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Unfortunately, you will have to get new breast implants

David Shafer, MD answers: Can I increase the size of my existing saline breast implants?

I have had Saline implants for about 4 to 5 years now. I had a baby about 3 months ago. I dont know why but it feels like my breasts have gotten smaller. I did breast feed for about 2 weeks only and I really dont know what is going on. Also my weight is still the same as it was before I got pregnant. I want to make my breasts bigger but I just dont want to go under again at least not now. Is it possible to just add more saline to my exisisting implants?


David Shafer, MD
13 months ago
By David Shafer, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

The volume of saline implants is adjustable during surgery. Now that you have had the implants in place, you would need to undergo another procedure to replace the implants if you want another size. While there is a valve on the implants, it is not standard of care to re-open the valve and add more saline.

Additionally, to access the implants, you would need to undergo a procedure. It would be dangerous and virtually impossible to try and change the volume of the existing implants without a procedure. Finally, the implants are likely filled within the manufacturers recommended range. So, if you want more volume, you will need a larger implant.

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More answers to “Can I increase the size of my existing saline breast...”

A: You may be able to add saline depending on your implant type

Kenneth R. Francis, MD
13 months ago
By Kenneth R. Francis, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

The process of breast atrophy or shrinkage after pregnancy can be worsened by breast feeding, but doesn't necessarily require breast feeding, so don't beat yourself up over having breast fed for 2 weeks.  It is mostly hormonally determined. 

If your implants are purely saline, then you will not be able to increase their size without having surgery to replace them.  Four or five years ago an implant type called a "Becker" or "post-operatively adjustable" implant was available.  This implant type contains both silicone gel and saline, and as the name suggests is adjustable after surgery to different sizes by adding to or removing the saline component.  Your plastic surgeon should have records of the type of implants that you have.  Check with him/her to find out if they are "Beckers", and if so, perhaps you can indeed have them increased in size.

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A: Implants and pregnancy

Steven Wallach, MD
9 months ago
By Steven Wallach, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

After having a baby, the breasts sometimes get smaller. If you have saline implants, it is not recommended to go back in and fill the implants some more. Implants are made to have a certain fill. If they are overfilled too much, then they will feel hard. If you need larger amounts of fluid, then you are best to get a new implant with the correct size and volume.

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