Saline Breast implant reduction

I have Mentor saline implants filled to 375 CC, the procedure done in 2004. I have been quite happy with my breasts and the implants, but lately, as I approach menopause, I'm wishing for somewhat smaller breasts! Can I have, say, 100 or 150 cc of the saline removed from the implants, or will I need to have complete removal and replacement with smaller implants?

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15 answers to “Saline Breast implant reduction”

A: Changing size of breast implants

William  Bruno, MD

If you currently have 375cc saline implants and would like to end up with 225-275cc you will definitely need new implants as the implants can only be filled to a certain volume. Ex. your 375 cc implant  can be filled from 350-375, but it can't be deflated all the way down into the 225-275cc range... more

A: Decreasing the size of an implant.

John Diaz, MD

If you would like to decrease the size of an implant, this will require another surgery. You may be able to keep the same implant if you only want a small amount removed. For example, 25-50 cc, depending on the implant. Implants have a range of saline they need inside in order to maintain their shape. If you... more

A: Saline Implants and Reduction

Farbod Esmailian, MD

You can adjust those implants by 50 cc, that is, if they were 325 filled to 375. This is not a significant reduction. In general, I recommend a reduction by at least 100 cc to have a noticeable difference. At times also if you do a significant reduction you may also have to tighten the skin (do a... more

A: Need to maintain a minimal fill volume for the implants

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD

In general, every 175 to 200 cc of implant volume you will go up (or down) a cup size. In most cases to do this would require a new implant otherwise there will be significant wrinkling of the implant.

A: Best choice is new implants, perhaps with a lift as well

Shahram Salemy, MD

Downsizing your breast size is best achieved with new implants, not removing the fluid from the existing ones. In order to give you the best cosmetic appearance, you may also require a breast lift as well to tighten the pocket of the implant. Another option is a lift alone without any implants, but these... more

A: A large amount of saline cannot be taken out of implants without problems

Susan E. Downey, MD

This rather a difficult situation and several things need to be considered.  In order to remove any saline out of an implant the pocket needs to be reopened and the implant totally removed from the breast , the saline removed and then the implant replaced.  This is obviously a surgical procedure and... more

A: Best to start fresh

Armando Soto, MD

Hi- Reducing the volume of your existing implants by a noticeable amount would be likely to lead to visible rippling, and would greatly increase the odds of the implants rupturing quickly, as well as introducing the problems outlined by my colleagues. Your best bet is to get a good handle on your goals, then... more

A: As you get older, excessively large breasts can make you look matronly.

George J. Beraka, MD

To Dawn57, I understand your concern. Your implants would have to be replaced, but this should be relatively straight forward. If you make your breasts very much smaller, you may want to consider a lift at the same time.  

A: You'll need new implants and maybe more

Richard P. Rand, MD

It is certainly possible to decrease your implant size but not by deflating your current implants by 100-150ccs. Each implant has a preset minimum volume they need to have in order not to be too wrinkly and have an increased risk of deflation. You would need an entirely new implant filled to its own proper... more

A: Revision breast surgery

Brent Moelleken, MD

Saline implants should generally not be underinflated.  They tend to ripple and fail mechanically if they are underinflated. Simply replacing a large implant with a smaller one can create a deflated, lopsided breast.  It is not just an issue of placing a smaller implant in the pocket, which will... more

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Comments

Cindy Fuchs-Morrissey
20 posts
16 Jan 2009

Saline breast implants with a silicone shell, as well as silicone gel breast implants are not safe, nor do any of these so-called medical devices of an illusion of the mind have acceptalble risks. All breast implant patients need to be HLA-typed BEFORE opting for any breast implant. The chemical adjuvancy of lot numbers (over time = the time factor of exposure) will exert/turn on a patient's immune response...there IS causation of silicone...which includes the shell of a saline breast implant as well.

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