Can I replace saline implants with silicone implants through my armpits?

I had my saline breast implants 15 years ago. Can I replace it with silicone implants go through my armpits?

I had a consultation with my Dr. He said the only way he can replace silicone implants is go through the nipple area. Because he has to remove the capsule.

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14 answers to “Can I replace saline implants with...”

A: Removal or replacement of breast implants

By Tom J. Pousti, MD - San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Many patients choose to remove their saline implants and replace them with silicone gel implants. I would recommend going through a peri-areolar incision instead of the armpit. There are less complications and risks going through an areolar incision. Also, it decreases the risk of implant malposition.

A: Probably not possible to replace implants through armpits

By John P. Di Saia, MD - Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Hello, If you have a significant capsule that needs even partial removal or want silicone implants, you are probably better off going through the areola or under the breast.

A: Axillary or Armpit Incision for Saline and Silicone Implants

By Raffy Karamanoukian, MD - Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Technically, this surgery can be performed. However, as your physician has stated, it may not be advisable in your specific situation. The determination of incision sites is based on several factors, including the degree of preoperative distortion of the breasts, symmetry, capsular contracture, and... more

A: Axillary Incisions for Breast Augmentation

By Steven H. Williams, MD - Bay Area Plastic Surgeon

I agree that except for very large implants it should be possible for an experienced surgeon to replace your saline implants through an axillary incision. As the other physicians have noted the challenge come from your capsule. To get the capsule out completely you may require an areolar (below the... more

A: The size of the new implants will determine whether this is possible.

By Francisco Canales, MD - Sonoma Valley Plastic Surgeon

An axillary approach for silicone implants is limited because large implants require an incision that is too long to hide in an armpit location. The vast majority of women who seek reoperation in my practice do so to go to a larger implant size. That means that I am usually placing implants that are 400 cc or... more

A: It depends...

By Sanjay Grover, MD - Orange County Plastic Surgeon

I prefer not to put in silicone implants via the axillary (armpit) approach, although it can be done. Too much distortion of the muscle and a large incision are required. I prefer to only put in saline implants via the axillary. If you have firm or hard breasts or capsular contractures, you... more

A: Implant exchange through armpits

By Steven Wallach, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

I think that for any implant exchange going through the armpit would be almost impossible. Often a capsule develops that needs to be removed. Additionally the small incision in the armpit is usually not conducive to plasce silicone implants.

A: Depends on the size and the reason

By Kenneth R. Francis, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Huy, Your saline implants can indeed be replaced with silicone implants through the armpit (axillary) incision. However, you will be limited in the size of implant that can be inserted (maximum 350-375cc) and by your need for work on the capsule. If your breasts are currently soft with no capsular... more

A: It all depends on your anatomy

By David Shafer, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Huy, Implants can be placed through the axillary, areolar or inframammary fold incisions. However, choosing the incision site really depends on your anatomy. If you need extensive capsule work done, then the areolar or inframammary incision is probably the best choice. Remember not to compromise your... more

A: Yes, I have placed many silicone gel implants through the arm pit incision.

By Carl W. "Rick" Lentz III, MD - Daytona Beach Plastic Surgeon

A plastic surgeon with extensive experience can easily place a silicone gel implant through an arm pit incision. The only real difference is that the incision must be considerably longer but in the end usually not much more noticeable. I use the smooth wall gel implants when placing them through the arm pit. I... more

More answers to Can I replace saline implants with silicone implants through my armpits?
Harrisburg - NO
Orlando - Capsulectomy not possible through armpit
Santa Barbara - Reoperation through armpit
Seattle - Areola or crease would be better

Comments

Dan Mills MD
71 posts
8 Jan 2009

There is no question that you could change out your saline implants with silicone implants through the axillary incision. I do it every week. You have to find someone who specializes in this approach, as most plastic surgeons do not feel comfortable with this incision so they love to poo poo this approach. The facts are that I have done about 2000 breast augmentations over the last 20 years, and have replaced 76% of the implants back through the armpit incision when needed. The only times that this is not able to be done in my practice, is when you have to remove a portion of the capsule (scar) from around the implant (capsulectomy). You have to be able to see to disect between the capsule (scar) and the normal tissue, which is impossible through the armpit. So for capsulectomies, you have to use another incision like the areolar or inframamary incision as much as it pains me. You just have to find someone who is expert at the transaxillary incision. Dont give up. Good luck. Dan Mills, MD, FACS

View answers from Daniel C. Mills, MD

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