How Long Does Breast Augmentation Last?

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular body enhancement procedures for many reasons. It increases breast size and fullness and can enhance body shape and proportion. It also boosts confidence and helps women feel happy and comfortable in their skin. This blog discusses ways to take care of and prolong your breast augmentation results, so you can enjoy them for years to come.

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The Average Lifespan of Breast Implants

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure used to enhance the size, shape, and general appearance of your breasts using implants. On average, the results of your procedure can last between 10 and 20 years. While breast implants are long-lasting, they are not intended to be permanent, lifelong devices. Breast augmentation patients should be prepared for future maintenance in the form of breast revision surgery, which involves either implant replacement or the complete removal of implants.

The two implants commonly used in breast augmentation include:

• Saline Implants: These implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution. First, an empty outer shell made of silicone is inserted into the body and then filled with saline solution during the procedure. Saline implants offer a firmer and rounder feel and look.
• Silicone Implants: These implants have a silicone outer shell and are pre-filled with a silicone gel. While this option may require a slightly larger incision, it offers a result that more closely resembles the look and feel of natural breasts.

The best breast implant option depends on your goals, body type, and your surgeon’s recommendation.

How to Prolong Your Breast Augmentation Results

You deserve to enjoy the beauty and self-confidence achieved after your breast augmentation. While each body is unique, there are general steps you can take to ensure your breast augmentation results last longer. These include:

Choose a Qualified Surgeon

Breast augmentation involves making many choices. One of those is to choose an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Robert J. Spies is a breast augmentation expert with over three decades of experience. When you choose to work with him, you can be confident you are in the right hands of a highly trained and experienced professional you can trust. Dr. Spies will help you choose the right implant and placement technique based on your body type and personal preferences. He will listen to you, answer your questions, address your issues, and offer valuable insights before and after the procedure.

Follow All Postoperative Instructions

Following your postoperative instructions ensures a smooth and easy recovery, prevents complications, and helps you achieve excellent and long-lasting results. The postop guidelines provided by your surgeon are tailored to your body type and individual needs, goals, and expectations. Some of them include:

• Avoiding strenuous activities
• Reducing upper body movements
• Wearing a supportive or surgical bra
• Keeping your incisions dry and clean

Attend Follow-Up Appointments

Sometimes, you might be tempted to skip your follow-up appointments. It is especially hard when you feel tired during recovery. However, these visits are crucial. They help your surgeon track your recovery, check the implant’s positioning, and detect and address any issues early on. The FDA recommends regular ultrasound and MRI screenings for silicone implants after the fifth or sixth year mark to identify any silent ruptures. Follow-up appointments help ensure you are recovering well; if not, they allow you to take timely action.

Maintain a Stable Weight

To maintain your breast augmentation results, it is crucial that you maintain a stable weight. This is because significant weight fluctuation can stretch your breast tissue, impacting your breast’s appearance. Regular cardio and strength training, a balanced diet, and the avoidance of crash diets can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle, extending the longevity of your results and reducing the need for revision surgery.

Will You Need Another Breast Augmentation in the Future?

Possibly. While breast implants are designed to last a long time, they do not last forever. Sure, some patients go up to 20 years without issues or a need for replacement or explantation. However, others might need breast revision surgery sooner. Some of the reasons why you might need a second breast augmentation or revision include:

• Implant leakage or rupture
• Implant asymmetry or shifting
• Capsular contracture
• Pregnancy or aging
• Change in body shape or personal preferences

If any of the above happens, do not fret. Dr. Spies will guide you through a follow-up surgery, helping you restore your look, confidence, and comfort.

Looking for a Breast Augmentation in Scottsdale, AZ?

If you are considering a breast augmentation or are wondering if it’s time for a follow-up surgery, Dr. Robert J. Spies and his qualified team are here to help. Dr. Spies is a highly qualified and renowned cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon in the greater Phoenix area and beyond. If you are ready to take the bold step and improve your self-image and esteem, call us today at (480) 359-1019 or complete our online contact form to schedule your consultation.