How many times can you have breast augmentation?

Answer 1

There doesn't appear to be any clear answer to this question. The only thing that everyone agrees on is that implants don't last forever. Some people recommend for safety having breast augmentation redone in as little as 5 years. Others think that 10 years should be sufficient if there are no known complications.

Answer 2

This question is unfortunately impossible to answer with any certainty, but at least some reasonable guidance can be given. In general if someone has breast implants which have lasted for more than 10 years, they can definitely consider that a successful outcome.

Firstly, the length of time that the breast implants will last has to be considered. Breast implants were once said to last a life time, although the latest reports have concluded that the life of silicone implants is averaged at 18 years and saline implants are said to last approximately 12-14 years.

Next, the effects of gravity on each individual person has to be considered. The larger the implant and the thinner the patient's skin, the greater chance that the implants will eventually cause the breasts to sag. In many cases this will also happen long before the implant reaches the end of it's life, often within 5 to 10 years.

Unfortunately there are also any number of possible complications which need to be factored in, as any complications inevitably result in the removal or replacement of the implants. Most of these complications cannot be prevented as they are based on each individual patient's body type and anatomy. They include things like capsular contracture, which is caused by the shrinking of the capsule or pocket around the implant and can lead to the implant rupturing.

It is important to ask the surgeon inserting breast implants how long it will be before they are likely to need replacing. The surgeon would not be able to say for certain, but should be able to give a rough estimate based on the individual patient's chances of incurring a complication.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that about 26% of breast implant operations are for replacement of existing implants - due to capsular contracture, rupture, implant shift, chronic infection, or other causes.

Answer 3

Firstly, the length of time that the breast implants will last has to be considered. Breast implants were once said to last a life time, although the latest reports have concluded that the life of silicone implants is averaged at 18 years and saline implants are said to last approximately 12-14 years.

Next, the effects of gravity on each individual person has to be considered. The larger the implant and the thinner the patient's skin, the greater chance that the implants will eventually cause the breasts to sag. In many cases this will also happen long before the implant reaches the end of it's life, often within 5 to 10 years.

Unfortunately there are also any number of possible complications which need to be factored in, as any complications inevitably result in the removal or replacement of the implants. Most of these complications cannot be prevented as they are based on each individual patient's body type and anatomy. They include things like capsular contracture, which is caused by the shrinking of the capsule or pocket around the implant and can lead to the implant rupturing.

It is important to ask the surgeon inserting breast implants how long it will be before they are likely to need replacing. The surgeon would not be able to say for certain, but should be able to give a rough estimate based on the individual patient's chances of incurring a complication.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that about 26% of breast implant operations are for replacement of existing implants - due to capsular contracture, rupture, implant shift, chronic infection, or other causes.

Answer 4

Although each case is unique to the patient, on average breast implants need to be replaced or 'worked on' every 10 years. The placement of the implant, the manner of insertion and the type of implant can vary the need to replace the implant. Scar tissue forming on the implant and then causing a rippling effect on the breasts is common along with hardening of the implant. One of the exceptions to this rule is when an implant is simply inferior and defects early by rupture or leaks.

Answer 5

As long as the plastic surgeon agrees, you can have the procedure done as many times as you'd like.