Not true. Implants are not lifetime devices and so you should expect that removal with or without replacement is to be expected for any implants given a long enough timeframe. However, there is no arbitrary or set time period, although the 10-year figure is commonly misquoted. It is likely that most women can go at least 15-20 years or more without the need for a replacement which should only be based on noting a problem confirmed by signs or symptoms, usually along with an imaging study and in consultation with a plastic surgeon and not simply based on an arbitrary number of years. There is no such law and although the major manufacturers all warranty the cost of the implants for a lifetime, the cost of the procedure is not free.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

No, I don't think that's true. Implants (4th generation) would last, on average, about 10-11 years before rupture or capsular contracture or other reason to be replaced. But there are certainly patients for whom they last much longer. FDA recommends MRI for screening for rupture, but that is a hefty out of pocket charge—many women don't pursue the screening test, thus many ruptures are picked up on a mammogram as women over 40 are recommended to have those annually.

Published on Jul 11, 2012