For women who want larger, fuller breasts, breast implants are a safe, highly successful way to get the breast size they’ve always wanted. Implants are also an excellent way to augment underdeveloped breasts, restore breasts that have decreased in size after a woman has had children, make breasts more symmetrical if one is significantly larger than the other, and reconstruct breasts after a mastectomy. However, although both silicone and saline breast implants are FDA-approved and safe, I recommend that my patients come in for a yearly check-up. For more information on breast augmentation, download our free fact sheet!

Breast implants are safe but should be checked over time

Whether you chose silicone breast implants (filled with silicone gel) or saline breast implants (filled with saline/sterile saltwater) or Natrelle® gummy gel implants (filled with silicone gel), there are long-term implications associated with each. That’s why I tell all my patients who have had breast implant surgery to come back and see me periodically (I advise every year) so that I can check the implants and make sure there aren’t any issues.

Potential issues with breast implants

When a woman has had breast implant surgery, there are a few potential problems I look for in follow-up visits:

• Leakage

Ruptures are a risk with either silicone or saline breast implants. Ruptures are generally due to “wear and tear” of the implants.

If a saline breast implant breaks: saltwater leaks out, which is harmlessly absorbed into the body.

If a silicone breast implant breaks: todays implants are made from a silicone gel.  Almost always, the silicone stays within the implant capsule. Studies have not found that this results in any increased risk of disease. If a silicone implant ruptures, I recommend removing the implant and any loose silicone that may be present.

• Sagging

When the breast tissue around the implants ages, it can become thinner and less dense, causing the breasts to sag. To remedy this, we can sometimes replace the current implants with larger ones, lift the breast, or both.

• Change in breast shape

Over time, your breast can change shape, causing one breast to look very different from the other.

• The need for further surgeries

Sometimes breast implants wear out and need to be replaced. In general, a rupture becomes more likely as breast implants age. The FDA estimates that breast implants should last at least ten years, but studies have shown that some breast implants last much longer, while others less.

If you have breast implants, please come see me

If it has been a few years (or more) since your breast implant surgery, it’s important to get them checked. Please make an appointment to come in and see me so I can check for any problems.

If you are interested in breast augmentation

If you are thinking about having breast implant surgery and would like to schedule a free consultation, please contact me. I will send you additional information prior to your appointment. 

More information on breast implant surgery

You might also find these pages helpful on my website: 

• Breast Procedures
• Breast Augmentation
• Breast Lift
• Breast Reconstruction
• Breast Reduction
• Breast Revision

Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS), and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), Samuel J. Beran, MD is a highly accomplished plastic surgeon with offices in Manhattan, Harrison and Mount Kisco, NY. With more than 20 years’ experience and a thorough command of the most advanced techniques and technologies, Dr. Beran consistently provides his patients with the highest level of plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast, face, skin and body. Recently, Dr. Beran was named a “Top Doctor” by RealSelf for his dedication to responding to consumer questions and patient feedback. The “Top Doctor” designation is awarded to less than 10% of the RealSelf physician community.