[Pepper & Drew]

Notice it says "plan". They're not lifetime devices, however, it's not necessary that you have them replaced every 10 years. It's important to have them checked. If you have saline, there's no doubt you'll know if they've ruptured. it goes flat. Statistically, saline doesn't last as long as silicone. There are plenty of women who've had their implants for 20+ years. The real answer is "they last as long as they last." For you, it could be 20 years, or it could be 5. All implants have a warranty against rupture, and some manufacturers offer an extended warranty.

Silicone isn't necessarily only available if you get a lift. The "gummy bear" implants, which are more cohesive than the regular silicones, are available to first-time implant patients and you do not have to have a lift in order to get them. I have them, am participating in a 10 year study, did not have a lift, and it was my first BA.

Mammography is possible with implants...they just take 8 views instead of the regular 4. Cancer detection is higher with unders than with overs, however, cancer survival rates are the same with overs and unders, as well as detection rates from self-breast exams. MRI is also an option for looking at the breast.

Pepper