How Often Will I Need to Replace My Breast Implants?
If you’re considering getting a breast augmentation in Houston, you have probably been pondering this decision for a while. And as you’ve been weighing the pros and cons of the procedure, you’ve probably also done a lot of your own research on breast augmentation surgeries, including the longevity of breast implants. And as you’ve been researching, you may have been getting mixed messages. Some people say that following a breast augmentation breast implants will have to be replaced after a few years. Others say that breast implants can last a lifetime. So which one is it? Read on as Houston breast augmentation plastic surgeons Dr. Fusi & Dr. Craig discuss how long you can expect breast implants to last and why you might need to replace them in the future.
Will I Have to Get My Breast Implants Replaced Every Few Years?
Some Houston women have a fear that if they get breast augmentation surgery, they will need to get their implants replaced or lifted every few years. In most women, this is not the case. While implant longevity can vary woman to woman, the majority of women find that their implants last at least 10 to 20 years, if not a lifetime. In fact, the FDA recently reported that only about 20% of women who undergo breast augmentation have their implants replaced within 10 years. There is, however, a manufacturer warranty on the breast implants that recommends the implants be replaced at ten years.
What Are Some of the Reasons That I Would Need to Have My Breast Implants Replaced?
After Houston women learn that it is unlikely their implants will need to be replaced on a routine basis, they often wonder what signs indicate implant replacement is necessary. Here is an overview of reasons why women get their breast implants replaced:
- Leaking Implants
While breast implants are safe, it is possible for them to leak. Leaking implants don’t necessarily mean that a second breast augmentation is medically needed, but it is often performed for cosmetic reasons, as leaking implants, in particular saline implants, can change shape and size.
- Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture is commonly known as hardening of the breast implants, or the tissue surrounding the implants. If you have capsular contracture, your breast will appear hard and unnatural. In this case, reparative surgery, including the possibility of replacing your breast implants, may be indicated.
- Asymmetrical Breasts
If you’ve had a Houston breast augmentation in the past, but your breasts ended up asymmetrical, you’re very likely to want that condition fixed. Both Dr. Fusi & Dr. Craig have ample experience in repairing asymmetrical breasts at their Houston practice, which often includes switching out an implant or both implants for a different shape or size.
- Natural Aging Process
All Houston women know that gravity is not our friend when it comes to aging. Even if you’ve had an excellent breast augmentation procedure performed in the past, it’s possible that the hands of time will take a toll on the appearance of your breasts, including causing your breasts to sag, change sizes or cause your breast implants to appear rippled. If you are experiencing any of these conditions, you will likely want to have a reparative breast augmentation surgery to have your implants replaced.
- A Desire to Change Cup Size
Sometimes, Houston women decide after a breast augmentation that they picked the wrong size. And that’s okay! If you’ve had a breast augmentation in the past and now want different sized implants, you can trust Dr. Fusi & Dr. Craig to help you get the results you desire.
I Have More Breast Augmentation Questions
If you have more questions about breast augmentations, then reach out to our Houston office. Dr. Fusi & Dr. Craig are happy to answer any and all of your breast augmentation questions during an initial consultation. Schedule yours today by calling (713) 346-9909.