Deflating a Breast Implant at Home

I would strongly advise against attempting to deflate your own implant.  Although the asymmetry is certainly troublesome, the potential infection and additional complications that could occur from "operating" on yourself greatly outweigh the benefits.  Alternately, you might search for a hospital with a  "resident clinic," where a senior resident, under the supervision of an attending surgeon, to have this implant deflated for a small cost.

Dear Myrtle Beach6020

thank you for your question.  Do not deflate your own implant.  I am sure your surgeon will do this for you!! BTW- is a good thought - but the execution should be done professionally. Have your surgeon contact the company- perhaps they will help!  If there is a Plastic Surgery teaching program near by then the cost may be minimal or nothing to have your implant repalced.

With Warm Regards,

Trevor M Born MD

Deflating a saline implants is a simple procedure, but should only be performed by a trained professional. Potential complications include, but are not limited to, bleeding, hematoma, infection, collapsing a lung and even death. I would call your plastic surgeon first, and see if some arrangement can be made for minimal or no cost. It can be done safely in the office using sterile technique.

Leaving a deflated implant inside the breast is not ideal. Without the volume inside, the shell has no support, and will often fold upon itself. The scar around the shell may become tight, and the folded implant may begin to poke you. This can lead to erosion where the skin is thin, and exposure of the implant requiring removal.

When an implants deflates, replacing the deflated implant is the most common course of action. I understand that finances are a problem for you, but removing both implants, would be a better option than deflating the full side. By removing both implants, it is unlikely that further surgery would be necessary. Again, replacing the deflated implant is the most common course of action, but this leaves the possibility of needing another surgery in the future.

Deflating your breast implant at home yourself is a VERY BAD IDEA.  You will have high risk of infection which can be a very serious problem and end up costing you considerable in terms of medical costs and time off of work.  You really should see your surgeon - perhaps your original surgeon if they are still in practice and they may be able to help you out  Alternatively, as others have suggested, you can look for a plastic surgeon training program which may have discounted surgery for people in your situation.

 

Good Luck.

As my colleagues have mentioned, doing a deflation yourself has considerable risk to it.  Resident clinics can certainly help.  You will also void the warranty on the intentionally deflated side. 

An alternative for you is to use a "falsie" manufactured from a nylon stocking and rice.  This is simple to do and will provide symmetry of your chest under clothing. 

If your deflated shell is creating palpable pointy edges on your skin, you may want to also get your deflated implant removed.  This is a procedure that can be done under local so costs can be minimal.  Should you do this, that deflated implant will have to be sent back to the manufacturer for you to receive your new implant down the road. 

Of these choices, assuming your good side still looks good, filling your bra cup with rice in a stocking is the simplest choice and it doesn't require much money.  Make sure yoh have your deflation documented by someone so that you will qualify for your warranty implant in the future shoud you desire to pursue this again.