Breast Implants After 10 Years

Breast implants have transformed the lives of many women by enhancing their body image and confidence with the size and shape they have always wanted. The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) reported that over 2.1 million women worldwide underwent breast augmentation procedures in 2022, indicating the huge demand for this cosmetic procedure.

Dr. Viral Desai, often called the best plastic surgeon in Mumbai, comments:

“The majority of women are unhappy with the shape, size, or symmetry of their breasts because of their genes, age, or life events like pregnancy. Breast implants are medical devices that are meant to beautify breasts by offering volume and shape. It is, however, reasonable for women to wonder how long-lasting these implants are. Knowing how breast implants perform over the long term allows patients to make educated decisions and have realistic expectations.”

Dr. Desai has almost 25 years of experience and is a well-known expert for breast implants in Mumbai.

Let’s delve into the longevity and considerations of breast implants after 10 years.

What Happens to Breast Implants After 10 Years?

Breast implants will change over time and can influence the way they appear and feel. In 10 years, implant breakage, capsular contracture, and breast tissue changes can make the implants appear and feel different. You will need regular monitoring to assess the condition of your breast implants after 10 years.

Concerned about your breast implants’ condition after a decade? Schedule a consultation with a seasoned plastic surgeon for personalized guidance.

Schedule an appointment

Potential Complications

While breast implants are designed for durability, they aren’t lifetime devices. The longer they’re in place, the higher the likelihood of complications. Some potential issues include:

Implant Rupture:

Saline and silicone implants rupture over time. Saline ruptures are immediately apparent as deflation, while silicone ruptures may be silent and only found on imaging. Rupture rates for implants vary between 1.1% and 17.7% at six to 10 years post-primary augmentation, as per the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Breast Implant Illness (BII): Women have described systemic symptoms of fatigue, brain fog, and arthritis, which are thought to be linked to their implants. Although BII is not an official diagnosis, studies continue to understand its implications.

Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL): An extremely rare immune system cancer linked with textured implants. Regular follow-up is required for early detection.

Understanding these possible complications highlights the need for regular check-ups with your physician to protect the safety and satisfaction of your implants.

How to Alleviate Pain 10 Years After Breast Implants

Pain 10 years after implantation is not uncommon. Here’s what you can do for relief:

Regular Monitoring: Set up regular check-ups to detect problems like capsular contracture early.

Support Bras: Wearing properly fitting bras can be of great help and minimize tension.

Medication: Taking over-the-counter pain relief medication can help, but first check with your doctor.

Physical Therapy: Exercising to strengthen chest muscles will improve how you feel.

If the pain persists, you should see a doctor to find the primary cause and get the required treatment.

Maintaining Breast Implants

Taking proper care of your implants will make them last longer and remain appealing. Here are some tips to take into consideration:

Regular Imaging: MRI or ultrasound scans can detect silent ruptures, particularly in silicone implants.

Self-Exams: Look often for changes in shape, size, or strange sensations.

Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain yourself at a consistent weight to prevent stretching or sagging of the breast tissue.

Sun protection: Shield the scar from the sun to avoid darkening.

Stay Safe: Protect your chest from injuries that could damage the implants.

Routine maintenance can also minimize problems such as breast implant hardening up after 10 years and prevent breast implants sagging after 10 years due to loss of elasticity in the skin.

Wondering how your breast implants are doing? Reach out to a qualified plastic surgeon for a thorough checkup.

Schedule an appointment

When to Visit a Surgeon

There are certain signs that suggest a professional evaluation is needed:

Observable Changes: Changes in breast shape, size, or symmetry.

Chronic Pain: Continuous pain or discomfort.

Unfamiliar sensations: Numbness, tingling, or burning.

Visible Rippling: The wrinkles or folds of the implant are visible under the skin.

Dr. Viral Desai, one of Mumbai’s top cosmetic surgeons, advises:

“Regular check-ups are important to watch the condition of your breast implants. Finding potential problems early helps you get the right treatment on time, which keeps both your health and appearance good.”

Conclusion

Breast implants have revolutionized the lives of most women, improving their self-confidence and satisfaction. As with all medical devices, they require ongoing care and maintenance. Understanding what changes and issues to anticipate after a decade is most crucial.

Dr. Viral Desai, a seasoned plastic surgeon from Mumbai, emphasizes:

“Taking care of your breast implants makes them last longer and keeps you healthy. Regular visits to your doctor and honesty with your surgeon are important parts of taking care of your implants.”

Are you concerned about your breast implants? Schedule an appointment with a professional to discuss your options.

Schedule an appointment

FAQ

Do breast implants shift after 10 years?

Yes, they can. With time, things like aging, gravity, weight gain or loss, or how your body heals can move or shift the implants. This can cause one side to look different from the other or look strange, and it is a good thing to bring up with your surgeon if you see anything different.

Is it possible for the breast implants to become hard after 10 years?

Not really. If your implants feel too hard or too tight, it could be an indication that you have capsular contracture — when the scar tissue around the implant becomes tight. This is one of the more common complications with breast implants after 10 years and should certainly be examined by a professional.

How do pregnancy and breastfeeding influence breast implants after more than 10 years?

Pregnancy will cause your own breast tissue to become larger and smaller, and this may change the shape or position of your implants. Breastfeeding is usually safe with implants, but some women notice that they feel different, their breasts are less firm, or hang lower after breastfeeding. These are different for everybody.

What is "bottoming out," and can it occur after 10 years?

“Bottoming out” is when the implant shifts below the natural fold of the breast and makes the nipple appear too high on the chest. It can do this gradually, particularly if the tissues that support the implant weaken over time. Supportive bras and regular follow-up visits can prevent it.

Do breast implants need to be replaced every 10 years?

Not necessarily. Most people believe that implants need to be exchanged after a decade, but the scenario is more complex. If your implants are fine, soft, and not giving you any trouble, you might not have to exchange them.

References:

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/articles/heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-capsular-contracture

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21724-breast-implants

Disclaimer: The information shared in this content is for educational purposes only and not for promotional use.