Do I Need to Replace My Breast Implants Every Ten Years?
The short answer is NO, you do not need to replace your breast implants every 10 years. However, the long answer is MAYBE.
I am not sure where this myth has come about, that breast implants have to be replaced every ten years, but I have an idea.
The three currently FDA approved breast implant companies (Mentor, Allergan, and Sientra) all have a LIFE TIME WARRANTY for implant deflation. Up to ten years, the companies also provide some financial assistance. Mentor, for example, provides $1200, for saline, and $3500, for silicone implants, during the first ten years for implant failure, in addition to replacing the implant at no charge. For saline implants, an extended warranty can be obtained, currently for $100, and this doubles the financial assistance amount to $2400 (definitely worth it!). I believe this somehow turned into “all implants have to be replaced after ten years.”
Now, I do have some patients that choose to replace their implants in order to obtain another ten years of financial assistance, should the implant deflate. They are willing to pay the full cost in order to have an additional ten years of financial aid. This is a decision the patient has to make on her own. However, if the implants feel and look good, there is no rule they need to be replaced after 10 years.
Michael A. Jazayeri, M.D. is a board certified plastic surgeon in Santa Ana with over 15 years of experience. His office is located in Orange County, California. To schedule a complimentary consultation, please call (714) 834-0101.