Should I have my saline implants removed through the belly button since they were put in this way 10 years ago?

Question

10 years ago I had Transumbilical Breast Enlargement. I am ready to have them removed. I have not yet decided about replacing the implants and/or a doing a lift. I am going to wait to see how they look before doing anymore surgeries. Should they also be removed through the belly button to avoid any addional scarring? As of now I have no visible scars, just a small scar in my belly button that no on can see. Are there anyadditional risks in removing implants this way?

Joe Gryskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi,Since you have saline implants, you are in luck.  You can have your PS insert a needle into each implant under local and suction out the saline.  Then you can live with this for a month or so and see if you need a lift or not, or want new implants.   I don't know how to remove the implants through you belly button, I think you would need a small incision in the breast area.  All the best, Dr. Joe

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I would suggest not using your umbilical scar to remove the implants, but a more traditional scar in case the capsule or scar tissue around the implants needs to be removed.  If you decide later to have silicone gel implants as a replacement, they cannot be inserted through the umbilicus.  Also because of the location of the umbilical scar, there is a higher complication rate.  If you are certain you want your saline implants out, you can temporarily ask a plastic surgeon to just drain the implants so you have a idea of what you look like without implants.

Milind K. Ambe, MD · Answer

I personally would not recommend having the implants removed through the belly button.  It is not just a matter of removing implants in order to achieve a nice aesthetic result.  I would obtain an in person consultation with the surgeon who performed your original surgery and possibly other Board Certified Plastic Surgeons who perform explantations.  Best of luck to you

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

Breast Implant Removal without a capsulectomy would run the risk of fluid accumulation in the pocket. If that happens and does not absorb, then will need another surgery.

Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

It is unlikely that they will be able to be removed this way even though they were inserted via the belly button.  You'll have to speak with your surgeon and if someone is comfortable approaching this endoscopically then you may be able to; otherwise, though, a small incision at the base of the implant should be adequate to remove the implant.  However, some surgeons would want to remove the capsule around the breast and/or insert a drain to evacuate fluid until the tissues have contracted down and adhered.  You will benefit from an in-person consultation to go over the various options.I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of RealSelf100

Should I have my saline implants removed through the belly button since they were put in this way 10 years ago?

Answers (6)

Answer: Breast Implant Removal

Answer: Breast Implant Removal

Answer: #Explant - Saline implants removed through the belly button

Answer: #Explant - Saline implants removed through the belly button

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

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Should I have my saline implants removed through the belly button since they were put in this way 10 years ago?

Answers (6)

Answer: Breast Implant Removal

Answer: Breast Implant Removal

Answer: #Explant - Saline implants removed through the belly button

Answer: #Explant - Saline implants removed through the belly button

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.