Breast

There is no expiration date on breast implants. If you do not have any complications and you are pleased with your implants, and periodic imaging studies reveal they are intact, there is no need to replace them. Many women do choose to replace their breast implants approximately 10 to 15 years after their placement. Our bodies change as we age and many women choose to update their breast implants to suit their appearance, and some women choose to replace implants because they notice a slight deflation at some point within 25 years.

There is no link between breast implants and breast cancer. There is a type of lymphoma called breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) that is very rare and is highly treatable when detected early. BIA-ALCL has been associated almost exclusively with textured breast implants, and the FDA is still researching the connection between implants and BIA-ALCL. The entire team at Lickstein Plastic Surgery prioritizes patient safety and education and will thoroughly discuss this during your consultation.

All breast implants we use are approved by the FDA and have been demonstrated to be reasonably safe in scientific research. Still, there are risks associated with any cosmetic procedure and medical device. Choosing an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon for your breast surgery is key to achieving a favorable outcome.

The most common long-term risk associated with breast implants is capsular contracture. This occurs when the scar tissue that is expected to form a capsule around the breast implant becomes too thick and tight. Capsular contracture can cause discomfort or pain and can also affect the appearance and feel of breasts. Capsular contracture can happen to anyone who gets breast implants and with all types of implants, but its likelihood can be reduced by working with an experienced surgeon. Our board-certified plastic surgeons are highly experienced in breast implant revision surgery to treat capsular contracture, and often perform this procedure to correct issues with implants placed by other plastic surgeons.

Additional breast implant risks include:
- Breast Implant Illness (BII)
- Pain
- Breast implant rupture (saline implants and silicone implants)
- Breast implant deflation (saline implants)
- Silent rupture (silicone implants)
- Asymmetry
- Infection

Yes, most women who were successful in breastfeeding before breast augmentation surgery are able to breastfeed with breast implants. The breast implant is placed under the breast tissue and should not interfere with breastfeeding.

Our surgeons focus on achieving natural-looking results and they will take the time to discuss your goals and lifestyle and review options with you in order to choose the correct size and shape breast implants for you. You are more likely to be pleased with your breast augmentation results if you see an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon and you are clear about your aesthetic goals. If you have had previous breast surgery and you are unhappy with the results, our doctors also specialize in breast revision surgery and breast implant removal and can help you achieve the results you want.

Yes, women with breast implants should receive yearly mammograms after the age of 40 or at whatever ages and intervals recommended by your doctor. It is important that you inform your mammography technologist that you have implants before the start of your procedure. Extra imaging may be needed for full breast tissue visibility.

Breast implants are placed to change breast size, but may not address other signs of aging to the breast. For patients who would like more youthful looking breasts, we suggest combining their breast implant procedure with a breast lift, which elevates the breast, areolae, and nipples to a higher position for a more youthful appearance.