Breast Implants: Q&A

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Can Saline Breast Implants Be Reduced and Reused?

I presently have large Breast implants 425ccs to be exact under the muscle. One has slipped from under the muscle and I have to get a third surgery.

I want to go smaller. Can they use my existing implants and drain the some saline out or would I have to buy another set of implants?

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14 Doctor Answers | Asked by 1722kristin in Richmond, VA

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Reusing saline implants

Hi, it's generally not recommended to reuse implants. The possibility of contamination and infection is also higher if the port through the saline is introduced is opened. In addition, if a signifcant amount of fluid is removed, the implant may be underfilled, which will cause obvious rippling. For these reasons, most surgeons will recommend that you use new implants. Good luck, /nsn.

Decreasing the volume of saline implants

Dear Kristen I am often asked this question. There is however, no simple answer. According to the manufacturers if you change the volume after implantation you may be voiding the warranty. It also depends on whether you have 425cc implants inflated to 425cc or are they inflated to 475cc. If you go below the recommended minimum volume you will be prone to excess wrinkling and may increase the risk of spontaneous deflation. If this is your 3rd surgery for the same problem (which sounds more... more

No, saline breast implants can't be reused

Even though your implants are probably functionally fine, they cannot be reused technically. The manufacturer voids the warranty if breasts are reoperated without exchange of implants. Furthermore, taking saline out of the implants would result in underfilling which is undesirable. They will feel abnormal and rippling is likely. Because of the position issue, I would recommend your implants be place above the muscle and would advise you to consider the use of silicone gel implants for... more

Smaller implants

If you want to reduce the volume fo the implants, it is probably better to replace the implants with a size that fits you and with a reduced maximum volume.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Can Saline Breast Implants Be Reduced and Reused?

It is not a wie idea to underfill implant below the recommended fill range because this will lead to a higher rate of rippling and crease fold failure as well as rupture/leakage.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Decrease Volume in Saline Implants

Kristin- I understand your question, unfortunately, breast impants are a medical device and are technically for "Single Patient Use". Which means once they are removed for any reason, they technically cannot be replaced as it will void the warranty that is provided by the manufacturer. Decreasing the volume of a saline implant, increases the rippling or folding of the implant. This you will be able to feel and may be able to see. In addition, one of the most dreaded complications... more

Adjustment of saline implants is a Yes or No answer

While I have on occassion subtracted, or added fluid to an existing saline implant it typically is only done in relatively small quantities. From your question, it sounds to me like you would be better off changing the implant to a newer smaller one. One advantage of saline in your case, is that I have had patients like you whom I was able to withdraw fluid from the implant using a syringe with the patient standing in front of a mirror. That way it simulates what it may look like... more

The saline breast implants must be replaced with a smaller pair

I am sorry to say that if you choose to go smaller, then the implants have to be replaced. Saline implants have a specific range of fill volumes, and they should never be under filled. This is recommended by the manufacturer and followed by most Plastic Surgeons. If a saline is under filled it is often quite rippled and has a much higher chance for a rupture or leak down the road. While it seems that an overfilled implant would have a higher risk of rupture, that is not the case as found in... more

Can saline implants be reused?

The implants have a recommended volume range by the manufacturer. The long term integrity of the implant depends on the recommended volume. One cannot lower the volume and use the same implant.

Reducing and reusing Saline breast implants volume

Dear 1722kristin, Problematic. You say you had 2 operations so far and are looking at having a third to correct asymmetrical descent of one AND get smaller (than 425cc) implants either by removing saline from your present implants or putting in new ones. A few comments - 1. ALL breast implants droop. The heavier the implants, the weaker the breast tissue support, the faster the droop. 2. All breast implant shells ripple. Saline implants ripple MORE than gel implants. UNDER filled saline... more

Deflating saline implants

How you handle the implant issue depends on what your priorities are. Implants work well to augment the breast but they are imperfect devices that require patients and surgeons to make choices that limit risks yet achieve desired goals.If you want to be smaller, the question is to what degree and how important is that change in size relative to the expense of new implants. Saline implants can be deflated easily but there is a range of recommended fill vloumes for each implant. Removing... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

4 reviews

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Reusing Breast Implants

One of the positive aspects of saline implanst is that they have a range of fill volume. It is recommended that they be filled to the maximum, but less is possible. You should be aware that there may be more rippling visible with a less filled implant and the chance of rupture may be increased. Depending on how much smaller you wish to go it may be a viable alternative to getting new implants but consider all your options and outcomes before you decide.

Use new breast implants

Dear 1722kristin, Definitely use new implants. Ask yourself why you have had recurrent complications. Could the current set be defective or infected? If "yes" has even the slightest possibility of being the answer, then you should definitely get new implants. Moreover, saline implants have an optimal fill volume. If you underfill saline implants, rippling and folding can result. The result is not only unattractive, but the implants may not then be as durable as they should be... more

You probably should have new breast implants

Hello, Breast implants have a fill volume tolerance of generally 30-75 cc depending upon their size. To change within that range makes little difference in size in the majority of cases. You are probably looking at new implants to change the breast size to any significant extent.