Reducing Saline Breast Implants Size?

asked 3 years ago by lulu4 in Jackson, MS, USA
Latest answer by Steven Wallach, MD
Question viewed 801 times
Tags: saline implants

I have 550cc saline implants that I got 3 years ago. I would like to go down a bit in size. Is it possible to take some out of my implants? Will it be safe? I am 30 years old and I do not have any children. However, I do plan on having children in the next few years.

11 answers to Reducing Saline Breast Implants Size?

Unlikely

This is a great question. Intuitively we should be able to remove some of the saline and thus have smaller implants. The problem is that some implants must be filled to the exact amount. Others can be filled to a volume plus 30-80cc more. But when under filling implants wrinkling increases, the risk of rupture can increase, the valve can become incompetent leading to leakage etc. It's safer to just have the implants replaced. And since your going down in size you'll likely need a... more

Christopher L. Hess, MD
Fairfax Plastic Surgeon

I would recommend replacing your implants

I think given the situation you're describing, the best option is to replace the implants. Simply removing some of the fluid can be done, but it will not only increase the chance of potential implant rupture in the future, but it will likely leave rippling of the implant wall, which can become noticeable and give you a poor cosmetic outcome. Replacing the implants is the safest, most reliable approach to give you a nice result with a good long term outcome. Good luck, Dr. Salemy... more

Shahram Salemy, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Reducing size of saline breast implants

You cannot generally reduce the size of saline breast implants. They are meant to house a certain volume for optimal appearance and structural stability. If you reduced volume in the implants, they would tend to ripple and rupture more easily. Also there is a concern of the pocket, the area around the breast implant, which might be too low and too lateral if a smaller implant were placed without altering the pocket. These are all issues to raise with your plastic surgeon....

Brent Moelleken, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Implants too big

Is it ok to take out some fluid? This depends upon what fill volume is recommended for your impalnt. You may be better off exchanging the implant to a smaller one.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Yes, and no

Yes you can take fluid out of your implant but it very likely would lead to other problems such as visible ripples. When I have had similar situations in the past, I stand the patient in front of a mirror on the day of the surgery and using a syringe with a needle, one can place it into the implant (through the skin) and draw off fluid until you see the size you would like. This allows you to personally see what different volumes would look like. Of course at that point the implant has... more

Darrick E. Antell, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

You will need your implants replaced.

Hi! Underfilled implants give you bad rippling and are much more likely to leak. So you don't just want to take some saline out and put the same implants back in. I would not do this. Besides, you will need some adjustment of the implant pockets for smaller implants.

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Safe, yes; Advisable, not sure

Most of the time we overfill the implants. So a 550 cc implant may contain anywhere from 550 cc's to about 600 cc's. It is usually agreed that underinflating the implants is bad because it leads to ripples, and premature failure. So if you could take >= 50 cc's out, it may be worth it, for a small size reduction. My concern is that you might not like the result, you may get a contracture, the implant may get damaged, etc. Bottom line here is that you have risk and expense involved, and... more

Scott E. Kasden, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

You will need new implants

You cannot underfill the implants and downsizing yours may well leave you below the proper fluid volume making them wrinkly and predisposed to deflation. Any worthwhile downsizing would involve at least 100 cc's and would be best done with new implants.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

It is safe to have the surgery - but size is the big question

Many people downsize, but you can not do so by just taking a little saline out of the implant. If you wanted to be smaller - usually a 150 - 200cc decrease would be needed to make you a full size smaller. Small amounts (under 100 ccs) are usually a waste of time. So, if you want to be smaller, you should put in new implants - now you will have another new warrantee with the manufacturer.

William B. Rosenblatt, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Down-sizing is safe but...

Be specific about why you are downsizing. It is too full? Do your breasts projection too much? Are they too wide? Are they firm? Each reason will lead you to a specific choice of implant. Volume is not the only variable. In general, for any given reason, I would suggest going down at least 2 sizes to make it worthwhile. At 550cc. a change of 25 ccs. is not significant enough to redo an operation. If you deflate your existing implants you can only do that to a certain amount before you go... more

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

Depends on the recommended volume

Hello Lulu Each implant has a recommended minimum fill to prevent creases that could lead to implant rupture as well as to maintain best shape. If you have 550 cc final fill and your implant recommended fill was 525-575 cc , you could remove 25 cc down to 525cc. Removing 25 cc (less than one ounce) is unlikely to change your size or shape. If you truly want to change size, it usually takes at least 100 cc to notice a difference. Talk it over carefully with your surgeon, find out what the... more