Breast implants are often described as “long-lasting,” but they aren’t lifetime devices, and that’s important to understand if you’ve undergone implant-based reconstruction after breast cancer.
While many people enjoy years of comfort with their implants, they do require monitoring, maintenance, and sometimes replacement. In most cases, implants last around a decade, but age, anatomy, and everyday life can affect how long they remain stable. Understanding what to expect can help you plan for the future and protect your long-term results.
At New York Group for Plastic Surgery, you’re cared for by board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons who specialize in advanced breast reconstruction and cosmetic breast surgery. Our surgeons’ experience in implant-based and microsurgical reconstruction enables them to guide you through not only your initial surgery but also the long-term considerations.
Below, you’ll learn when implants may need replacing, how to monitor them properly, and what to expect in the years following breast reconstruction.
Common reasons for implant replacement
Capsular contracture
Any implant placed in the body forms a natural capsule of scar tissue around it. While this is normal, the capsule can sometimes become unusually thick, tight, or firm, leading to capsular contracture. This condition can cause pain, distortion, or visible asymmetry. It may occur due to a low-grade infection, biofilm, bleeding around the implant, prior radiation, or sometimes no clear cause at all. Depending on its severity, surgical correction may involve removing or modifying the capsule and placing a new implant.
Implant rupture or loss of integrity
All implants, whether saline or silicone, can weaken over time. Trauma from accidents, pressure from mammography, or even accidental puncture during procedures can damage an implant. The risk increases as implants age, which is why the FDA recommends screening ultrasounds or MRIs beginning 5 to 6 years after placement and every 2 to 3 years thereafter. A silicone implant can rupture silently, meaning you may not notice any changes without imaging. Once rupture is confirmed, replacement is recommended.
Changes in your anatomy over time
Aging affects your tissues even if your implants stay the same. Weight fluctuations, pregnancy, skin laxity, and gravity can lead to drooping, shifting, or visibility of the implant edges. These changes may become more apparent if only one breast contains an implant, as natural tissue ages differently. Correcting these issues may involve implant replacement, a breast lift, pocket adjustments, or combining surgery with fat grafting to restore fullness and symmetry.
Animation deformity
Implants placed beneath the pectoralis muscle may move unnaturally whenever you engage the muscle. Over time, this can become more noticeable, especially during exercise or everyday motions. The implant may shift upward or distort the shape of the breast. Correcting animation deformity typically involves moving the implant above the muscle and creating a stable new pocket, often supported with biologic or synthetic materials.
What to know after breast reconstruction
Implants are not considered lifetime devices
Breast implants don’t have an expiration date, but they aren’t intended to last forever. Even without symptoms, the FDA recommends follow-up imaging to screen for silent issues. Most patients will eventually require implant replacement, with the timing varying based on health, imaging findings, and personal goals.
Monitoring is essential, even without symptoms
If your implants are silicone, you should plan your first ultrasound or MRI five to six years after surgery and repeat it every two to three years. Silicone ruptures can be silent, and early detection helps prevent complications. If you notice discomfort, tightness, visible rippling, or changes in shape, you should schedule imaging sooner.
Your reconstruction may evolve with your body
Reconstruction restores your shape, but your natural tissues will still age. Skin laxity, weight shifts, and hormonal changes can alter the appearance of your reconstructed breast over time. These changes are normal and do not necessarily mean something is wrong. Many patients eventually benefit from revision procedures, such as skin tightening, to maintain symmetry.
Radiation can increase the likelihood of changes
If you received radiation as part of cancer treatment, you may experience different long-term changes compared to those who did not. Radiated skin can be thinner or less elastic, and the risk of capsular contracture is higher. Your surgeon may recommend specific monitoring steps or discuss alternative reconstructive options if issues develop.
Revision surgery varies in complexity and downtime
If you ever need implant replacement, the procedure may be straightforward or more involved, depending on the issue. A simple exchange often requires minimal downtime and is performed in an outpatient setting. More complex revisions, such as pocket repositioning, tightening skin, or addressing scar tissue, may involve a longer recovery of several weeks.
Implant-based breast reconstruction can be a deeply meaningful part of healing after breast cancer, but it’s important to understand how implants behave over time. By staying informed, keeping up with recommended imaging, and addressing changes early, you can preserve both comfort and breast symmetry for years to come. New York Group for Plastic Surgery is here to support you through every stage of your journey after breast reconstruction. Schedule your consultation in New York City today.
