Breast implants – do they need replacing?

This is one of the common questions we’re asked in clinic and our answer is generally unless there is a problem with the breast implant they do not need replacing.

With the latest fourth generation of breast implants, the manufacturers recommend that they are guaranteed for at least 15 years against rupture. However, the technology with breast implants is being significantly improved and they are much stronger than previously and also the gel is thicker (more cohesive).

This means they are much less prone to rupture over the years. We generally recommend that all patients with breast implants over 15 years old have yearly ultrasound scans of their breasts to assess their implants and if this does not show abnormality we do not recommend replacement.