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Saline Implant Rupture After Reconstructive Surgery

asked 6 months ago by Foobies28
Latest answer by Jonathan Saunders, MD
Question viewed 93 times
Tags: saline implants, rupture

Hi! I am a 28 year old who had BMX with immediate recon with TE's in Janauary 2011 and (saline)implant exchange surgery April 2011. In the last 3-4 weeks I have noticed that one of my implants was much more "jiggly" then the other but still the same size. In the last couple days the implant has completely deflated. Will a capsulectomy be required if I wait 4-6 weeks to replace? What can I expect from that surgery? Is a drain necessary?

4 answers to Saline Implant Rupture After Reconstructive Surgery

+3

Saline implant deflation

Saline implant deflation is roughly 2% per year. when replacing a deflated implant most of the time one does not need to do capsulectomy. You may need a capsulotomy and adjustment of the pocket, then the new implant is inserted. Most of the time no drain is required.
Samir Shureih, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1

Implant deflation

It really is up to you. when the implant deflates the capsule slowly shrinks. the longer you wait;the more likely you will need the capsule opened up to fit the new implant. the sooner you go the simpler it will be.
Jonathan Saunders, MD

Newark Plastic Surgeon
+1

It is best to replace ruptured saline implant as soon as possible.

Hi. What happens is the tissues collapse over time around the much smaller deflated implant and so the pocket becomes much smaller. So, to answer your question, a capsulectomy and re-creation of the implant pocket may well be necessary if you wait several weeks. Also you will probably need a drain. All this can be avoided if you replace the implant right away.
George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Implant exchange

Usually when an implant exchange is performed after a rupture, the implant can jsut be exchanged. Sometimes the pocket does shrink down and need to be opened.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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