Is it safe to have saline implants drained before explant?

When patients have had implants for a long period of time it can be difficult for them to have any idea what they will look like when the implants are removed. They certainly won't look like they did before their first operation. Deflating the implants (I require some form of documentation to confirm that they are saline if I did not do the initial surgery) allows both the patient and the surgeon to have a good idea what the natural tissue will look like. There are certainly more options available rather that just removing the implants. They can be downsized, a lift or mastopexy can be done, or fat transfer can be planned to replace a small amount of volume. It is better if you can discuss these options before the removal, rather than after. That way, it you don't like what things look like with the implants deflated you can develop a better game plan.The procedure is very simple, and the edges of the deflated saline implants can be a little uncomfortable with folds poking you on the inside, but it is not anything major. There is always the possibility that bacteria or fungus has grown in the saline, but I have only heard one surgeon describe this as being a significant risk (it is kind of her unique niche and not something other surgeons have typically recognized). I think the benefits are there if the surgeon is unsure your result will be adequate with just removal. If you have a nice shape, a fair amount of your own tissue, and your implants aren't really big, it probably isn't important. If your surgeon is recommending it, they may want a preview of your result to be sure you will both be happy with the expected outcome.Best of luck,

This is a procedure that never made sense to me. I do not recommend this at all. If you have saline implants and want the implants removed, then just have the implants removed and the saline can be drained at that time to make the implant removal easier.  This procedure I often will do under straight local anesthesia.  IMO to leave an empty shell of a saline implant after the saline has been percutaneously drained is asking for trouble and the main trouble I would be concerned about is infection.  Hope this helps. Dr Vasisht