Any downside to having implants drained in the office and then leave them in for 3 months until I decide my next step?

For saline implants, draining them in the office is a reasonable thing to do before deciding on new implants or  removing them all together.

Hello,  I can understand the upside of this approach - trying to get a sense of your own breast size but avoiding two operations.The potential downside is potentially not knowing if there is some issue with the current implant pocket (thickened or calcified capsule, etc) that might make it unsuitable for just inserting another implant in the same pocket.  If this is the case, there are things that your surgeon can still do to remove the implant and put in a new one during the same operation, but it is not as straightforward.   My preference is to remove the implants, allow everything to completely heal and start over.  However, I occasionally will do a one-stage procedure of removing the implants and inserting new ones, with or without a lift.  Other surgeons might routinely do what you are suggesting and still get good results, so it is worthwhile having several consultations to determine your options.

There is no problem deflating your implants until you decide what to do next. It is very easy to deflate in the clinic and then you will know what your native breasts anatomy is and you can take your time to explore what you really want. If you want nothing else done, it is also very easy to slip the implant shells out under local . . . the attached reference is similar to your situation. Good job doing your homework in your decision making . . . very important! Thanks for sharing!

There is no harm in deflating your saline implant in the office and allowing it to sit. It poses no danger in will not make any future surgery more difficult.

Thank you for your question.  I have discussed this issued with my patients many times.  I do find it helpful to remove fluid before surgery (as you mentioned it can be done in the office under local).  There is a small risk of infection with any access procedure but otherwise not an issue to leave ruptured implants in to get a good assessment of what you are left with. Always seek a face to face consult with a Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon who has experience in breast surgery. Good luck.

Thank you for sharing your question about deflating saline breast implants and leaving them deflated until you decide what to do next.  There is no danger to you in doing this, just be sure to work with a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery who is also a member of the ASPS and ASAPS who has experience in deflating saline breast implants in the office.  I hope this has been helpful and wish you all the best.Brian S. Coan, MD, FACSRaleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon

Saline implants are easily deflated in the office with a thin needle.This enables you to assess the size of the remaining tissue and whether or not  you need a breast lift.

I assume you have saline implants. It isn't necessarily a bad idea to deflate them if considering options like just a lift. Best of luck.

If your implants are saline filled this is an option and should carry relatively little downside risk.  If your implants are silicone filled, then this is not possible.  Be certain you are dealing with saline implants and discuss this option and its potential risks and downsides with your surgeon thoroughly before proceeding. Best wishes, Dr. Lepore.