One of my Saline Implants Has Ruptured. Can I Get my Doctor to Drain the Other One?

asked 11 months ago by ginzadragonfly in Centre, Alabama
Latest answer by John Whitt, MD
Question viewed 241 times
Tags: 20 years post-op, drainage, rupture

Hi, I am a breast cancer survivor. I had chemo and radiation on my right breast. Afterwards the muscle on the right breast tightened up around my implant and it burst one night. My implants were 20 years old. I cant afford to have it fixed so what I am asking is, can I get my doctor to drain the other implant so they can be more even...thanks so much...broke in bama

5 answers to One of my Saline Implants Has Ruptured. Can I Get my Doctor to Drain the Other One?

Dealing With Ruptured Saline Implant

It is fairly simple to remove the saline from or even remove your implant(s). I have done this on occasion in my office operating room under local anesthesia at minimal cost, if this is your wish. You did state that you were "broke" but did not state whether or not you have any form of insurance. If you do have any form of insurance, there is a federal law that dictates coverage of your surgery when it involves someone with a history of breast cancer. This... more

John Whitt, MD
Louisville Plastic Surgeon

Simple drainage of saline implants

Dear Broke in Bama; Sorry to hear about your asymmetry. I have had this issue arise with not only one-side leaks, but also in patients who became pregnant and wanted their saline implants drained because their breasts became engorged. Simple drainage can be done in an exam room. The surgeon will prep your skin with a disinfectant, inject some local anesthesia, and then insert a needle through your skin and into the implant. The fluid can then be removed easily... more

Victor Ferrari, MD
Charlotte Plastic Surgeon

www.natural-lookingresults.com

Popping Implants

Yes, it is actually quite easy to deflate saline implants. You want to make sure that you have saline implants. But, before you go to deflation you should seriously consider exchange of the already deflated implant. Your health insurance should cover the cost since the implants were placed for reconstruction. If you do not have insurance, look into costs in your area for an exchange. You might also consider going to a Resident's or Fellow's plastic... more

Suresh Koneru, MD
San Antonio Plastic Surgeon

Draining saline breast implants without surgery

It is possible for your physician to create a leak intentionally in your remaining saline breast implant in a sterile manner. The better approach is to remove the implants, which often can be done at a very low cost under a local anesthetic. Because you are a breast cancer survivor, all insurance including state Medicaid will cover the removal and replacement of your implants, which is of course the best option. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

www.peterejohnsonmd.com

Ruptured implant

This question comes up from patients from time to time. While I don't advise patients to do this, if you are certain that you have saline implants, your plastic surgeon may be willing to rupture the other one so that you are more symmetric. If you have health insurance, it should cover the replacement of the ruptured implant, however.

Laurence Weider, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

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