s recommendation.
Scar Tissue Hardening
If the scar tissue around your breast implants hardens, it is called capsular contracture, and it can cause symptoms such as pain, discomfort, and clear modifications in the appearance of your breast implants. This effect makes its presence known overtime but needs to be investigated as soon as you identify it.
Position Change
After learning how long do breast implants last, you can rest assured of their long-term benefits. However, they sometimes change their position within your breasts and need to be removed or replaced. But in some cases, getting a breast lift can also resolve this issue.
Rippling
In some cases, your implants can cause wrinkles to appear across your breasts. These wrinkles can be prominent and might also be evident to the touch. Since it causes an aesthetic issue, it requires implant replacement.
Consult with Dr. Gabrielle B. Davis for Breast Augmentation in Beverly Hills, CA
Through her skills and expertise in performing breast augmentation, Dr. Gabrielle B. Davis can help you answer all your questions about breast implants in Beverly Hills, CA. This helps you learn how the long-term outcome of breast implants can suit your needs.
To attain your ideal feminine form, contact us to schedule your personalized consultation today.