What happens if you leave breast implants in forever?

Author: Mrs. Mable Braun  |  Last update: Tuesday, November 11, 2025

With that said, after several decades or longer, it becomes unlikely that breast implants can stand the test of time. Eventually, most implants will fail by way of rupture, deflation, or other reasons. After this point, it's important to have your implants removed or replaced for your own safety.

What happens if you never replace breast implants?

If saline implants rupture, the salt water filling in the implants is resorbed, resulting in a “flat tire” appearance. Leaving deflated saline implants in place can result in further capsular or scar tissue contracture and visible deformity of the breasts.

Can you keep breast implants for 40 years?

That said, you should not plan to have your breast implants for an entire lifetime. Breast implants do not last forever, and there are many reasons why women will choose to have their implants removed, usually anywhere from 10 to 20 years after their initial surgery.

What happens if you leave breast implants in longer than 10 years?

After 10 years of an initial breast augmentation, 1 out of 5 patients need some sort of revision procedure. That means 20% of patients need another operation due to excess scarring inside the breast (capsular contracture), broken implant etc.

What happens if a breast implant is left in too long?

Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices. The longer people have them, the greater the chances are that they will develop complications. Some complications will require more surgery. There is no guarantee that you will have a satisfactory cosmetic outcome from any reoperation.

How Long do Breast Implants Last? | Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon | Dr. Daniel Barrett

What happens if you don't remove the implant after 3 years?

The contraceptive implant is fully effective for three years, but it stops being effective if it is removed. After three years, if you want to continue using this method of contraception, you will need a new implant.

Is it okay to have breast implants for 20 years?

Well, today's breast implants last on average anywhere between 10 to 20 years, with some women having their implants beyond 20 years. It's important to note that breast implants do not come with an expiration date or a shelf life. The FDA does not consider breast implants to be lifetime devices.

At what age should breast implants be removed?

Eventually, the implants will have to be removed. Breast implants generally last 10 to 15 years. It is not unheard of for them to last longer, but the longer you have them, there is an increased risk of rupture and other complications.

What happens if you leave the implant in for more than 3 years?

The contraceptive implant needs to be replaced after 3 years because it becomes less effective at preventing pregnancy.

Will insurance cover breast implant removal?

Most insurance companies will not cover any cosmetic procedures and some will not cover complications from previous cosmetic procedures. However, many companies consider removal of breast implants medically necessary for patients with any of these conditions: Ruptured silicone gel breast implants.

How do I know if my implants need to be removed?

Who needs to have breast implant removal?
  1. Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a rare cancer that occurs in scar tissue around an implant. BIA-ALCL is associated with textured implants. ...
  2. Calcium buildup around the implant.
  3. Leaking of the implant.
  4. Movement or shifting of the implant.

What happens to breast implants after 30 years?

With that said, after several decades or longer, it becomes unlikely that breast implants can stand the test of time. Eventually, most implants will fail by way of rupture, deflation, or other reasons. After this point, it's important to have your implants removed or replaced for your own safety.

How much does it cost to have breast implants removed?

The average cost of breast implant removal surgery is $3,979, according to the latest statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This average cost is only part of the total price – it does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities or other related expenses.

Is it cheaper to have breast implants replaced?

The price of implant replacement is typically similar to that of the initial breast augmentation. However, if a patient has developed capsular contraction, prices can be more expensive as the scar tissue will need to be removed (capsulectomy) in addition to changing the implants.

Can a mammogram pop breast implants?

Very rarely, the mammogram process can rupture an implant. This is another important reason to make sure the mammography facility knows you have implants.

What do breast implants look like when you're old?

Dr. Elliot Heller explains, “As we age, the skin loses elasticity, which can sometimes make implants more visible on the sides. However, modern techniques, such as placing the implant beneath the muscle, help reduce this likelihood.

Can I get an implant 20 years after extraction?

The answer is yes. You can get a dental implant one, two, five, ten, or even twenty years later after your tooth has been removed. The important factor to consider is how much jawbone mass is available to anchor the dental implant.

What happens if you have an expired implant?

Is it safe to leave my implant or IUD in place after it has expired? It is safe for your expired device to be left until you are able to get into services again. The only risk is of an unintended pregnancy so make sure you use additional precautions such as condoms or contraceptive pills to provide protection.

Can I remove my implant myself?

One disadvantage of contraceptive implants is the need for trained healthcare providers to insert and remove them. Self-surgery (performance of a surgical procedure on oneself), can be an act taken in extreme circumstances out of necessity.

Is it OK to have breast implants for 20 years?

While it is expected for patients to replace their breast implants after 10-20 years, there are several reasons they may need to be replaced sooner.

What is the explant assistance program?

The Explant Assistance Program (EAP) is an option available to claimants who need financial help to have their implants removed. This program is designed for direct payment to the doctor and/or hospital that provides your explant service.

How to tell your plastic surgeon you are unhappy?

Table of Contents
  1. Step 1: Remain calm and patient.
  2. Step 2: Seek a second opinion or consult another surgeon.
  3. Step 3: Document your concerns and gather evidence.
  4. Step 4: Request a meeting with your surgeon again.
  5. Step 5: Consider filing a complaint.
  6. Step 6: Consult with a legal professional if necessary.

What happens to breasts when implants are removed?

Women who've had breast implants for many years are more likely to have drooping and sagging after explant surgery because the skin will have had longer to stretch. Your skin elasticity and age. Everyone has different skin, and everyone's skin reacts differently to being stretched.

Does insurance cover breast implants?

Some people can breastfeed after breast augmentation. But for others, breastfeeding is a challenge. Insurance doesn't cover breast implants. This is true unless the surgery is needed medically, such as after a mastectomy for breast cancer.

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