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How Long Do Breast Implants Last?

Posted June 16, 2025 in Breast Implants

Woman in a tan bra holding a breast implant

If you’re considering breast augmentation, you probably have a lot of questions. What type to get, size, shape, placement—they’re all things you’ll have to decide. However, a question many people may not always think about is how long breast implants last. In this blog, we’ll go over what you need to know about the longevity of breast implants. 

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The Short Answer: Most Breast Implants Last 10 to 20 Years

You’ve probably heard that breast implants need to be replaced approximately every 10 years. And while that’s a good starting point, it’s not a hard rule. Many people enjoy their implants for well over 10 years without any issues, while others might need a replacement sooner due to complications, aesthetic changes to their body, or personal preference.

In fact, according to the FDA, breast implants generally last between 10 and 20 years. Some can even last longer if there are no signs of problems. It all depends on your body, your lifestyle, and a bit of luck.

Saline vs. Silicone: Does It Make a Difference?

There are two primary types of breast implants: saline and silicone. Both are safe and FDA-approved, but they do have a few differences when it comes to longevity.

Saline implants have a silicone shell that is filled with sterile saline solution. While they are built to last, this type of implant has a slightly shorter lifespan than silicone implants, typically lasting about 10–15 years. This is often due to “fold failure,” which happens if the implant isn’t filled to capacity. The shell of the implant wrinkles or folds, rubbing against itself, and over time, this weakens the shell, eventually causing it to fail. The good news is that if a saline implant leaks or ruptures, it is immediately noticeable. Your breast will deflate, and the saline solution will be absorbed into your body.

Silicone implants also have a silicone shell filled with a thick silicone gel. The thickness of the gel gives silicone implants a natural look and feel, and because the implants are pre-filled before placement, they don’t have issues like fold failure. Silicone implants typically last 15–20 years (or longer); however, they require a bit more maintenance. Because the silicone gel is so thick, if a leak or rupture occurs, it often isn’t noticeable. This is known as a silent rupture. Because the risk of silent ruptures increases as your implants age, the FDA recommends that you undergo medical imaging beginning five years after breast augmentation, and then approximately every two to three years thereafter.  

So yes, in general, silicone implants are slightly more durable and longer-lasting, but both saline and silicone implants have a proven safety record and decent longevity.

What Are the Signs You Need Breast Implant Replacement?

Again, breast implants don’t come with a specific expiration date, but in some cases, your body might give you some hints that something isn’t right. Here are a few signs it could be time to get your implants replaced:

  • One breast looks different from the other (in shape or size)
  • A breast feels unusually firm or painful
  • There’s visible rippling or wrinkling of the implant
  • You’ve experienced trauma to the chest (from a car accident or other injury)
  • You notice an asymmetry you didn’t have before
  • You’re having health concerns that could be related to the implants

Even if you’re not experiencing any symptoms, it’s a good idea to have your implants evaluated periodically, especially once you’ve had them for 10 years.

Do Breast Implants Come with a Warranty?

Most reputable breast implant manufacturers do offer warranties that cover issues like rupture or capsular contracture. Brands and implant types may vary in what they cover, but a general idea of what coverage might look like includes:

  • Lifetime replacement for a ruptured implant
  • Financial assistance for surgery related to complications (usually within 10 years of your implant surgery)
  • Optional extended warranty for added protection

It’s worth discussing warranty options with your surgeon before undergoing breast augmentation, just so you know what kind of coverage you can expect down the line.

Can I Leave My Implants In Forever If They Feel Fine?

In some cases, yes. If your implants are still looking and feeling great after 15 or even 20 years—and you’re not experiencing any complications—there may be no medical reason to remove or replace them. With that being said, leaving your implants in longer makes it even more vital that you keep up with regular imaging tests (especially if you have silicone implants) to ensure everything remains in good shape.

Learn More About Breast Implants in Fresno

While breast implants aren’t technically designed to last forever, with proper care, they can last for many years. Besides periodic check-ins with your surgeon and regular imaging to ensure your implants are still intact, wearing supportive bras and maintaining a stable weight can keep your breast augmentation results looking gorgeous for years to come. To learn more about breast augmentation and what type of implant is right for you, it’s time to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Chin. Dr. Chin’s skill and experience in breast enhancement ensure that you receive beautiful, lasting results. To schedule an appointment, call Valley Institute of Plastic Surgery today at (559) 435-9646 or complete the online contact form.

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