Max Number of Cc's when Adding More Saline to Implants?

Question

I had saline breast implants 8 years ago, and now, one breast is larger than the other. I would like both breasts to be same size. If more saline can be added, is there a max number of cc's for it?

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

Usually there is a a small amount of overfill that is allowed by the manufacturers, about 30cc in most cases.  This makes little difference if the breasts are very different in appearance.
Exceeding this amount can result in deflation or rupture of the implant, or in a deformation of the appearance of the implant since it is made for a specific volume, and not to be excessively overfilled.
Dr. Canales has pointed out that implant deflation and weight changes can change breast appearance, as can capsular contracture, drooping or loss of breast tissue over time.
If you want to attain the very best result, you may want to have your situation reevaluated again by an experienced plastic surgeon rather than to try to add more saline to an 8-year old implant.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

It is not a good idea to add volume to existing implants.  The best option would be to exchange your current implants for new implants.  You may also want to consider changing your saline implants to silicone implants.  In either case, make sure you have a good discussion with your surgeon before embarking on yet another breast surgery.  Good luck.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Breast implants have a recommended fill volume and these are relatively limited.
Although you can fill the implant beyond it's recommended range, it will distort the implant and likely produce an unwanted or distorted appearance, This may cause peripheral scalloping and an overly round appearance.
There are many reasons why the breasts may be different in size and these include implant leakage on the smaller side or breast gland growth on the larger side. These would require two different approaches to achieve the best result. Furthermore at 8 years, you may want to consider changing the implants.
Discuss these with a surgeon who will best be able to provide you with the optiuons for management.

John P. Di Saia, MD · Answer

Hello,
Old implants will eventually rupture. Adding saline to an old saline implant voids the warranty, so there would be no free replacement if it does break. It also doesn't give you much as most saline implants have relatively small fill tolerances. Finally, going in to operate has a small chance of leading to an infection, so with so little to gain, it makes little sense.
Consider having new implants (or just one implant) placed.

Michael A. Bogdan, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

If you have implants that are 8 years old, they already have some structural fatigue.  They may rupture while trying to add fluid, or shortly thereafter.  It does cost money to buy new implants, but compared to the overall cost for surgery it is not that much, and you are ensuing the risks of surgery to even consider adding volume.  To risk needing another operation in a short time is not worth the possible cost savings from recycling your implants.

Max Number of Cc's when Adding More Saline to Implants?

Answers (9)

Answer: I wouldn't advise adding saline to old implants

Answer: I wouldn't advise adding saline to old implants

Answer: You don't want to do that

Answer: You don't want to do that

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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Max Number of Cc's when Adding More Saline to Implants?

Answers (9)

Answer: I wouldn't advise adding saline to old implants

Answer: I wouldn't advise adding saline to old implants

Answer: You don't want to do that

Answer: You don't want to do that

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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