Breast Implant Revision: Q&A

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I Want to Up the Size on my Saline Implants, Where Would the Incision Be?

I currently have 420cc under the muscle smooth round saline implants. The incision site was through my armpit. I want to get bigger implants (600 or so) so they project further out more and are closer together. I'm wondering can they remove them and put them back in through the armpit? I DO NOT want to be cut under my breast or nipples uggh! Saline or Silicone indecisive at this point. Thank you! I am 5'7'' approx. 135lbs

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8 Doctor Answers | Asked by Carmen000 in Saint Paul, MN

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Axillary breast augmentation

I do not use the infra axillary approach and would not recommend it to patients desiring larger implants as it is not amenable to creating the appropriate pocket or making adjustments. The shape of the pocket cannot be created as effectively to achieve the result you are looking for with the approach you would like the surgeon to use.

Breast Augmentation Revision

Thank you for the question. Yes your revisionary surgery can be done through the same (trans axillary) incision. Although I understand your concerns about scarring, this approach would however not be my first choice. In order to accommodate a larger breast implant and to achieve your goals of closer cleavage and more projection, the breast implant pocket must be adjusted.This adjustment is better done (at least in my hands) through an infra areolar incision.... more

Larger Saline Breast Implants Through A Previous Armpit Incision

Since the incision is an important concern for you, the armpit approach can be re-used and your saline implants exchanged for larger ones. While silicone implants can be placed through an armpit incision, there are some limitations of size. The size you have in now is about the limit for inserting silicone implants using a funnel technique through the armpit. There is no limit of size when it comes to saline breast implants through the armpit.

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Implant exchange

You can have your implants exchanged through your armpit - but what you don't like about your current implants is one of the common problems with that approach - not having them close enough in the center cleavage area. You can also choose silicone or saline but silicone can pose other problems with this approach, especially if you choose a larger implant.

Can 600 cc saline implants be placed through an underarm incision?

Yes, 600 cc saline implants can be placed through an underarm incision, but the devil is in the details. First, the base width of a 600 cc moderate profile implant is about 14.6 cm and the base width of a 600 cc high profile saline implant is about 13.3 cm. Stress would be placed on nerves and skin to put in this size of implant unless the patient's breast base width was at least this large. The pocket could be over-enlarged and implant malposition could occur... more

Replacing implants through the axillae

It is possible to remove and replace implants through your old incision in the armpit. This is much easier to do with saline implants, as they are filled after they are placed in the pocket. You can also place silicone implants through the armpit, but this requires a longer incision and if you should ever have a rupture of the silicone Implant, it might require a incision in the breast crease.

Answer to RealSelf.com Breast implant exchange question

Increasing your implant size can usually be done through your axillary incision. When larger implants are placed the scar tissue that has naturally formed around your current implants (the "capsule") will need to be released or partially removed. This capsular release must be done to accommodate the increased size of your new implants. If the procedure is completed through your axilla, an endoscope may be necessary to allow the surgeon to see the capsule during... more

Implant revision under the arm

It is possible to remove and replace your saline implants and replace them through the under arm approach. You can select a silicone gel implant, though keep in mind that the incision may be slightly larger to pass the gel implant, and also consider the hassle factor of monitoring the gel for leaks, and potential for a more difficult exchange there after. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd

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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.

Breast Implant Revision: Q&A