Can I deflate my saline implants until I'm ready to get them removed in a few years?

Question

My surgeon didn't listen, and made me bigger than I am comfortable with. My breasts are so big they stick out on the sides and look huge for my body, nipples are stretched out too. Can I just get them deflated until I am ready for a removal/lift. I won't be able to afford it for years, but I can't live with the weight of these things. I have kids now and sick of the extra weight on my chest. I'm in the Orange County, CA area if you know any good doctor referrals.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.Yes, your saline breast implants can be deflated in the office by a plastic surgeon.  You could also, have the implant shells removed in an office treatment room under local anesthesia.To be sure, see two or more board certified plastic surgeons for a consultation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have surgery.I hope this helps.

Joe Gryskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi,Yes you can, and there are many BC PS in Orange county.  Please see the helpful answer below from Dr. Mary Gingrass.  I agree with every word she says.  All the best, Dr. Joe

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the problems you are experiencing. As you can imagine, best not to receive specific advice online. However, generally speaking, in office deflation of saline breast implants is an option for some patients. For example, if a patient wishes to downsize breast implants and/or undergo breast lifting surgery, it may be in her best interests to have an in office deflation performed; doing so has the advantage of allowing the skin to “bounce back” slowly. Both the patient and her plastic surgeon will be able to determine more accurately, what will be in her best interests with subsequent surgery. Planning of additional surgery, such as breast lifting, may also be  and easier and more accurate proceeding in this fashion.  You should be aware that, sometimes as breast implants deflate, patients report discomfort as a breast implant edges irritate the surrounding tissues.  This discomfort may make long-term waiting on additional breast surgery more difficult. I would suggest starting with the American Society of Plastic Surgery and/or the Aesthetic Society of Plastic Surgery to obtain a list of well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons. Then, I would suggest you visit a few surgeons whose practices concentrate on aesthetic surgery. Ask to see lots of examples of their work and preferably speak/see patients who have had similar procedures done.  You may also find the attached link, dedicated to breast implant removal concerns, helpful to you as you learn more. Best wishes.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, your implants can be deflated, or deflated and removed.  This is usually done as an office procedure under local anesthesia. I would suggest having the implants removed so the corners of the deflated bag do not irritate you.  You might want to discuss this with your surgeon.

John J. Edney, MD · Answer

Deflation of saline implants can be performed safely and quickly in an office setting.  Obviously it is an irreversible procedure.  If you are certain that you want your implants removed you can have them deflated and removed at a later date possibly under local anesthesia.  You may decide may decide later that you want a smaller size replaced.  All of your options will remain open.

Can I deflate my saline implants until I'm ready to get them removed in a few years?

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Answer: Deflating implants

Answer: Deflating implants

Answer: Deflation of saline implants

Answer: Deflation of saline implants

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Can I deflate my saline implants until I'm ready to get them removed in a few years?

Answers (8)

Answer: Deflating implants

Answer: Deflating implants

Answer: Deflation of saline implants

Answer: Deflation of saline implants

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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.