Does implant deflation prior to removal allow for smaller incision? (Photo)

Question

I have 11yr old under the muscle 390cc textured saline implants. I am planning on removal (without lift) in the next 6mo. I'm wondering if implant deflation a few weeks prior to removal would allow the surgeon to make a smaller incision (I would like to minimize the incision/scar as much as possible). Also, would the implant deflation assist in making the capsule shrink & possibly easier for the surgeon to remove? Thank you!

Austin Hayes, MD · Answer

Saline implants can be removed through a small incision at the time of surgery. Keeping the implant inflated until the time of surgery will help make the procedure easier to perform. If there is sign of a capsular contracture (thickened tissue around the implant), then larger incisions are used to remove the implant and the surrounding capsule.

Urmen Desai, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Yes, this may be possible, depending on the surgeon.  I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Joseph Mele, MD · Answer

Removal of saline breast implants usually requires a smaller incision, especially if it is done via the inframammary fold (the crease under the breasts). Deflating the implants prior to removal will make them harder to find, and removal more difficult. This may result in opposite of your desired goal of reducing the incision size. Your surgeon will likely deflate them in the operating room, to minimize the size of the incision needed.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Yes, I think that you have a good understanding and that in office deflation may be a good option for you.  keep in mind, that textured breast implants may be more adherent to the surrounding tissues, possibly find a slightly larger incisions remove, compared to saline breast implants.Some general thoughts regarding in office deflation procedures may be helpful:If a patient wishes to remove completely,  downsize breast implants and/or undergo breast lifting surgery, it may be in her best interests to have an in office deflation performed; doing so has the advantage of allowing the skin to “bounce back” slowly. Both the patient and her plastic surgeon will be able to determine more accurately, what will be in her best interests with subsequent surgery. Planning of additional surgery, such as breast lifting, may also be  and easier and more accurate proceeding in this fashion.  You should be aware that, sometimes as breast implants deflate, patients report discomfort as a breast implant edges irritate the surrounding tissues. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Your implants can be deflated immediately prior to removal which may allow for a smaller incision.  Regardless, the incision that was used for insertion can be incorporated for removal.  The incision length is short.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD · Answer

Looks like you have done your homework and know fair amount about implant removal. The other reason for the deflation is that you will get to see your breasts without implant and can make better decision about doing lift or fat grafting or just removal. Please see the link for deflation and fat grafting.

Ben Gbulie, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi
Thanks for your question.
Saline implants can be removed typically with smaller incisions as they typically be deflated before or at the time of explantation. The presence of capsular contracture however would mean a longer incision will likely be needed for removing of the capsule than would be needed for just implant removal.
I hope this helps.....

Anna I. Wooten, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question.  Saline implants can be removed through a smaller incision under local anesthesia.  But the textured saline implants are more difficult to remove and would require a larger incision and probably some sedation.  It is best to be examined by a board certified plastic surgeon. Best of luck.

Benjamin J. Cousins, MD · Answer

Thank you for your post. The saline implants are deflated during surgery to allow for them to be removed via a small incision. If the capsule is to be removed, then a larger incision may be required.Sincerely,Dr.Benjamin J. Cousins MD Board Certified Plastic Surgery

William LoVerme, MD · Answer

Smooth saline implants are easy to remove under a local anesthesia with a small incision beneath the breast. If the implants are textured then there is more tugging needed and I generally use an IV sedation anesthesia for those. There is no reason to deflate the implants prior to surgery but I most often do this during surgery to get the implants out through a smaller incision. If there is significant capsular contracture then an IV sedation must also be used. The incision to remove a capsule will also be longer than just to remove an implant. Many women need a breast lift or mastopexy after removal of implants but this does not need to be done at the same time. You can see how the breasts are and decide at a later time for a lift. Simple removal implants will generally have a very fast healing process.

Does implant deflation prior to removal allow for smaller incision? (Photo)

Answers (14)

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