Saline deflation in office?

Question

I have 18 year old under the muscle saline implants and want them taken out… As I have been so sick and explored every other avenue with many doctors I have decided to explant. My concern is what if the ceiling in my implants is contaminated and they use a needle to withdraw the fluid will get into my body and can I get really sick if there’s contamination in the saline

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @babysharon, thank you for your question! It's technically possible to deflate saline implants and see what the breast would look like without them. This could help you decide whether to replace the implants with smaller ones, remove them entirely, or pursue a breast lift. However, it's important to know that needle deflation is not typically recommended. There are several reasons for this. Once an implant is deflated, the breast tissue and skin that have stretched to accommodate the implant can sag, and this may not give an accurate representation of what your breasts will look like after a formal explantation procedure. Your surgeon's recommendation to replace the implants immediately is likely based on their professional judgement and concern for your overall wellbeing and aesthetic outcome. If you feel strongly about exploring other options, it may be beneficial to seek a second opinion from another board-certified plastic surgeon. They can provide additional perspective and may be more aligned with your wishes. It's important to remember that each patient's situation is unique and a direct consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is crucial to determine the most appropriate plan for your specific case.

Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP)

Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science”  Member (IFATS), American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP)

Robert M. Wald, Jr., MD · Answer

I would not suggest rupturing your implants and removing the saline. If you have symptoms of BII, the only way to try to improve them is to remove the implants and surrounding capsule. This requires an operation under general anesthesia.

Shaher W. Khan, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question! It is not advised to deflate the saline implants, at all, never: This is a serious mistake. You are correct to worry about contamination within the chest wall if fluids travel elsewhere during the procedure. The entire implant, capsule, and all inflamed tissue must be removed as one system in EN BLOC fashion or 100% total capsulectomy. This will allow for optimal recovery. This is the gist of explant surgery. Not everyone can perform explant surgery.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Most implants removed still have sterile saline. However, you can always have the implants removed in the OR and they can be removed intact.  Do be checked for food allergies and avoid tattoos and hair dyes.  Tattoos and dyes are full of harmful ingredients, especially heavy metals.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

When the implants are deflated the saline inside the implant is removed via needle and syringe.  If you are concerned about this approach you can elect to have the saline implants surgically removed with the saline still in them.

Saline deflation in office?

Answers (5)

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