I've recently heard that implants should be changed after 15 years. Is this true?

There is a myth that implants will last only 10 years. There is no valid scientific data to support that statement. You should realize that no one can guarantee the life cycle of an implant, that it may not last forever and it may not be a one-time surgery. Implants do not need to be replaced unless a problem occurs. There is no expiration date on breast implants. I have personally seen some patients who have had implants in for over thirty years and the implants are still intact. The newer generation of current implants has been improved. The implant manufacturers do have limited warranties on the implants.

Robert Singer, MD FACS
La Jolla, California

There seems to be a Urban legend out there that breast implants need to be replaced every 10-15 years. This is not true. If you are still happy with you breast implants and you don't have any problems then you can keep them and enjoy them indefinitely unless you develop a problem. A great deal of the thin walled liquid gel filled implants of the 80 's have broken, or leaked and they have caused problems with the local tissue and need to be removed. Keep your implants, enjoy them but keep an eye out for any changes that could occur. Get your mammograms and breast exams yearly.

This is a very good and often asked question. If you are having no issues with your breast implants and have performed the appropriate test to rule out a implant rupture, then, there is no need to replace the breast implants. You have done everything correctly and just continue with the schedule maintenance. However, MRI are not 100% correct in ruling out a rupture. Your plastic surgeon will help you understand these issues.