Is It Time to Replace Your Breast Implants? What to Know If They're Past Warranty

Breast implants are not lifetime devices — and if yours are over 10 years old or past the manufacturer’s warranty, it may be time to start thinking about replacement, removal, or at least an evaluation. Whether you're experiencing changes or everything feels “fine,” knowing your options and risks is essential for long- term implant health.

In this post, we’ll cover:

• Warning signs that it may be time to replace your implants
• How implant technology has improved over the past two decades
• Your options: implant exchange or implant removal
• When to schedule a consultation

Breast Implants Over 10 Years Old: Why It Matters

Most implant manufacturers offer warranties that last 10 years, covering rupture or significant issues. After that point, while some extended coverage may exist, the implants are considered “out of warranty” — and at a higher risk for complications.

Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

If you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s time to see a board-certified plastic surgeon:

• Hardening or pain around the implant
• Swelling, burning, or changes in breast shape
• A visible or palpable rupture (especially in saline implants)
• Cooler temperature in one breast
• Implants shifting position or becoming asymmetrical
• Sudden size changes

FDA Recommendations: The FDA suggests routine imaging (MRI or ultrasound) every 5–7 years to check for “silent” rupture, particularly with silicone implants.

How Breast Implants Have Evolved

Today’s implants are safer, more durable, and more natural-feeling than ever before. If your implants are from the early 2000s or earlier, implant exchanges are recommended due to the significant improvements to quality and safety of today’s implants.

Modern Implant Benefits:

• Improved silicone gel cohesiveness ("gummy bear" implants that hold shape better)
• Stronger implant shells to reduce rupture risk
• More natural profiles and shapes for personalized results
• Better warranties and safety monitoring

Replacing your outdated implants can mean a better aesthetic outcome, greater peace of mind, and improved safety.

Implant Replacement vs. Explant Surgery: What Are My Options?

If your implants are aging or you're experiencing complications, there are two primary directions you can go:

Breast Implant Exchange (Replacement)

If you’re happy with your breast volume and want to maintain your look, implant exchange allows you to:

• Replace old implants with modern, safer models
• Adjust size, shape, or position if desired
• Refresh your results and prevent future complications
  • Procedure time: 1–2 hours
  • Recovery time: 1–2 weeks

Breast Implant Removal (Explant Surgery)

Some patients choose to remove their implants altogether, either for health, aesthetic, or lifestyle reasons. Removal can be done with or without a lift, depending on your goals and skin elasticity. You may benefit from removal if:

• You no longer want your implants for any reason
• You want a more natural or athletic look
• You’ve had repeated complications (rupture, contracture, etc.)

Options include:

• En bloc capsulectomy: Removes the implant and surrounding capsule as one piece
• Total capsulectomy: Removes implant and all surrounding scar tissue
• Explant with breast lift: Removes excess skin and reshapes the breast naturally

When Should You See a Surgeon?

If your implants are:

• 10–15+ years old
• Causing discomfort or cosmetic concerns
• Past warranty and haven’t been evaluated recently

…then now is the time to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. We’ll assessn your current implants, discuss your goals, and review your options — whether that’s replacement, removal, nor simply monitoring.

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