Breast augmentation is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures in the world. As such, there is quite a bit of information readily available about the surgery, the recovery process, and how quickly you will be able to see your results. However, one of the questions that comes up most often is what is the lifespan of my breast augmentation results?
When electing to have a breast augmentation procedure, the longevity of your results should factor into your decision. While the procedure is often considered an investment in yourself to help you achieve more feminine curves and boost your self-confidence, it’s important to note that you should not plan to have your breast implants for a lifetime.
Whether you are considering a breast augmentation or have already had one and you have questions about the lifespan of your results, Dr. Jeannie MacDonald has the information you need to know. At MacDonald Plastic Surgery, Dr. MacDonald will help you determine the average lifespan of breast augmentation results, what factors affect breast augmentation, and when you should consider breast revision surgery when your breast augmentation results need to be refreshed.
Complete our contact form or call (604) 288-8817 today to schedule your consultation with Dr. MacDonald to start your breast augmentation journey. In the meantime, here is more information about breast augmentation results and breast revision.
What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, or breast enlargement surgery, is a procedure that aims to enhance the appearance of the breasts. By using implants to increase cup size, improve shape and projection, correct imbalances, and restore firmness, breast augmentation is often the solution to rejuvenating breast appearance concerns, such as:
- Naturally small breasts
- Asymmetrical breasts
- Breasts that are smaller following pregnancy
- Breasts experiencing moderate sagging due to aging
Breast augmentation not only increases or restores breast size, but it can also enhance the shape and overall tone of the breasts. While boosting your overall figure, breast augmentation may also:
- Enhance breast volume and shape
- Improve breast symmetry
- Restore fuller, more youthful breast appearance
- Rejuvenate overall figure
- Increase confidence and positive body image
Breast implants vary in respect to size and consistency to suit all body types. As such, it is important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to learn which options will provide the best outcome from your breast augmentation surgery.
During your consultation, Dr. MacDonald will help you determine the most suitable breast implant options based on your anatomy, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences. Some of the information Dr. MacDonald will help you navigate includes:
- Implant type, including saline-filled or silicone gel-filled implants
- Implant location, above or below the pectoralis major muscle
- Incision type, under the breast, near the underarm, or around the areola
- Quality and quantity of breast tissue
- Cost of implants and procedure
- Other health concerns and questions you may have
How Long Do Breast Augmentation Results Typically Last?
Typically, by maintaining your healthy lifestyle and stable weight, you will experience long-lasting, natural-looking results from your breast augmentation for at least 10 to 15 years. A healthy lifestyle includes avoiding sun damage to your skin, providing proper support to breasts, and having recommended breast screenings, such as mammograms or MRIs.
There are many age-related changes that may affect the appearance of breasts with implants, including sagging skin, size or volume changes, or rippling implants. Pregnancy or breastfeeding can often create changes in breast appearance for women who had breast augmentation procedures prior to having children.
For women who have experienced changes to the appearance of their breasts following breast augmentation, a breast revision surgery can restore a youthful, uplifted look and feel to the breasts.
Before choosing breast augmentation surgery, Dr. MacDonald will ensure you understand how to care for your implants and how often you should have necessary checkups or screenings to extend the longevity of your implants.
Can Breast Augmentation Results Be Permanent?
In short, no, breast augmentation results are not permanent. While the FDA has approved many modern breast implants for 10 to 20 years, they are not considered lifelong devices. Many patients have safely had the same implants beyond this timeframe. However, there are many reasons patients choose to have their implants exchanged or removed every 10 to 20 years, or as recommended by a plastic surgeon.
What Factors Affect the Lifespan of Breast Augmentation Results?
All breasts will inevitably succumb to the effects of aging, whether they have implants or are natural. Aging or sun damaged skin can cause skin to lose elasticity and begin sagging. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause changes to breast appearance, including augmented breasts. Gravity also plays a large role in breast sagging.
Other factors that might impact the lifespan of your breast augmentation results include:
- Implant type
- Quality of breast tissue and skin
- Patient’s bodily response
- Patient’s lifestyle
How Can I Extend the Lifespan of My Breast Augmentation Results?
As with any cosmetic surgery, the first step to long-lasting results is selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon who has extensive experience performing your chosen surgery. Extending your breast augmentation results starts by selecting an experienced provider like Dr. MacDonald.
Proper care to extend the longevity of your breast augmentation results and delay breast implant replacement surgery begins during recovery. During recovery, your plastic surgeon will recommend wearing a support garment or surgical bra to provide support to your new breast profile. Lack of breast support increases the probability of sagging later on.
During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will give you guidelines for annual checkups and remind you to perform monthly self-checks as well as following the recommended guidelines for annual mammograms. If you have selected silicone implants, the FDA recommends having an MRI 5 to 6 years after your initial surgery and then every 2 to 3 years to ensure implant integrity.
When Should I Consider Replacing My Breast Implants?
