Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Breast implants currently in use do not have expiration dates after being surgically inserted. However, this doesn't mean that they last forever. In many cases, breast implants will have to be removed or replaced at some point. The average lifespan of a breast implant, according to the Institute of Medicine is 16 years, although many implants last significantly longer than that.

As with any device, over time, both saline and silicone breast implants wear down, which can cause leakage of the implant material. Depending on the specific type of implant you have, and other individual factors, this can occur sooner or later, but if left intact long enough, your implants will eventually degrade and have to be removed.

A very small percentage of breast implants—less than 3% in all categories—will have to be removed within three years of the breast augmentation procedure. This is usually a result of underfilling the implant, which can create greater friction inside the body and result in early degradation of the implant walls.

This does not mean that every woman with breast implants will have to have them removed, however. Many implants remain intact and safe long enough that they do not require removal. In the case of saline implants, even a degraded and leaking breast implant will not necessarily have to be removed unless the patient chooses to for cosmetic reasons, as saline leaks have not been shown to cause any serious health risks.

To learn more about your plastic surgery options if you live in the Chicago, Illinois area, please contact cosmetic surgeon Dr. Otto J. Placik today to schedule your confidential consultation.