21 year old saline implants deflated - will I look the same? (photo)

Question

My 21 year old r finally “sprung a leak” and deflated (I had the left one needle deflated after the right naturally deflated). This picture is me “deflated” will I still look like this after the shells are removed or will the be worse? thanks

Shaher W. Khan, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. Please see the attached video that answers your question. When breast implants deflate, especially after being in place for 21 years, the appearance of the breasts can vary depending on factors like skin elasticity, breast tissue volume, and how the chest muscles and skin have adapted over time. If the implant shells are removed, the final appearance will generally reflect the remaining natural breast tissue and how much the skin retracts. Over time, the skin may tighten somewhat, but if your skin has stretched significantly and lost elasticity, there may still be noticeable sagging or an "empty" appearance. Removing the shells without additional procedures (like a breast lift) often leaves a deflated look. It’s best to consult with your surgeon for a personalized assessment and advice.

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

Robert M. Wald, Jr., MD · Answer

Saline implants are not meant to last a lifetime and there is no adverse side affect from the leakage since it is only normal saline. Following removal of the devices, you will look essentially the same as you look now. You will not look worse.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear suzieq096,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. 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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Very likely that your result would not significantly change after removal of saline implant shells. However, vertical breast lift would be excellent procedure for your. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @suzieq096, thank you for your question. The appearance of the breast after he removal of the shells or "capsules"  will depend on various factors such as the surgical technique, breast tissue quality, and skin elasticity.  For an adequate result the capsules removal should be combined with immediate breast enhancement to reposition the mammary tissue and improve projection of the upper pole and medial areas using the BRALAN Technique (Breast Reconstruction Anatomical Lift Augmentation) since the results will be adequate in terms of aesthetics and have a minimal scar in the shape of an L and that is the way I approach Breast implant Removal. If you are considering a breast procedure, consultation with a plastic surgeon experienced in this procedure is essential to ensure optimal results. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS),   International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP)

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

If your breast implant has deflated, then the deflated implant will be removed, and you will likely have a deflated breast until a new implant is placed. The appearance of your breast after the implant removal will depend on various factors, including the amount of breast tissue, skin elasticity, and the size of the implant removed. Your plastic surgeon will be able to provide you with a better idea of what to expect based on your individual case.

I hope this helps,
best of luck !

I hope this helps,
best of luck !

Philip J. Straka, MD, FACS · Answer

My expectation is that your breasts would look very much like this following removal of the implant shells depending on how long your implants have been deflated.  Following deflation of saline breast implants, the skin of the breasts tend to spontaneously tighten/retract to some degree and can often continue to tighten for months to even one year in some patients. The amount of skin retraction varies from patient to patient depending on certain factors such as skin thickness and elasticity as well as the weight of one's natural breast tissue.  Breast lift surgery can also be performed at the time of implant removal if desired.  I wish you the best of luck!

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You will probably look fairly close to what you look like now. If you have thick hard capsules, you might be a little thinner.

Ahmad H. Ahmadi, MD · Answer

If your implants have completely deflated, then you have reached your final breast volume.  The deflated implants do not add significant volume.  You should have a board-certified plastic surgeon examine you for further recommendations.

21 year old saline implants deflated - will I look the same? (photo)

Answers (12)

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