How Long Do Breast Implants Last?
Posted June 04, 2025 in Plastic Surgery
Breast augmentation with breast implants can provide a comprehensive breast makeover: increasing breast size, improving breast shape, and correcting asymmetries. However, breast implants are not lifetime medical devices, and many patients want to know how long they can expect them to last. This blog discusses the lifespan of certain breast implants, how differences in implant type affect longevity, and what you can do to keep your implants intact.
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Breast Implant Options
Not all breast implants are created equal, and if you’re investing in a breast augmentation, you certainly want to make sure your implants will last. Although breast implants are not considered lifetime devices, some brands and materials yield better quality products.
Generally, saline and silicone breast implants last between 10 and 20 years, although some patients keep theirs for even longer. There’s some variation in the data, but as breast implants age, the risk of rupture or other complications increases by about 1% per year.
When Do Breast Implants Need to Be Replaced?
As breast implants age, the silicone shell begins to deteriorate, which can result in a rupture, deflation, leaks, and capsular contracture (although these issues are rare, they can occur at any time).
It’s true that some implants will last quite a long time without any issues—it’s not uncommon for patients to have their breast implants for over 20 years. If your implants are not causing you any health issues, there is no evidence of rupture, and they are still satisfactory to you, there’s no urgent reason to change them.
But for new breast augmentation patients, it’s good to know what you can expect from this investment.
Saline vs. Silicone: Does One Type Last Longer?
Breast augmentation patients have the choice between saline and silicone (including gummy bear) breast implants. Each type has its own pros and cons that relate more to the patient’s preferences and goals for the procedure.
Saline:
- Silicone shell filled with sterile saline
- Ideal for patients with adequate breast tissue
- Best when placed under the muscle to reduce the risk of rippling
- More cost-effective than silicone
Silicone:
- Silicone shell filled with cohesive silicone gel
- Mimics the look and feel of natural breast tissue
- Less likely to ripple than saline
- Requires MRI screenings to check for silent ruptures
Gummy Bear:
- Silicone shell filled with highly cohesive silicone gel
- Mimics the look and feel of natural breast tissue
- Maintains its shape when punctured
- Requires MRI screenings
Because there is no strong correlation between implant type and the longevity of the implants, breast augmentation patients should be shopping for implant types based on their preferences and goals for the procedure.
What Happens If My Implant Ruptures?
If you have saline breast implants, you’ll know when they’ve ruptured. The saline (saltwater) solution that makes up the core of the implant will be easily absorbed by the body, so you won’t have any real risks. You will, however, be able to see a difference in the implant size and shape as they will visibly deflate.
Silicone implants are a different story, as the cohesive gel is much harder to detect if a rupture occurs (i.e., “silent ruptures”). The more cohesive the silicone is, the less likely it is to leak into the breast capsule, which is one of the reasons gummy bear implants are so popular: they hold their shape when punctured. However, loose silicone gel in the body can cause health risks, so your plastic surgeon will advise routine MRI screenings for all types of silicone implants to check for ruptures or leaks.
If your implant ruptures, you’ll need to make an appointment with your surgeon to have the implant removed or replaced.
Know Your Warranty
At Careaga Plastic Surgery, Dr. Careaga and Dr. William know how important it is that you receive a safe and satisfactory breast augmentation experience, which is why our office uses Sientra® Platinum20™ implants. These high-end implants come with a product replacement and warranty program in the unlikely event of an implant failure, like rupture or capsular contracture.
Using Sientra® Mirror virtual visualization technology, our plastic surgeons will work with you to determine the best possible implant type, placement, projection, and size to give you the breasts of your dreams. During your consultation, they will also walk you through the implant selection process and help you make the best decision for you and your body.
Want to Learn More About Breast Augmentation in Coral Gables, FL?
If you’d like to schedule a comprehensive breast augmentation consultation with one of our talented, board-certified plastic surgeons, call Careaga Plastic Surgery today at (305) 929-0445 or fill out our contact form to get started.