Leaking/deflated implant - should I find I doctor who can remove them sooner than December?

Question

I've had saline implants for 28 years. I had a consultation in August and scheduled an explant, but the Dr. I spoke with can not get me in till December 5th. Since my consultation one of my implants has deflated. I'm concerned that waiting till December to remove them is too long now. Should I find another Dr. who can get me in sooner?

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @TMF66, thank you for your question. This depends if you are having discomfort, pain or other symptoms. Is important that when you get them remove the doctor removes the whole capsules. I mean complete capsulectomy. Also it would be necessary to carry out a preventive biopsy on each capsule. This way the mammary tissue can recuperate better and avoid a future inflammatory response from the bbody.If you are considering a breast explantation, consultation with a plastic surgeon who is experienced in this procedure is essential to ensure optimal results. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Removal of breast implants, intact or ruptured, may have positive implications if patients are symptomatic. A constellation of symptoms associated with breast implant illness, and autoimmune disease are considered when treating patients who have breast implants and are concerned about foreign body reaction. In our office, we begin this journey with a consideration of symptoms and exclusion of obvious autoimmune problems. In many of our patients, en bloc removal of breast implants with capsulectomy is important and beneficial. Further clinical evidence about breast implant illness is evolving and will continue to guide treatment. I would suggest removal if there is a possibility of foreign body reaction.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

There is no true emergency to remove deflated implants. However, if you feel so, it is best to consider consultation with another board certified plastic surgeon in your area, expert in breast surgery. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear TMF66,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Generally speaking, rupture of the saline implant can wait until removal. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Garrett A. Wirth, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

If you have a good relationship and plan with your current surgeon, there should be no reason to move the surgery.  While the capsule or scar tissue around the ruptured implant may contract a bit between now and then, that could be a discussion to have with your surgeon.  I recommend you work with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Deflation of saline implants is not a medical issue since your body absorbs the salt water. We are 60% salt water, so a little more is not a problem. The main problem is cosmetic. Waiting until December is medically fine.  However, you may be more limited in certain outfits for parties. Find another physician if you want.

Victoria Aimé, MD · Answer

The saline from the implant is not harmful. However, the breast tissue and skin around the deflated implant may shrink a bit. In some cases where patients do not want a breast lift due to scars, we will purposely deflate saline implants to see if the breast tissue will shrink up enough/at all to defer needing a breast lift. With that in mind, it may be worth asking the physician you are scheduled with if they have time to deflate the other implant prior to December so the breast tissue responds similarly. You could certainly reach out to other plastic surgeons to see if they have time to see you sooner as well. All the best, Dr. Victoria Aimé

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Having a deflated saline implant poses no real risk to you.  The saline solution will simply be absorbed by your body.  You can comfortably wait until December to have them removed, or if you are concerned with how they appear you can find someone else who can do it sooner.  I hope this helps.

Alejandro Mendez Sashida, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello, it is not dangerous, the only thing that would affect it would be its appearance, if it causes you insecurity as it currently looks deflated, the best thing would be to change it soon, but if it does not cause you problems, nothing happens, you can wait until December that Dr. I made the removal of that implant without any problem
Nice day

Leaking/deflated implant - should I find I doctor who can remove them sooner than December?

Answers (9)

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