Max Number of Cc's when Adding More Saline to Implants?

asked 3 years ago by help me 13612 in Texas
Latest answer by John P. Di Saia, MD
Question viewed 1,172 times

I had saline breast implants 8 years ago, and now, one breast is larger than the other. I would like both breasts to be same size. If more saline can be added, is there a max number of cc's for it?

9 answers to Max Number of Cc's when Adding More Saline to Implants?

Adding saline to existing implants

Usually there is a a small amount of overfill that is allowed by the manufacturers, about 30cc in most cases. This makes little difference if the breasts are very different in appearance. Exceeding this amount can result in deflation or rupture of the implant, or in a deformation of the appearance of the implant since it is made for a specific volume, and not to be excessively overfilled. Dr. Canales has pointed out that implant deflation and weight changes can change breast appearance,... more

Brent Moelleken, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

I wouldn't advise adding saline to old implants

Hello, Old implants will eventually rupture. Adding saline to an old saline implant voids the warranty, so there would be no free replacement if it does break. It also doesn't give you much as most saline implants have relatively small fill tolerances. Finally, going in to operate has a small chance of leading to an infection, so with so little to gain, it makes little sense. Consider having new implants (or just one implant) placed.

John P. Di Saia, MD
Orange Plastic Surgeon

You don't want to do that

If you have implants that are 8 years old, they already have some structural fatigue. They may rupture while trying to add fluid, or shortly thereafter. It does cost money to buy new implants, but compared to the overall cost for surgery it is not that much, and you are ensuing the risks of surgery to even consider adding volume. To risk needing another operation in a short time is not worth the possible cost savings from recycling your implants.

Michael A. Bogdan, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

It is best to change out for new implants

It is not a good idea to add volume to existing implants. The best option would be to exchange your current implants for new implants. You may also want to consider changing your saline implants to silicone implants. In either case, make sure you have a good discussion with your surgeon before embarking on yet another breast surgery. Good luck.

David Shafer, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

You may be maxed out already

Texas, Your saline implants do have a maximum fill amount that is determined by the manufacturer. Your surgeon may still have the records and/or you may have been given documents telling you exactly what type of implants you have and how much saline was added to them. Of course, your scenario begs the question of why one breast is now larger than the other. This could represent a leak in one of the implants, in which case, it would need a replacement anyway. See a board certified... more

Kenneth R. Francis, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

www.francisnyplasticsurgery.com

I don't feel that this is the best idea, and then some.

Your implants are old, but still good. Trying to add fluid at this stage of the game is a bit risky on several fronts, compared to the expected improvement. Additionally, the amount that may be added to the smaller side, and conversely, removed from the larger side may be minimal or none at all depending on how much was initially placed. Your doctor may not even have the records anymore, as many states only require holding them for 7 years. My recommendation is to consider two... more

Scott E. Kasden, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Maximum saline volume determined by manufacturer

Each saline implant has a recommended range of volume fill from a minimum to a maximum. Once to have filled to maximum volume, further filling is not recommended nor very helpful in increasing the size of the breast. It merely increases the risk of leakage and the firmness of the implant.To change the size significantly, you might need to go to a different style or diension of implant. Getting an exact symmetry is difficult but you might be able to get a better match by varying the width,... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Have you gained weight?

There are a few possible explanations for you to suddenly have one breast larger than the other 8 years after implants. I am assuming they were close when you first had them. 1. Could you have a deflation (total or partial)? In that case adding saline to a defective implant won't be an option. Discuss this possibility with your surgeon. 2. Is your weight the same as 8 years ago? If you have put on some weight, sometimes your native breasts grow and any asymmetry you had before can be... more

Francisco Canales, MD
Santa Rosa Plastic Surgeon

Uneven size after Breast enalrgement with implants

Breast implants have a recommended fill volume and these are relatively limited. Although you can fill the implant beyond it's recommended range, it will distort the implant and likely produce an unwanted or distorted appearance, This may cause peripheral scalloping and an overly round appearance. There are many reasons why the breasts may be different in size and these include implant leakage on the smaller side or breast gland growth on the larger side. These would require two different... more