You may feel apprehensive about how your breast implants might age or change as time goes by. In most cases, you likely won’t experience any drastic changes; breast implants are designed to last 10 years or more. However, it’s a good idea to know what to expect as your implants age so you don’t worry needlessly.
In this post, we discuss the factors that may affect your breast implants and what you can expect.
How Your Breast Implants Can Change Throughout the Years
While most women enjoy their breast implants throughout their lifetime, they will change in appearance as you age and your body changes. Here are some cosmetic concerns you might encounter.
Sagging
After about age 25, your skin’s production of collagen and elastin begins to decline, causing your skin to lose elasticity gradually. This loss of suppleness causes your implants to droop or sag. The degree of sagging will depend on your skin health and genetics. While most women are not bothered by mild breast sagging, you may wish to undergo breast revision surgery or a breast lift to correct the issue.
If you want to know what to expect during your breast revision surgery, read this related blog.
Deflation
If your breast implants have a slightly deflated appearance, sagging (as noted above) may be the culprit. But if you see moderate to severe deflation, your implant may have ruptured. Both saline and cohesive gel silicone implants can rupture, although you will not notice it immediately with silicone gel implants.
If your saline or cohesive silicone implants rupture, you will need to replace them to avoid the risk of complications.
Asymmetry
If you notice asymmetry in your breasts, it can be due to your implants having shifted or improper placement during your procedure. If breast asymmetry makes you feel less confident or self-conscious, consider a breast revision procedure.
What Are Some Factors That Can Age Your Implants?
Both silicone and saline breast implants are covered by a silicone elastomer outer shell that is very durable. This sturdiness makes ruptures or leaks very rare; however, the risk of a leak increases by about 1% each year after the implant is placed. A variety of other factors affect how your implants look as you grow older, including:
- Genetics
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Smoking
- Weight fluctuations
- Implant placement
How To Maintain Your Breast Implants
Taking proper care of your breast implants should start right after your breast augmentation procedure. Be sure to follow all your plastic surgeon’s recommendations, including wearing a surgical bra or compression garment. You should also get regular checkups, annual mammograms, and MRIs every three years. These screenings ensure your breasts stay healthy and your implants are intact.
Additionally, living a healthy lifestyle and avoiding weight fluctuations play an important role in the appearance of your breast implants.
While there are no guarantees that your breast implants will last for longer than 10 years, an experienced plastic surgeon will help you understand what you can expect from your implants. Women who undergo breast augmentation at our practice love their long-lasting breast implants, as seen in these before and after photos.
To learn more, request a consultation or call us at (804) 267-6009 to schedule an appointment.
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