Do breast implants have an expiration date?

Breast implants do not have an expiration date. Regardless of if you selected saline or silicone implants, breast implants are not lifetime devices. It is likely you will need to have your implants replaced at some point down the line. Exactly when they will need to be replaced differs from patient to patient.

The most common reason for implant replacement is due to an implant leak or rupture. It is typically easier for women with saline implants to identify an implant leak because they often notice a change in appearance or decrease in volume to one or both breasts. The silicone implants that are currently approved by the FDA are a cohesive gel and it is harder to tell when there is a rupture. To rule out a silent rupture, the FDA recommends MRI screening every two years beginning three years after surgery.

Some women seek breast implant exchange to increase or decrease implant size, or switch from saline to silicone. Board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Alexander, has over a decade of experience with the removal and replacement of breast implants. Contact Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon Dr. Alexander & Co. at 702-242-6776 to schedule your breast consultation appointment.