implant expires

shoshijoyce

hi,

I had a double Masectomy with immediate reconstruction around 12-13 years ago. i have been experiencing pain/discomfort and am seeing a new plastic surgeon. i have read that after about 10 years they are no longer good. If I have to get these removed, can i get new ones right away or do I have to wait? Has this happened to anyone & if so what did you do?

Beesie

I had my implants removed/replaced at 13 years because I was diagnosed again. Since I couldn't get the same implant that I had with my first diagnosis and the shape of the new implant was different, I had to have both sides done. My old implants, when removed, were found to be in pristine condition. So implants don't expire. I think they may be off warranty at 10 years (not sure about that) and the older the implant, the greater the chance that the implant might fail. But many implants last well beyond 10 years.

On my previous MX side, I did have the old implant removed and the new implant put in during the same operation.

VegGal

As Bessie mentioned, the warranty does expire in 10 years. Implants can stay as long as they are causing no trouble

MinusTwo

My plastic surgeon said no need to remove or replace if there are not problems. 10 years is an average but many people have implants for 20+ years with no issues. I have mine checked every other year with an ultrasound with the back up of a breast MRI if needed. So far the ULS shows the implants are fine & my aches & pains are from something else.

That said - every plastic surgeon will have his or her own protocol - so that's the only one who can tell you.

MinusTwo

Beesie - love your post on another thread that your old implant was in "pristine condition" when removed for replacement.

DaughterOfBarb

I had a breast augmentation in 2000 with silicone implants and had no trouble with them for over 21 years. They were removed during my double mastectomy earlier this year. Hoping my new set lasts as long. Your PS should be able to tell you if your pain/discomfort is related to the implants. Good luck

exbrnxgrl

I do remember when I first joined bco there were posts about replacing implants every ten years so that may have been a common practice in the past. My mo said that as long as I am not having any problems to just let them be!