Do My Implants Need to Be Changed Every 10 Years?

Do My Implants Need to Be Changed Every 10 Years?
Short answer: No, you don’t have to replace them every 10 years—but you should check on them regularly with your provider.

You finally feel good in your body… now someone tells you there’s an expiration date?

If you’ve heard that breast implants “only last 10 years,” you might be wondering:

“Wait—am I going to need another surgery every decade for the rest of my life?”

It’s a fair question. And like so many things in cosmetic surgery, the truth is a lot more comforting than the rumors.

Let’s break it down, clearly and compassionately.

Do breast implants need to be replaced every 10 years?

No. There is no automatic 10-year rule.

That old myth came from early implant research and manufacturer guidelines that were more cautious than necessary. Today’s implants are safer, longer-lasting, and less prone to rupture or complications than ever before.

According to the FDA, breast implants don’t need to be replaced unless there’s a problem like rupture, capsular contracture, or personal preference.

In other words: If you love how they look and feel—and there are no complications—you can keep them for 15, even 20+ years.

So where did the 10-year thing come from?

It’s more of a check-in milestone than a mandatory replacement date. Around the 10-year mark:

• Your body may change (hello, gravity, babies, and time 👋)
• Your lifestyle or preferences might shift
• The implants themselves might show signs of wear—or not!

It’s simply a good time to reassess, not automatically redo.

How do I know if mine do need to be replaced?

Here’s what to watch for:

🔸 Hardening or tightness (could signal capsular contracture)
🔸 Change in shape or size
🔸 Rupture or deflation (more common with saline implants—easy to detect)
🔸 Discomfort or unusual pain
🔸 Rippling or shifting

The good news? Most of these changes are gradual—and manageable with early check-ins.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, silicone implants may need an MRI or ultrasound every few years to monitor for silent rupture, but not all women need frequent imaging.

What if I want to change my implants before something goes wrong?

That’s 100% valid.

Many women choose to swap or remove implants after:

• A big life change (like pregnancy or weight loss)
• A shift in aesthetic preference (bigger, smaller, lifted, or natural)
• Reaching a new season of life where they want something that feels more them

This is your body, your timeline, your call.

Will I have to do this again?

Eventually? Probably. But think about it this way:

You change your hairstyle.
You update your wardrobe.
You evolve.

Your implants aren’t a lifetime contract—they’re a choice that can grow and change with you.

And when you have a provider who listens, educates, and supports you—you’re never making that decision alone.

The real question isn’t “Do I have to?”

It’s “Do I want to?”

If you love your results and you’re not experiencing any issues, you can leave them right where they are. Just like anything else in your body, regular check-ins keep everything on track.

You don’t have to fear the calendar.

✨ Want a trusted opinion about your implants?

We offer gentle, no-pressure consultations to help you understand your options, whether you're at year 2 or year 12. At Acadia Women’s Health, we’re here to support confident women at every stage of their journey.

By Lauren Mitchell‍

‍Women’s Wellness Writer | Passionate about body confidence, real self-love, and helping women feel in control of their choices. Medically reviewed by an experienced cosmetic surgeon.