Tag Archives: Breast Implants

How Long Do Breast Implants Last?

Breast Augmentation in San Diego, CA Many patients are drawn to the breast augmentation procedure because of the appeal of life-long breast enhancements. However, the belief that these procedures can produce life-long results may be incorrect. Although breast implants are designed to last a lifetime, the truth is, many of them are replaced at some point. In reality, breast implants are replaced after about 15 years. Don’t worry, this isn’t a firm rule because of the breast implants themselves – it’s more a preference of the patient who has them. Below, we’ll break down what you need to know about how long breast implants last.

10 to 20+ Years

There’s a false belief that breast implants last only 10 years, which is an estimate made with outdated information and a breast implant manufacturing process that is no longer accurate. Today, breast implants are carefully engineered to last decades, even in the event of a rupture. This means that today’s breast implants are much safer than they used to be, and patients don’t necessarily need to worry about replacing their implants during their lifetime.

… Until They Get Removed or Replaced

That being said, many patients choose to replace or remove their implants at some point in their life. This can happen for a number of reasons. For starters, patients may choose to remove their breast implants if they’re no longer happy with the size of their implants. These patients may choose to go back to their natural breast size, or they may choose to replace them with new implants that are better aligned with their cosmetic goals. In either case, the implants are simply removed as a matter of personal preference, but not due to any sort of expiration of the implants themselves.

In some cases, though, there may be an issue with the breast implant that requires them to be removed and/or replaced. For example, if there is some sort of complication with the implant, such as a rupture, hardening or a shift in positioning, the implant will need to be removed for both cosmetic and health reasons. In these cases, the patient then has the option to permanently remove the implants or replace them with new ones.

Breast Implant Removal/Replacement

For patients who require breast implant removal or replacement, the procedure is not unlike the initial breast augmentation surgery. An incision will be made in the breasts in order to access and remove the implants, and in many cases, the incision location that was used for your initial surgery can be used again to prevent any additional scarring. Keep in mind that breast implant replacement will require a slightly longer surgery, and may lengthen the recovery process following your treatment.

If you are seeking breast implant removal or replacement, contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Pollack.

Top 5 Questions about Breast Lifts and Breast Implants Answered

Having sagging breasts can be a drag. We know that breast enhancement surgery can be a big decision, so we want to make sure you feel as informed as possible before getting your procedure. Here are our top five most frequently asked questions about breast lifts and breast implants.

How long does it take to recover from a breast lift?

It really only takes about seven to 10 days to make an initial recovery from your breast lift. After about a week, Dr. Pollack clears most patients to return to their normal daily activities including work. While you will be required to wear a compression bra for the following three to four weeks, patients are able to return to their normal lives. Within a few months, your breasts will settle into their final shape and position, and your scars will begin to fade.

Do breast implants feel like real breasts?

Yes, breast implants do feel like real breasts. We understand that breast implants have a bad rap for looking and feeling unnatural. However, with new advances in the beauty industry, breast implants look and fell more real than ever before. Silicone breast implants that have been adoringly dubbed the “gummy bear breast implant” are teardrop shaped to mimic the projection of a natural breast and have a firm, but soft texture to closely resemble a real breast. Don’t believe us? Ask Dr. Pollack to see some sample implants during your consultation.

Is there a natural option to a breast lift?

While exercising your chest may help to lift the breasts to some extent, sagging breast caused by lax or loose skin can really only be solved through surgical methods. Some patients either do so by increasing the size of the breast to replace lost volume that causes the sagging, while other patients remove the excess skin with a breast lift. Either procedure yields natural-looking and potentially permanent results for the ultimate upgrade.

Are breast implants safe?

Yes, breast implants are absolutely safe to get. If they weren’t, do you really think we’d be letting people get them? Breast implants are made from a soft silicone shell with either a sterile saline solution or a sterile silicone gel on the inside, giving them their signature shape and feel. All materials that make up the breast implant are completely hypoallergenic, limiting adverse effects in patients.

Do I need to get breast implants with my breast lift?

No, you don’t need to get breast implants in addition to your breast lift. Many women who choose to undergo a breast lift often have sagging or hanging breasts due to lost volume because of their age, having undergone pregnancy or going through major weight loss. Because of this, they wish to restore the volume that has been lost in the breasts over time. However, if you’d like to keep the original size of the breasts and just remove skin that causes them to sag, a breast lift can be done alone.

If you still have any lingering questions about your breast lift or breast implants, contact us to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Pollack today.