Any type of breast implant whether saline filled or silicone filled can have issues over time including "failure" (leak, rupture or deflation), encapsulation/capsular contracture or displacement/malposition. Color change is not unusual over a long time but mold and smell issues are very rare., The message is that all breast implants (for that matter most surgical implants) are not considered lifetime devices and should be monitored and replaced or removed at some time...typically with breast implants the failure rate increases more and more over 10-15+ years and replacement should be consider in that time frame.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

No, they won't do that. They essentially stay the same over time.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Both silicone and saline devices are safe and reasonable options. One is not "better" or "worse." They are, however, different. Patients should be aware of the inherent differences between the available implants.

Saline vs. Silicone differences include:

-The "feel": silicone is more natural

-The "look": silicone is less prone to rippling

-The "cost": silicone is more expensive

-Customization: silicone implants are pre-filled to a particular volume; saline can be adjusted on the table within a recommended range.

-Monitoring: saline implants, if ruptured, will deflate and the saline fill will be absorbed. Silicone implants require surveillance MRI's at 3 years and every 2 years after. These are rarely obtained as ruptures are "silent" and most patients are unwilling to pay the price associated with a surveillance imaging study.

-Incisions: because saline implants are placed empty they can be passed through slightly smaller incisions

Anecdotally speaking, most patients select a silicone device as it is generally more aesthetically pleasing—more natural feel with less rippling. In patients with less native breast tissue, a silicone implant is preferred. If you have concerns regarding silicone, you might consider the Ideal saline implant, which is a step above traditional saline due to its internal architecture.

With regards to your specific question, silicone implants do not grow mold. The texture will not change, although you can develop a hardening known as a capsular contracture. Color and smell cannot be appreciated through the skin. As they age, there is an increased risk of gel bleed/rupture.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Published on Jul 11, 2012

All implants should not be considered to be permanent. However, silicone filled implants are the most resilient implants. I have had patients who have kept their implants in 20 years without any issues. I have never seen an implant in over 35 years grow mold, change texture, color or smell. However, I have seen implants rupture. While rupture is rare, it is easily corrected by a relatively quick procedure. Good luck, have no fears.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

No, they will eventually leak. Do an MRI at 3, 5, 7, 9 years per FDA recommendation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

No, silicone implants should stay basically the same for a very long time, usually the lifetime of the patient.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Todays silicone implants will stay the same in terms of the things that you asked about...they wont grow mold, change texture, color, or smell. However, they can rupture. If they do rupture, most of the silicone will stay within the implant shell and if any does leak out, it stays within the capsule or pocket where the implant was placed. It doesnt travel to other parts of the body as some patients worry about. If it does rupture, you wont necessarily know as there may not be any change in how your breast feels or looks. The only definitive way to see a rupture is with an MRI. A mammogram will miss many ruptures. Also, the size of the implant (assuming no rupture) stays the same. It does not get bigger or smaller over time. The volume of your own breast tissue can increase or decrease over time, however.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Silicone implants should remain stable over years in your body but they are not lifetime devices and the shell can tear over time and you may need replacement. They should not grow mold, or smell but you can have an infection. Also, the texture should not change but you can have capsular contracture. These are great questions to discuss in more detail if you are considering having surgery. I would recommend setting up a consultation with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Silicone breast implants are inert and sealed. They are not susceptible to decay and are typically used for sizing in the office without effects, let alone when placed under the breast. When a silicone breast implant is placed in the body, it is looked at as a foreign body and the body will encapsulate it. This capsule can be soft or firm. The wear on a silicone implant was previously quoted as 1% rupture rate per year, though this may not be the case with the newer 5th generation silicone cohesive gel breast implants.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Silicone implants are filled with sterile silicone and sealed at the manufacturing facility. As such they do not grow mold. Whether smooth or textured initially, the surface does not change. I've removed hundreds and never noticed a smell. Sometimes they slightly yellow but that is inconsequential.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

The implant themselves do not grow mold or smell. There can be a slight yellowing of the implant shell, but that has to do with moisture absorption. Eventually, the outer shell may form a crack, and this can only be detected by MRI or ultrasound. However, it is not medically dangerous, and your breasts would not change shape or size.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Silicone imabts are incredibly stable. Typically timid more the changes in the natural breast tissue that contribute to alterations in appearance related to aging, volume fluctuations with weight gain/loss/nursing/lactation. Of course capsular contracture or infections can occur and breasts should be monitored under the supervision of your physician. Make sure to schedule regular mammograms.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I have never seen any of the concerns you have asked about. The new silicone implants are even more stable over time.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Great question. There are three breast implant manufacturers that supply the breast implants for US market including:
-Allergan
-Mentor
-Sientra
All three manufacturers have life-time warranties products for defects in the implants. Silicone is a stable substance and non-ractive with the human body. Anything is possible since there are so many variables, however, I would say that in general mold, texture, and smell stay the same. With tim they do change in color a bit but it does not appear to be anything that is related to growth or a micro-organism, infection, of breakdown in the implant material.

Hope this helps.

All the best,

Dr. Remus Repta
Scottsdale Plastic Surgery

Published on Jul 11, 2012

No, the silicone implants should remain the exact same over time. Occasionally they will change a like bit in terms of color ( more of a chrome color from long term oxidation), but they should never have any mold, smell strange, etc. When placed sterile by a board certified plastic surgeon, that should not happen. I hope this helps.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for your question. These implants are placed in a very sterile environment and will not grow mold, etc. There is a very small chance of infection and if so Implants will need to be replaced.

Published on Jul 11, 2012