Breast implants are not lifetime devices; while many women enjoy their current implants for years without issues, the average lifespan is typically around 10 to 15 years. If your original implants are approaching or have already passed this point, it may be time to replace or remove them. At Modern Surgical Arts of Denver, double board-certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Kamran Dastoury offers advanced techniques for breast implant exchange to help you maintain the look, feel, and safety you desire.
Understanding the Lifespan of Breast Implants
Silicone implants and saline implants both have a finite lifespan. Over time, wear and tear, skin changes, and the body’s natural aging process can impact the appearance and function of your implants. While some patients experience no issues for decades after breast augmentation, most women will require implant exchange at some point.
How Aging Affects Breast Implants
As your body changes with age, so do your implants. Skin may lose elasticity, scar tissue can develop around the implant (known as capsular contracture), and gravity can cause the implant’s position to shift. In some cases, women choose to combine a breast lift with implant exchange to address sagging and restore fullness in the upper pole of the breasts.
Common Reasons for Breast Implant Exchange
The most common reasons for a successful breast implant exchange vary, but they often center on changes in preference, health, or the condition of the implant. Many women choose to update their implants to achieve a different implant size or shape, whether to add volume, create a more natural look, or restore balance after changes in the body over time.
A ruptured implant or leakage can affect both the safety and appearance of the breasts. In contrast, capsular contracture, the tightening of scar tissue around the implant, can cause discomfort and visual distortion, both of which may warrant revision.
Physical Changes That May Signal It’s Time
- Pain or Discomfort Around the Implant Area: Persistent discomfort could indicate scar tissue tightening or other implant-related complications.
- Changes in Breast Shape, Size, or Symmetry: Shifts in breast size, position, or shape can occur naturally or as a result of implant rupture or movement.
- Capsular Contracture: This tightening of scar tissue around the implant can cause hardness, pain, and visual distortion.
- Implant Rupture or Leakage: A ruptured implant may require prompt implant removal and replacement.
- Wrinkling or Rippling of the Implant: Visible changes in the skin over the implant may occur as implants age or as the skin thins.
What to Expect During the Implant Exchange Process
Every breast surgery is tailored to the patient’s desired outcome. Double board-certified cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Dastoury, will discuss whether general anesthesia or local anesthesia is appropriate, review your treatment plan, and explain breast implant exchange recovery expectations. Most women resume light activities within a week, with the full healing process taking at least six weeks.
Your Options for Implant Exchange in Denver, CO
At Modern Surgical Arts of Denver, we offer the newest generation of Mentor® and Allergan® implants, known for improved durability, a softer, more natural feel, and advanced safety profiles. If your breast implants are over 10–15 years old, it may be time for an in-person consultation with double board-certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Dastoury. He will assess your implants, review the breast implant exchange cost, and help you achieve a successful breast implant exchange that aligns with your appearance goals. Contact the office to get started.
Dr. Kamran Dastoury
Dr. Kamran Dastoury is a double board-certified cosmetic surgeon with advanced training in both maxillofacial and aesthetic surgery, bringing unmatched expertise to every patient he serves. After earning his dental and medical degrees from USC and LSU, he went on to complete over seven years of intensive surgical training, including a fellowship in facial and body cosmetic surgery under the mentorship of world-renowned leaders in the field. His specialties include facelifts, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, liposuction, and body contouring—always delivered with a highly personalized approach that prioritizes safety, artistry, and natural-looking results. Beyond his surgical excellence, Dr. Dastoury is deeply committed to advancing the field through research, teaching, and global mission work, making him a trusted and compassionate choice for patients seeking transformative results.