How Long Do Breast Implants Last?

    INDIANAPOLIS, IN, June 19, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- When you are considering breast augmentation it is common to wonder how long the implants will last. Stories abound about leaking implants and implant ruptures, causing some women to seriously consider if this procedure is safe and long lasting. It is important to remember that no medical device can last a lifetime. Like all medical devices, breast implants can, over time, wear down and require replacement.

Why Breast Implants Fail

A majority of breast implants last for ten to 25 years. Some women may enjoy a longer lifespan and others may have to replace their breast implants before the average life expectancy. The lifespan of your implant will rely on a number of factors. One primary factor is the type of breast implant you choose. Your choices for breast implants are:

- Saline breast implants - Saline breast implants may not last as long as silicone gel filled implants, but often a rupture is easier to detect. Saline implants are more likely to ripple or wrinkle, leading to them be replaced more frequently for aesthetic reasons, but they are less likely to cause capsular contracture.

- Silicone breast implants - Silicone gel filled breast implants tend to last longer than saline filled implants. Silicone filled implants are less likely to wrinkle, but are more likely to cause capsular contracture requiring their removal.

Additional considerations include your lifestyle choices. For example, athletic women tend to endure more trauma to their chests than women who only engage in moderate forms of exercise. All of this should be discussed with you during your breast augmentation consultation with your plastic surgeon.

Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon that uses quality implants is a good way to help extend the life of your implants. Incorrectly placed implants may need to be removed for both health and aesthetic reasons. Saline breast implants that are not filled correctly can also lead to problems including an unsatisfactory appearance, and structural integrity issues. An experienced, certified plastic surgeon will take special care to avoid these types of surgical mistakes.

When a breast implant fails or requires replacement, a qualified plastic surgeon should be able to remove and replace it. The type of implant chosen for your first procedure should not impact your implant choices during a replacement, but if only replacing one it is best to keep the original type. Most surgeons will use the same incision placement, following your existing scars to minimize additional scarring.

Breast implants are a good way to look and feel better about your appearance. Being comfortable with your body is essential to living a quality life. Breast implants may not last forever, but with advancements in technique and implant quality, they have the potential to offer long lasting, beautiful results.

If you live in or around Indianapolis, Indiana and are interested in learning more about breast augmentation, please visit the website of board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph Fata at Renaissance Plastic Surgery to see how we can help you achieve the look you desire.

Website: http://www.breastsurgeryindianapolis.com

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