Breast implants do not have a fixed expiry date, and there is no need to replace them on a set schedule if they are intact and you are happy. Many implants last well over a decade, but they are not lifetime devices, and most people with implants will need further surgery at some point, either because of a problem with the implant or because the breast around it changes.
The ‘ten-year rule’ myth
It is often said that implants must be replaced every ten years. This is not current advice. The idea probably came from older generations of implants, which were less durable, and from manufacturers’ warranties, which are sometimes linked to a time period. Modern implants are made with stronger shells and cohesive silicone gel. The MHRA does not recommend routine removal or replacement of implants that are not causing problems. The decision to change them should be based on your symptoms, examination and preferences rather than a date alone.
What limits the life of an implant?
- Shell wear: over time the outer shell can weaken, and a fold or crease in the implant can become a point of wear, eventually leading to rupture.
- Capsular contracture: the scar tissue around the implant can tighten, causing firmness or distortion.
- Injury: significant trauma to the chest, such as in a car accident, can damage an implant.
- Changes in the breast: pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight change and ageing can alter how the breast sits over the implant, even if the implant itself is intact.
- Implant choice: very large implants place more strain on tissues and may lead to earlier problems such as stretching or bottoming out.
Silicone versus saline implants
Saline implants are filled with salt water. If they leak, the implant deflates noticeably, usually over days, and the salt water is absorbed by the body. Silicone gel implants are far more commonly used in the UK. Modern cohesive gel tends to stay within or near the shell if it ruptures, so a rupture may be ‘silent’, producing no obvious change. That is why a scan is sometimes recommended if symptoms suggest a problem.
Signs that your implants should be reviewed
Arrange a review with a plastic surgeon if you notice:
- Change in shape or size: one breast looking different, flatter or distorted.
- Firmness or tightness: a breast becoming hard, rounder or uncomfortable.
- New pain: persistent aching that was not there before.
- Swelling: a breast enlarging, particularly years after surgery.
- A lump: in the breast or armpit.
- Rippling or movement: visible edges, or implants that have shifted position.
A swelling of one breast many years after surgery should always be assessed, as it can occasionally be a sign of BIA-ALCL, a rare lymphoma linked mainly to textured implants. Any new breast lump should also be checked by your GP, as breast screening advice still applies to women with implants.
Breast screening with implants
Having implants does not stop you attending NHS breast screening. Tell the radiographer you have implants, as additional views may be taken. Implants can make some breast tissue harder to see, so being aware of your own breasts and reporting changes remains important.
What happens if an implant needs replacing?
If you choose to replace your implants, the options include a straightforward exchange, an exchange with capsule removal, pocket repair, an uplift, or removal without replacement. A change of implants costs from £10,000 and a change with an uplift from £13,500; implant removal starts from £7,500. The £150 consultation is separate. The cost guide explains the factors that affect the price.
Looking after your implants
Keep your implant card in a safe place, as it records the manufacturer, size and batch details that any future surgeon will need. Maintain a stable weight, wear a supportive bra during exercise and attend reviews if anything changes. Your implant details should also be recorded on the national Breast and Cosmetic Implant Registry, which helps patients be traced if a safety issue with a particular product is ever identified. Cosmetic surgery, including exchange, is only offered to adults aged 18 and over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do breast implants need replacing every 10 years?
No. There is no need to replace intact implants that are not causing problems simply because of their age.
How can you tell if a silicone implant has ruptured?
Many ruptures cause no symptoms. Changes in shape, firmness or pain are reasons to seek a review, and an ultrasound or MRI scan may be advised.
Can implants last a lifetime?
Some people keep the same implants for many years without problems, but implants are not designed to last a lifetime and further surgery is likely at some stage.
Are regular scans needed without symptoms?
Routine scans are not generally needed for people without symptoms. Your surgeon will advise if a scan would be useful.
