When should breast implants be exchanged? A study of the lifespan of breast implants

Objective: To study changes in breast implants according to time since impl antation. Methods: 51 implants were removed from 30 patients over a 7-year period. 27 patients had 45 silicone-gel filled implants, 2 Misti(R) gold implants, an d 1 saline-filled implants. The indications for implantation were cosmetic augmentation (n = 17), subcutaneous mastectomy (n = 7) and breast reconstru ction (n = 6). Capsular contraction was the most common indication for expl antation. Results: 25 implants were removed before 10 years, 9 between 10 and 15 year s, and 17 after 15 years. 56% of the implants removed before 10 years were intact compared with 56% and 29% of those removed later. 11 (44%), 4 (44%) and 12 (71%) of shells, respectively, were defect. In 24 patients the impla nt was exchanged. Two patients underwent autologous breast reconstruction a nd two patients mastopexy after implant removal. Two patients remained with out an implant. Conclusion: These data indicate that the risk of breast implant failure inc reases 10 to If years after implantation.