I recently had Saline Breast Implants, and I now wish I would have gone bigger than what I did. Can you fill saline implants without changing them?
No...once saline implants are filled, the valves closed and the procedure completed, there is no way to "add" saline after the fact. Also, if you plan on reoperating, make sure you discuss the prosthesis warranty and its compromise if the implant is removed to be filled with your surgeon. They are designated by the manufacturer as "One Time Use" items.
As I understand you had a breast augmentation with saline filled implants and now desire to be a larger size. This can be done up to a certain extent with your existing implants. It all depends upon how much saline was placed in the implant at the time of your original surgery. Nothing creates more anxiety than implant and breast size.
1. All of the saline filled implants have a specific fill volume range. for example a 325 cc Mentor Moderate Plus implant has a fill volume range of 325 to 380cc. It is advisable to stay within this fill range. You do not want to go below the minimum since this will increase the likelihood of more wrinkles and creases. If you go above the maximum you increase the risk of developing scalloping along the edges of the implant.
2. The more you fill the implant, going to or above the maximum, the rounder the implant becomes. It will also become firmer. This will change the shape and feel of the implant and the breast.
3. An increase of 50 to 60 cc of saline to a 325 cc implant will increase your cup size about 1/3 to 1/2 a cup size. As you see it will make you a bit larger but not a lot larger. Once you know the style and type of implant as well as the fill volume you can determine the amount of additional fluid that can be added. You can go over the maximum but this has its own set of problems.
4. If you desire greater than 1/2 cup size increase then you will need to go to a larger sized implant.
5. Dissatisfaction with breast implant size is one of the most common complaints from breast augmentation patients. In national studies this accounts for almost 50% of the reoperations within the first 2 years. It is very important to communicate with your plastic surgeon about breast size and your specific desires. Pictures help a lot. Too big, too small , just right - all help with getting what you want.
Be clear, discuss you goals with your plastic surgeon and together you can decide if adding fluid to your existing implant will meet your aesthetic goals.
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