Are Breast Implants Permanent?

Frequently Asked Questions: Breast Augmentation & Breast Implants

Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices. You will likely undergo implant removal with or without replacement over the course of your life. When deciding to undergo augmentation, be aware that breast implantation is likely to not be a one-time surgery. You are likely to need additional surgery and doctor visits over the course of your life.

Many of the changes to your breast following implantation are irreversible (cannot be undone). Problems such as deflation, capsular contracture, infection, and shifting can require removal of the implants. Many women decide to have the implants replaced, but some women do not. If you later choose to have your implant(s) removed and/or replaced, you may experience unacceptable dimpling, puckering, wrinkling, or other cosmetic changes of the breast.

Deposits of calcium can be seen on mammograms and can be mistaken for possible cancer, resulting in additional surgery to biopsy and/or removal of the implant to distinguish them from cancer.