No. But let’s clarify where that number came from and why it’s not necessarily true. Every patient that researches breast augmentation has come across the magic number of 10. The need to replace breast implants (saline or silicone) every 10 years.
Replacing breast implants every 10 years?
In 2011, the FDA released this report on the safety of silicone breast implants. Rather than reading the 63-page report, here’s the bottom line. After 10 years of an initial breast augmentation, 1 out of 5 patients need some sort of revision procedure. That means 20% of patients need another operation due to excess scarring inside the breast (capsular contracture), broken implant etc. That also means that 80% of the patients are doing fine at 10 years.
So if you’re having some issue, sure, maybe you need to change out your implants. But with proper monitoring (self exams, physician exams), you don’t need to automatically replace your implants every 10 years.
Also keep in mind that this study was released in 2011. Since 2011, there are newer 5th generation gummy bear implants. These implants appear sturdier than the implants studied in 2011. So maybe updated 10-year data with newer implants will show a less frequent need for revision, in the sub-20% range. Keep researching for the latest data.
To check pricing on silicone breast augmentation from a doctor near you, click here.
