There is a common misconception that breast implants need to be replaced every 10 years, but this is not always true. While your body and implants age, they don’t necessarily need to be replaced. Portsmouth, NH plastic surgeon Anthony Wilson, MD advises that “if they’re not broken…” no intervention is needed. However, if you are considering an implant upgrade, there are several steps you can take to ensure your implants age gracefully. Here are his top tips for maintaining aging implants.
Regular check and check
“Regular follow-ups are vital to the health and appearance of breast implants,” says Dr. Wilson. “To maintain breast implants, regular check-ups are vital. I recommend that patients have their implants evaluated every few years and consider imaging, such as an MRI or ultrasound, around 10 years. This helps detect any silent ruptures or problems early.” These regular assessments help assess the condition of the implants and surrounding tissue.
“Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding significant weight fluctuations, and following your surgeon’s instructions can help extend the life of your implants,” she notes.
Skin care and hydration
“Maintaining the health of the skin over the implants is essential to maintaining a youthful and natural appearance,” advises Dr. Wilson. She recommends using high-quality moisturizers and skin care products to maintain skin elasticity and hydration. Products rich in hyaluronic acid, peptides and antioxidants can help maintain skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
Non-surgical lifting techniques
“For those who want to improve the appearance of their breasts without surgery, non-surgical lift techniques can be very effective,” notes Dr. Wilson. Treatments such as radiofrequency and ultrasound therapy can stimulate collagen production and tighten the skin, providing a subtle lift. “These procedures are non-invasive and can be done in the office with minimal downtime,” he adds.
Fat grafting
“As implants age, patients have many options. Some may choose to replace them with newer implants, while others may choose a different type of augmentation or even removal. It is important to have a detailed consultation to discuss the best approach based on the patient’s individual needs and goals. Fat grafting is an excellent option for patients who want to improve their breast volume or shape without replacing their implants,” says Dr. Wilson. This procedure involves taking fat from another part of the body, such as the abdomen or thighs, and injecting it into the breast. “It’s a natural way to add volume and can be used to smooth out any irregularities or asymmetries,” she explains.
Mesh support for implants
“Using mesh support can help maintain the position and shape of aging implants,” suggests Dr. Wilson. “Meshes, like the sugar-based mesh we use, act as an internal bra, supporting the implants and preventing them from breaking down.”
This technique is particularly beneficial for patients experiencing implant displacement or wishing to avoid more surgery. “It helps to create support and reconstruct breasts that have undergone previous surgeries, most of them cosmetic, but also reconstructive,” she explains.
Dr. Wilson concludes, “This approach redistributes the weight of the implants more evenly and can provide lift, improving the overall appearance of the breasts.”
The most important thing is that patients know that implants are not lifelong devices and may require maintenance, Dr. Wilson says. “Breast implants, like any medical device, have a lifespan and age over time. It is important that they are monitored regularly to ensure that they remain in good condition and that any changes or concerns are addressed promptly.”
