Replace implant every 10 years?

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hlya
hlya Member Posts: 484
edited September 2017 in Breast Reconstruction

Hi, ladies,

I read from another thread that implant might need to be replaced around every 10 years, and some articles said if the surgery was done well there is no need to be replaced, does that mean - Forever in your life?

Any stats show the successful rate of implant surgery? Or failure rate..etc....How many people out of 100 had to replace their implant?

Any informationwould help. Thanks

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  • NotVeryBrave
    NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
    edited September 2017

    I think these days the silicone gel implants are guaranteed to last for 10 years, but the expectation is that they may last many more - like maybe 20+ years.

    Most repeat surgeries are not due to a problem with the implant itself, but a problem with the healing of the patient or a dissatisfaction for one reason or another (size, shape, etc).

    Many manufacturers have tables on their websites that list the most common complications and usual rate of repeat surgeries.


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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited September 2017

    This discussion about the need to replace implants every ten years stems from misunderstanding about the manufacturer's warranty on the implants themselves. If you have an implant failure - silent rupture or leak - the manufacturer will contribute to the cost of surgery to replace them, and I believe the implant itself is covered as well, within ten years from original implantation. If this type of problem occurs beyond the ten year timeframe, it is no longer covered under warrantee by the manufacturer and it is up to your insurer to cover the full cost of the replacement product, plus surgical costs. So, this does not mean that the implants wear out or must be replaced every ten years, just that the manufacturer has no warrantee obligation beyond that.

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  • CarolinaMommy
    CarolinaMommy Member Posts: 18
    edited September 2017

    I asked my local surgeon and my plastic surgeon, and neither were optimistic about implants lasting my lifetime, but I was diagnosed young, so even if they lasted 20 years, I'd still have to replace them. I'm sure they have progressed, but here is some info I found...

    "Some will last a lifetime, while others have complications within seven years. On average, the majority of implants last 10-20 years without complications. Recent FDA reports indicate that about 20% of women will have their breast implants repaired or replaced within 10 years of the original surgery."

    "The lifespan of breast implants depends on the individual; in some cases they will need to be replaced within the first couple of years after surgery, while others can last as long as 25 years. In general though, manufacturers of breast implants say the products should last about 10 years, on average. Through normal activities, the implants will move and shift within the body over time, eventually wearing down and requiring replacement."

    I think it's hard to pinpoint bc even if the implants themselves do not rupture or have problems, there could still be complications in the body (capsular contracture,etc.). I didn't want to take a chance I'd have to replace them, but that's me- my personality is to do whatever but just be done with it. An acquaintance of mine has had hers for more than 10 years already and is perfectly well and looks fabulous.

    So, Much like everything else with bc, 'everyone is different' and there are no hard and fast answers. Boo. You go with what you and your surgeon feel the most comfortable with. I think your ps has a good deal of power to put you at ease with your choice regardless. :

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