I have quite a few hand appliqued quilts. I'm slightly more careful with them than with my regular pieced quilts (like I discourage the kids from making forts with the appliqued ones, LOL) but so far have not had any issues with my appliqued quilts not holding up.
I just noticed that one of my daughter's old quilts has some of the applique seams starting to pull away, it's been on her bed and washed and used for years...I also noticed that some of the regular seams are doing the same, so it's held up just as well.
Have fun!