How Long Do Breast Implants Last?
The shelf life of breast implants is unpredictable. No one can say for certain whether breast implants will last three years or 15 years. Many plastic surgeons agree that patients do not have to replace breast implants if they are satisfied with the implants and are not experiencing any complications. However, the majority of breast augmentation providers including plastic surgeon Dr. Joshua Greenwald, a leading provider of breast implants in New York, also agrees that patients should expect to have to replace implants at some point in their life.
The bottom line is that breast implants are not intended to be lifetime devices and usually need to be replaced at some point. Why? Here are some reasons (i.e., complications) that require breast implants to be replaced.
Complications Necessitating the Replacement of Breast Implants
The following list details common reasons that breast implants need to be replaced:
- The patient is not satisfied with the original results of breast augmentation surgery and desires a different size or shape of breast implants.
- The patient underwent breast augmentation surgery with an under-qualified surgeon who delivered inadequate results.
- The patient becomes unsatisfied with her breast implants as time passes, and desires a new look or feel.
- Breast implants have ruptured, a condition ranging from an imperceptible leak to complete deflation. Breast implants generally rupture as a result of outside trauma or force, such as the impact of a severe fall.
- The patient experiences symmastia, in which the two breast implants are positioned too closely together, causing breasts to appear as though they are connected in the middle.
- The patient experiences advanced capsular contracture, in which the tissue encasing the breast implants contracts, possibly causing implants to leak or rupture.
How to Minimize the Risk of Complications
There are inherent risks with every surgery; some risks cannot be avoided. However, patients can help minimize the risk of breast augmentation complications by undergoing the procedure with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Joshua Greenwald, who treats patients seeking breast implants in Connecticut and the New York area. Choosing a well-qualified plastic surgeon and following his instructions before and after surgery can help patients avoid complications, thus extending the life of breast implants.
To schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Greenwald to learn more about breast augmentation surgery with breast implants, please contact his practice by calling (914) 421-0113.
Dr. Joshua Greenwald is a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City who studied and trained at prestigious educational institutions including Columbia University, Emory University, and New York University School of Medicine. His keen aesthetic eye and refined surgical techniques have led him to be a top choice for cosmetic face, breast, and body procedures in NYC. His exceptional patient care has earned him the distinction of “Top Doc” by both Westchester Magazine and Castle & Connolly for over 10 years running. Dr. Greenwald is an active member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Medical Association, and the Westchester County Medical Society.