Should breast implants be replaced routinely every 10 years? “That’s the rumor that has been circulating and continues to circulate,” commented Éric Plot, former president of the French Society of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgeons (Sofcep), during a press conference held ahead of the society’s annual conference, which took place in late May in Biarritz. However, this timeframe is not based on scientific evidence or a legal requirement.

An Unfounded ‘Expiration Date’

In a 2022 medical device vigilance report, France’s National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products said there is no formal general recommendation on when breast implants should be replaced. However, the agency noted that plastic surgeons advise considering replacement by around 10 years after implantation.

This 10-year timeframe emerged in the 1990s for legal reasons, at a time when manufacturers’ warranties were limited to that period. Surgeons, to protect themselves legally, adopted the same timeframe, but “there are no scientific studies validating this approach. It was a matter of caution and protection,” Plot emphasized.

Since then, implant technology has improved. Significant progress has been made on the barrier layer of the multilayer shell surrounding the silicone, which has helped extend their lifespan.

What Is the 10-Year Outlook?

Current data show that complications are rare, about 2%-3%. At 10 years, nearly 90% of implants are still intact, according to Sofcep data.

Deterioration is slow and gradual, and even in the event of a rupture, it is often asymptomatic and poses no immediate serious risk. There is generally no urgency to replace an implant, the surgeon explained.

“Routine replacement is not warranted. I have no reason to operate and replace the implants if everything is medically fine. The most common reason for replacing implants is the patient’s desire to do so for aesthetic reasons,” emphasized the speaker, who noted that weight fluctuations, pregnancies, and natural aging play a significant role in how the aesthetic outcome evolves.

Monitoring

Rather than routinely replacing breast implants, Plot stresses the importance of regular clinical follow-ups and monitoring ultrasounds. These exams allow for the early detection of even the slightest abnormality, often before it is even felt.

“I recommend an ultrasound 1 year after surgery, then at 3-4 years, and starting at 8-10 years, I want to see patients every year, or at least every 2 years. Currently, there are no strict national guidelines,” the speaker noted.

Plot closed his presentation by emphasizing that although some breast implants may remain in place for 15, 20 years, or longer, patients should still be counseled to anticipate eventual replacement, both for practical reasons and to prepare for the financial implications.

This story was translated from Medscape’s French edition.