It’s shocking that there are so many plastic surgeons still telling women that breast implants might last their lifetime. YouTube is filled with them. Even saying implants can last 15 – 20+ years is incredibly irresponsible.
If an implant were to seemingly last that long there needs to be discussion about destructive changes to the chest wall; gel bleed; lymph node involvement; calcification; difficulty safely removing implants; and the multitude of other ways breast implants impact health outside of a shell managing to remain intact.
Often shells that old can appear intact, but actually the shell is degraded and the integrity of the implants compromised.
NOBODY is without consequence when breast implants are in place for that long. NOBODY is without consequence from the instant breast implants are placed within a woman.
Even manufacturers and regulating bodies (FDA / Health Canada) give mixed messaging about how long breast implants last. On their websites listing risks of breast implants they say women ‘might’ need another surgery. There is no ‘might’ about it! Women WILL require another surgery to remove or replace their implants unless they die first.
Frequently women with breast implants that are 30 – 40+ years old are told by their plastic surgeons that there’s no need to remove their implants when they present asking to have them removed. They’re not offered diagnostic testing, or even a breast exam. Their plastic surgeons ask, ‘why would you want to remove them?’
These plastic surgeons need to be called out! If you come across videos with ps’s saying things like this, or if as a patient you’ve experienced being told there’s not need to remove your older implants please contact me with links and stories.
** Qualifying comment: Breast Implants should be banned, IMHO. I believe they are not safe period, nevermind last a lifetime. Women should be FULLY and TRUTHFULLY INFORMED. **
Below: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” He also says rupture is of no consequence. Untrue.
Above: “.. most patients keep their original implants .. for their entire lives.” The incidence of device failure is significantly higher than he claims!
Below: 29 year old silicone breast implants
Below: 20 year old textured saline breast implants
Below: 25 year old silicone breast implants
Above: 34 year old saline breast implants
Below: 27 year old silicone breast implants
Below: 27 year old breast implant – no visible sign of rupture
Below: 25 year old textured breast implants
Below: 31 year old silicone breast implant with tissue growing inside
Below: Scar capsule from 31 year old silicone breast implant
Breast Implant Failure & Illness 