Deflation Before Explantation?

asked 1 year ago by Michelle Portland in Portland, Oregon
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 428 times
Tags: saline implants, deflation

I recently decided to have my implants removed after 14 years! I have met with a number of surgeons all who recommended explantation with a lift. The last surgeon I met with proposed deflating them first and then removing the implants. Frankly this is most appealing to me but it concerns me that no other surgeons presented this idea! I am interested to know if this is a good option and if I should be concerned with saline leakage into my body after the deflation?

9 answers to Deflation Before Explantation?

Deflation prior to explantation.

You have to ask the surgeon what the purpose of deflating the implant is .At 14 years the implant manufacturer does not reimburse for deflation, they give replacement implants for life. If it is to get a set of implants it would be unethical. If the purpose of breaking the implants prior to removal is to let the capsule shrink that is not the best way either. If you are not having the implants replaced it is better to remove the entire capsule if possible at the time... more

Walter D. Gracia, MD
Arlington Plastic Surgeon

Deflation before Breast Implant Removal

Thank you for your question. It sounds like this surgeon wants to allow the skin to contract back prior to surgery... which, although unusual, is one of the many options available for surgeons. Hope this helps.

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Removing breast implants

Deflating the implants is commonly done to assist with implant removal and prevent longer incisions from being used. The FDA has found no increased risk with leakage from silicone and saline implants.

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

Breast imlpant deflation to assess size and need for lift prior to explantation

I have performed this on occasion for a varietuy of reasons including patients who are undecided about implant removal and/or replacement with weight gain or if they were uncertain about the implant volume and its role in the size of the currentl breast or have any concerns about their postoperative apperance. Generally speaking you will see nice contraction within two weeks. I think this sounds like a great plan!

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Deflating Breast Implants Before Removing Them

There are two reasons why you would deflate an implant before removing them. 1) Deflating the implant and allowing the skin to gradually tighten may limit the amount of skin excision needed and 2) If there was significant asymmetry then deflation will allow more accurate preoperative markings and surgical planning. In most cases however, if the ultimate goal is to remove the implants, then it really isn't necessary to deflate the implants beforehand. Also, there is no... more

Babak Dadvand, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Deflation of implants is not necessary as a first step.

If you wish to have the implants removed and have the best shape and contour of your breasts after, i recommend explantation with a lift at the same time. In properly selected patients, this is safe and effective. Deflation first, is not necessary and would not add anything to the final result. There should be no concern about leaking of the saline from the implants. This saline is the same that is in IV fluid and your body will simply absorb it. more

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD
Boston Plastic Surgeon

Deflation prior to explantation

I don't see the point of deflating the implants without removing them. Even if you chose no to do a lift, in some cases the remaining breast tissue can be re-approximated to optimize the result, Ask your surgeon the logic behind the plan. If most of the surgeon you saw are recommending a lift, there might be a reson. Without photos it is impossible to give you better advice. Good luck

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Explantation and lift

I have heard this before for saline implants, and I suppose it is a good idea if there was alot of asymmetry. Otherwise I do not think it is necessary.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Explantation Breast Implant

If you desire explantation without replacement, then deflating the implants to see how the breast will look after explantation. This will gove an idea but not the real look. Because you still have the deflated implant and the capsule.If you plan to have the implant replaced, you will pay for the new set of implants. if the reason of deflation is to see if you need a lift, then it may give you an idea. Remember that deflation means putting a needle to deflate the implants and you... more