While you should experience long-lasting results, 10 to 15 years, from your breast augmentation surgery, there are many reasons women might consider replacing their breast implants much earlier. There are several complications that can affect the lifespan of breast implants, affecting your overall results and requiring replacement. Here are a few.
Capsular Contracture—This condition occurs when scar tissue hardens around an implant. It can cause discomfort, pain, and tenderness in the breasts and may impact breast size, shape, and overall appearance.
Saline Implant Rupture—Saline implants quickly deflate when they rupture due to holes or tears, leaking saline into the surrounding tissues. While saline is harmless to the body, a leak is detrimental to the appearance of the breast. The breast will lose shape and size and end up with a drastically different appearance than the unaffected breast.
For the first few years, saline leaks are rare; however, the risk increases slightly each year.
Silicone Rupture—Ruptures in silicone breast implants are different from saline implant ruptures, and it can be difficult to detect, making imaging very important. The thick silicone gel within these implants often stays within the implant or the surrounding tissue. Following a rupture, some patients notice changes in size, appearance, or sensation.
Rippling—Implants can develop wrinkles or ripples that can sometimes be felt or seen through the skin. One reason for rippling is poor tissue coverage over the implant, which can occur if natural breasts are very small. Rippling occurs more with saline implants than silicone implants.
Position Changes—Breast implants cannot stop the aging process. Gravity, loss of skin elasticity, and weight fluctuations can lead to significant breast sagging. A breast revision or breast lift can relocate breast implants to their more youthful position, improving the appearance of the breasts.
Personal Preference—Following their initial breast augmentation, some women find their personal body image or aesthetic tastes change. Some women choose breast revision with smaller implants or choose to remove the implants altogether to suits their new lifestyle and self-image.
What Are the Risks of Not Replacing Breast Implants When Necessary?
Modern breast implants are designed to last for at least a decade. For many patients, breast implants can last for up to 20 years or more. As each patient responds differently, the life of your implants ultimately depends on how you care for your body and your implants.
However, the chance of breast implant rupture increases by one percent a year. So, as implants get older, the integrity of the breast implant decreases, allowing for complications such as rupture or capsular contracture.
What Should I Expect During Breast Implant Replacement Surgery?
Many patients experience a shorter or less painful recovery from breast implant replacement surgery than the original breast augmentation surgery.
Most patients can expect a moderate to severe amount of pain and swelling for up to 5 days following surgery. You may also feel sore for 2 to 3 weeks and experience quite a bit of swelling.
Following a breast implant replacement, you may experience pulling or stretching throughout the breast area. While you should expect to feel better and stronger each day, you may also require pain medication and cold compresses for the first week or two. After any surgical procedure, you may become easily fatigued or have less energy than usual.
How Long Is the Recovery Period for Breast Implant Replacement Surgery?
The initial recovery for breast implant replacement surgery is 1 to 2 weeks, after which most patients can typically return to work. However, many patients experience swelling, bruising, and soreness that resolves within 4-6 weeks. At that time, patients can resume most strenuous activities, including exercise. Patients should expect to wear a surgical or support bra full time during this period.
Following breast implant replacement, full results, including final bra size, may be visible within 8 to 12 weeks. It may take up to 2 years for breast implant replacement scars to fade.
Finding a Qualified Plastic Surgeon for Breast Implant Replacement Surgery
With so many plastic surgeons out there, it’s difficult to know which one to choose. You should consider many factors when selecting your plastic surgeon. A plastic surgeon should be professional, honest, and help you feel comfortable discussing your potential procedures.
- One of the most important factors in selecting a breast revision surgeon is to ensure they are board-certified. This certification means you’re ensured a doctor who maintains and upholds high standards of education, knowledge, and skills.
- Another important aspect to consider is the number of years of experience performing the specific procedure you are seeking. Having a significant number of years of experience means that your plastic surgeon has been practicing the knowledge and skills acquired during many years of training and will ensure your safety and optimal results.
- Along with board-certification and experience, look for a plastic surgeon who also has an extensive and impeccable reputation and performance record. With years of experience, a board-certified plastic surgeon has developed the awareness to minimize risks and mitigate complications better than a surgeon who has had less experience.
By choosing an experienced plastic surgeon who performs your chosen procedure often, you are giving yourself the peace of mind knowing that you will receive proper care before, during, and after your procedure.
Choosing Dr. Jeannie MacDonald as Your Vancouver Breast Revision Expert
No matter whether you’re looking for an initial breast augmentation or to restore your original breast augmentation results with a breast revision, Dr. Jeannie MacDonald works with you to develop a unique treatment plan that will ensure natural-looking results. With a philosophy of simple, direct, and honest plastic surgery, Dr. MacDonald fosters an approachable and relaxed atmosphere and understands how maintaining your overall wellness can enhance your appearance and enrich your life.
With supreme dedication to excellent patient results, Dr. MacDonald continually demonstrates the skills that make her one of the best breast augmentation and breast implant removal providers in Vancouver.Call us at (604) 288-8517 or complete our contact form today to learn more about partnering with one of Vancouver’s best breast augmentation and breast revision surgery providers!