Breast Implant Revision: Q&A

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My Right (Saline) Implant Seems to Be Deflating (Slowly) I Am Freaking Out, What Should I Do?

I had saline implants in September of 2004 and have never had an issue with them. Over the course of the last week I felt like my right breast was shrinking in size and becoming very "squishy" where I can feel the implant. I have not suffered any kind of injury or done anything so this is very upsetting to say the least. What exactly will my Dr. Have to do to fix this as I am mortified that I have this deflated breast. With the Inamed warranty what will I have to pay?

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9 Doctor Answers | Asked by Staci E. in Irvine

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Deflated implant

Sorry, but what you describe sounds like a deflation. If so, you will need a new implant to be placed. You should go for a consultation.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Slowly deflating implant

As the others suggested, Inamed (now Allergan) has a lifetime warranty on their implants. If you purchased an extended warranty you will also receive some money to help pay for the surgery. Nevertheless I would recommend you see a board certified plastic surgeon for a consultation. It is definitely easier to remove and replace your implant(s) before your capsule tightens and shrinks around a deflated implant but you do not have to feel like this is urgent. You want to... more

Shrinking Breast Implant

It can be quite distressing for a patient when they notice that suddenly one breast is getting smaller. In your case, the issues I slowly leaking saline implant. There are no health issues to be worried about, as the saline is completely benign and simply gets absorbed. The likelihood of saline implant leaking increases with it’s age. In my practice we see a number of saline implants that last well over 10 years, but once in a while the implant... more

Implant deflation

Don't freak out. This is an unfortunate situation which happens about 1% a year. This is a mechanical device and these devices fail. You don't have to do anything to cause this. The good news is it is a simple operation to replace the device. both Allergan and Mentor have excellent warranty programs which will replace the implants and may cover part of the cost of surgery if you took advantage of the extended warranty. Seek out a board certified plastic surgeon to advise you and help you... more

Hello

Without an exam it’s hard to really tell if you’re deflating. Let’s say you are you should see a PS to remove and replace your implants. If you paid for the warranty you should be covered for 2 implants and $1200 dollars to go towards OR and Anesthesia. Each practice is different, in our practice you pay us up front and after surgery the company will send you the check of that amount.

Ruptured Saline #BreastImplant

From your story, it does sound like you may have a rupture. I would recommend seeing your physician to determine the next appropriate step. If your implant is ruptured, the manufacturers routinely provide you with a new replacement implant at no cost and often additional money toward the replacement procedure. This would need to be determined with you and the manufacturer. If it is ruptured, the sooner you replace the implant the better as the pocket will contract if there is less... more

Implant Deflation

Of course all implants will deflate eventually and it is rarely from any patient activity. They just are not expected to last for your lifetime. See your surgeon to schedule a replacement and his office will be able to determine exactly what the manufacturer's warranty will cover. The replacement is a much easier recovery than the original surgery. Because your implants are now 8 years old, you are on the cusp of when I would recommend replacing the other implant while you are in... more

Possible Saline Implant Deflation

Staci, First off, don't freak out too much. The last thing you want during this situation is added emotional stress. As a woman, I understand the thought of one deflated breast could feel catastrophic. It is important to look into your options. If you purchased the extended warranty, this would provide additional financial assistance that would cover a portion of your surgical cost in addition to providing new breast implants if there is a confirmed deflation. You are also... more