How Long Do Breast Implants Last? (Updated 2025)

are breast implants forever?

On average, most implants last 10 to 20 years, but factors like implant type, surgical technique, and personal health can affect their longevity. If you’re considering breast augmentation, “How long do breast implants last?” is only one part of the equation to consider; you should also be asking, “How can I make them last longer?”

In this blog post, we cover breast implant longevity, how to know when it’s time for a change, and your options for future surgeries.

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Before & After Breast Augmentation Result 784 Front View in San Diego, CA
Before and After Breast Augmentation in La Jolla, California, by La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre
Before & After Breast Augmentation Result 61 Front View in San Diego, CA
Before and After Breast Augmentation in La Jolla, California, by La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre
Before & After Breast Augmentation Result 84 Front View in San Diego, CA
Before and After Breast Augmentation in La Jolla, California, by La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre
Before & After Breast Augmentation Result 688 Front View in San Diego, CA
Before and After Breast Augmentation in La Jolla, California, by La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre

Why Don’t Breast Implants Last Forever?

Women with breast implants usually have surgery again to correct changes due to aging, to reflect a lifestyle change, or to insert a different size or type of implant. Some women experience complications—such as capsular contracture or infection—that require implant replacement or removal.

Another possible reason for a second operation is unacceptable appearance. Cosmetic issues can include asymmetry, unnatural shape, unsatisfactory size, or rippling of the breast implants. This highlights how important it is to choose a fully qualified, experienced plastic surgeon. We stand by the past results, testimonials, and artistry of our surgeons, many of whom specialize in complex revisionary procedures.

How Long Do Implants Last?

No one can predict how long an implant will last because of the many factors involved, but plastic surgeons expect a 10 to 20 year lifespan. Some implants have been reported to last as long as 31 years. The older they get, the more likely that at least one will develop a problem.

It’s easy to tell if a saline implant has leaked—your body absorbs the saline solution, leaving the breast noticeably smaller. The latest generation of silicone gel implants, often called “cohesive gel” or “gummy bear” implants, are designed to maintain their shape and minimize the risk of leakage. Their highly cohesive gel filling makes them more resistant to rupture compared to earlier silicone implants.

Be sure to read Wondering About Replacing Your Breast Implants? for detailed information about knowing when to replace breast implants. 

How Can I Keep My Breast Implants Healthy?

You should monitor your implants for any changes in texture, volume, or placement and follow the current guidelines for MRI and ultrasound screenings. Mammograms are recommended for women with older silicone implants.

To improve your chances for a favorable outcome, find a plastic surgeon whose past work inspires confidence—looking at the surgeon’s breast augmentation patients’ before-and-after pictures is a good place to start. Get to know the surgeon and talk frankly about your goals. The time to do all this is at your consultation when you can also “test-drive” different implant sizes with LJC’s Curves Connection™.

WARNING:

This feature contains nudity. Please click OK to confirm you are at least 18 years of age and are not offended by such material.

Before & After Breast Implant Replacement Result 989 Front View in San Diego, CA
Before and After Breast Implant Replacement in La Jolla, California, by La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre
Before & After Breast Implant Replacement Result 51 Front View in San Diego, CA
Before and After Breast Implant Replacement in La Jolla, California, by La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre
Before & After Breast Implant Replacement Result 879 Front View in San Diego, CA
Before and After Breast Implant Replacement in La Jolla, California, by La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre
Before & After Breast Implant Replacement Result 831 Front View in San Diego, CA
Before and After Breast Implant Replacement in La Jolla, California, by La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre

What Are My Options for Revision Surgery?

If you discover your implant has a problem, you have the option of replacing it or removing it. Fortunately, implant manufacturers offer warranty programs. In the event that a saline implant deflates or a silicone implant ruptures, the manufacturer will replace the implant free of charge for the rest of your life.

That’s assuming if you want your implants replaced! Many women elect to have their implants replaced before an issue arises, whether it’s to get ahead of any possible issues or to try out a new size or style. Others undergo revision surgery to remove the scar tissue capsule that surrounds the implants (capsulectomy), while others may decide that they want to pursue explant surgery and go implant-free.

Regardless of which route you choose, our plastic surgeons will support you every step of the way with compassion and expertise.

Get Started

If you’re ready to talk with a plastic surgeon about your breast augmentation goals, give our San Diego plastic surgery practice a call at (858) 452-1981. Or use our online form to request a consultation today. We can’t wait to help you achieve the body of your dreams!

This post was originally written in September 2011 and has been updated.

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