Can I Increase the Size of my Existing Saline Breast Implants?

The volume of saline implants is adjustable during surgery. Now that you have had the implants in place, you would need to undergo another procedure to replace the implants if you want another size. While there is a valve on the implants, it is not standard of care to re-open the valve and add more saline.
Additionally, to access the implants, you would need to undergo a procedure. It would be dangerous and virtually impossible to try and change the volume of the existing implants without a procedure. Finally, the implants are likely filled within the manufacturers recommended range. So, if you want more volume, you will need a larger implant.

Yes, it is possible to #increase your implant size with a #revision. However, the #pocket may require adjustment and a lift may be necessary; to better #support the new implant depending on an evaluation. Additionally, a mesh for further support may be helpful depending on the #implant size and skin #elasticity.With both implant types there are choices when it comes to size, shape, and profile. The criteria best to suit you will be discussed in full detail at your breast augmentation consultation. Any cosmetic #revision has risks of unhappy outcome or other complications. Also, the right implant for the revision is contingient on shape of body and your desired outcome. Your procedure should always be performed by a #PlasticSurgeon who is board-certified and has a great deal of experience specializing in cosmetic #surgery. You will then greatly improve your chances of getting the result you desire, and, without the need for another revision surgery. It is suggested that you look at before and after photos of the surgeons actual patients, and read patient #reviews. Gathering all of this information will help you make a well-informed decision.

Hello,Congrats on your pregnancy. What you are describing is fairly typical. After pregnancy, breasts can be smaller than they were prior to pregnancy. Unfortunately, you would need a surgery to actually replace the implants. Implants don't have a port that allows more fluid to be put in. Also, after several years, if you have repeat surgery, your implants should be replaced. However, you can wait as long as you'd like to do this. Best wishes,Dr. BlaggAustin, TX

Thank you for your question.Technically,
you can do this.However, I would not
recommend opening the valve and refilling it.By going back to surgery and adding more fluid, it voids the warranty on the implant. Then,
you need to keep in mind that every time you go back in for surgery, you open
yourself up to complications like capsular contracture especially when you are
using the same implant.I prefer to
place new, sterile implants in to get the size you desire and minimize risk for
complications.I hope this helps.

This is generally not recommended for several reasons. The most important is that over filling a saline implant can cause it to become round and hard. You should go with a larger implant that will be more appropriate for the given volume you desire.

Adding saline to your existing implants violates the manufacturers warranty because the valve was only meant to be cannulated once.  This would put you at an increased risk of later deflation, with no warranty coverage.  The effects you are seeing are from postpartum breast shrinkage, which is normal.

Your best option is to replace the implants. Adding saline is not an option and really not recommended. I would consider silicone as well. 

                  Pregnancy
can often result in loss of breast volume, which can also
be accompanied by the development of breast sag. It’s not unusual for women
with breast implants to request corrective surgery following pregnancy for
these reasons.

                  Loss
of breast volume is related to atrophy of the breast tissue and surgical
intervention is necessary to correct this problem. Adding fluid to an existing
implant requires general anesthesia and is not recommended. In addition, saline
implants have a fill range which allows for a 10% over filling of these
devices. For most patients, this would be inadequate to correct a significant
loss of breast volume. For these reasons, removal and replacement with larger
breast implants will be necessary to deal with your problem.

                  It’s
also important to know that loss of breast volume is often associated with the
development of breast sag. In some cases this will require surgical correction
as well.

                  If
you’re concerned about loss of breast volume following pregnancy, consultation
with a board certified plastic surgeon would be appropriate. This surgeon would
be able to develop a treatment plan that would be appropriate for your problem. 

It will depend upon the size of your breast implants and their current fill volumes. Saline breast implants have a range with which they can be filled.  There is a minimum fill volume and a maximum fill volume.  This amount will vary depending on the size of the implant.  That range can vary from 25ccs to over 150ccs depending upon the implant.  Overfilling an implant above its maximum fill volume has been a common practice in plastic surgery.  I would not recommend overfilling an implant over 10 % above its maximum fill volume as this can lead to scalloping of the edge of the implant which also looks like rippling.In short, to answer your question, it will depend on the size of your current implants and their current fill volumes.  This is an excellent question and there are other factors, given your history of breast feeding, which can influence this. I would suggest you discuss this with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who can help explain these other influencing factors.

Saline breast implants have a certain "fill" volume set forth by the manufacturer.  You can overfill slightly but if you are interested in having a noticeable difference in your bra or breast size, you will likely need to have your implants completely removed and replaced with new, larger implants. Do not allow a surgeon to inject too much more saline into your existing implants as this may lead to a premature rupture.

Your natural breast tissue has likely atrophied somewhat due to your pregnancy, which is normal.

Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon for more information.

Best wishes,

Dr Bruno

Pregnancy affects the appearance of your breasts even if you only breast feed for a short time and your weight is the same etc.  The changes in your hormones during pregnancy cause the breasts to become more glandular and after the hormone surges are over the glands begin to shrink and this can cause your breasts to change.

Yes, you can add more saline to your implants (to a small degree), but this also requires another "surgery".  If you really want your breasts larger then you may need to change to a different size implant altogether and may even need  a lift.