08 Jul How Long Do Breast Implants Last?
Breast implants actually never expire, but many women choose to “upgrade” their breast augmentation after a few years. Breast implants are one of the most-requested cosmetic surgeries at Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center, and if you’re thinking about breast augmentation it’s a good idea to consider the future when choosing silicone vs. saline. Both of these popular types of breast implants are renowned for their integrity, routinely lasting 10+ years. However, years of friction between the breast and the implant’s shell can cause wear to the implant after several years. It is very rare that a woman would “need” to have a breast implant replaced and the majority of breast implants can (and do) last a lifetime, but it’s still something to discuss with your plastic surgeon.
Breast implants don’t have an official “shelf life,” but manufacturers estimate that breast implants last about a decade or more. About ten years is also the timeframe after which women reassess their preferred breast shape and size. You have numerous choices when it comes to customizing your breast implants that include saline vs. silicone, the size (cc’s), the shape, the texture, and even the placement (above or below the chest muscles). Someone may want to increase or decrease the size after a few years or change other aspects of their aesthetic.
Breast Augmentation Remains a Steadfast Favorite
Breast augmentation, which enhances the shape of the breasts with breast implants, has held the title of the most in-demand plastic surgery in America since 2006. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that over 313,000 women have opted for breast augmentation in the past two years, which is a four percent increase in years past. As more and more women consider breast augmentation, there are more conversations happening over the benefits of various types of breast implants—including how long they last.
Breast augmentation might seem like a relatively new surgery, but it’s actually been available since the 1960s. Still, breast implants as we know them today are nothing like their vintage counterparts. Today’s breast implants have evolved after decades of research that have helped them be safer, more durable, and more natural-looking than what was available in mid-century America. With this in mind, if you think you want breast implants for life, there’s a good chance that in a decade or two you’ll think about “upgrading” either for a different aesthetic or to take advantage of future breast augmentation technology that’s bound to develop.
Why Breast Implants are So Popular
Breast augmentation can dramatically improve not only your appearance, but also your confidence in every facet of your life. Some women choose breast augmentation strictly to enhance the size and shape of their breasts, while others have a primary goal of achieving symmetry. Natural breasts are very seldom 100% symmetric, but asymmetry can vary dramatically from person to person. Breast implants can help a woman feel more feminine while bolstering self-esteem, and today’s breast implant incisions are well-hidden to further optimize results.
Your breast augmentation procedure can and should be completely customized for you. With so many choices when it comes to the type and placement of breast implants, as well as the incision options, you should only trust a reputable plastic surgeon with years of experience and a fantastic before and after gallery. A surgeon who specializes in breast augmentation won’t only give you the best results possible, but will also be your go-to resource if and when you decide to upgrade or change up your breast augmentation in future years.
Keep in mind that just because breast implants don’t technically have an expiration date, manufacturers and doctors do not consider implants a lifelong device. If you get breast implants in your 20s, it’s very unlikely that you will have those same breast implants in your 60s. People change, medical technology advances, and you deserve to work with a surgeon who will be there for you now and in the future to create and sustain a gorgeous and safe breast augmentation experience. Contact Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center today at (480) 282-8386 to learn more or schedule your breast augmentation consultation. Our clinic is fully reopened and we are practicing social distancing guidelines and best practices established by the CDC and local government agencies to ensure your safety.