Home → Treatment & Side Effects → Surgery → Reconstruction → Ask-the-Expert Conferences: Reconstruction → May 2007: Reconstruction Updates → How long do saline implants last?

How long do saline implants last?

Page last modified on: October 16, 2008

Question from Nancy: I had reconstruction done in 1993. My implants are saline. How long before these will have to be replaced?: Answer —Joseph Serletti, M.D., F.A.C.S.: I would say they need to be replaced when there's clinical evidence of rupture. Saline implants are filled with salt water and when the implants' shell develops a crack or a leak, the saline leaks out over a two to three day period. It's sort of like a slow leak on a tire. What the patient will notice is that their breast reconstruction over a day or two will get smaller and smaller. In that setting, the patient should see their plastic surgeon, reasonably promptly so that the implant can be replaced.

On Wednesday, May 16, 2007, the Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Reconstruction Updates. Joseph Serletti, M.D. and moderator Jennifer Sabol, M.D. answered your questions about breast reconstruction.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of Breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

A production of LiveWorld, Inc.
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.

Was this resource helpful?

Yes No

Thank you for your input!

Email Updates

Stay informed about current research, online events, and more.

Meet the Experts

Joseph M. Serletti, M.D., F.A.C.S. is professor of surgery and chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania. He is a pioneer in the field of free flap autologous breast reconstruction.

Jennifer Sabol, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a breast surgeon who directs the newly developed Breast Care Center at Lankenau Hospital in Wynnewood, Pa. Among her many interests, Dr. Sabol spearheads several research initiatives to advance the care for women with breast cancer and improve methods of breast cancer detection and treatment.

Breastcancer.org is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing information and community to those touched by this disease. Learn more about our commitment to providing complete, accurate, and private breast cancer information.

Breastcancer.org 7 East Lancaster Avenue, 3rd Floor Ardmore, PA 19003

View Mobile Site