Is It Safe To Drain Saline Implants Without Removal?

Question

I Have Been Told By A PS That I Could Have My Implants Drained And Leave The Shells In Indefinitely....That They Would Just Shrivel Up To Little Balls. Is This Safe? Are There Complications To This?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I would not recommend leaving in the shells indefinitely. 

	 

	 

	 

	Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Hayley Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

A controlled saline implant deflation can sometimes be indicated as a precursor to surgery. Deflating an implant may help a plastic surgeon assess your breast skin envelope in planning an upcoming surgery such as breast lift or removal and replacement of implants. Deflated implants should not be left in indefinitely. They are foreign materials and need to be removed so that you have a normal and natural breast self-exam. In addition, the increased folds on ruptured implants can poke surrounding tissues and cause areas of pressure thinning or pain. I recommend complete implant removal.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

There are plastic surgeons who will remove the saline from implants to determine if a lift is needed prior to complete implant removal.  I have never heard of anyone or would I recommend anyone leaving in a deflated implant.

	Dr. ES

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

While unorthodox is possible to violate the saline implant and drain it without removing it.

Kurtis Martin, MD · Answer

This is possible and I have done it for patients who could not afford removal. It should have minimal complications. Removal would be preferred if financially feasible.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Generally speaking, it is in patient's best interest to remove the silicone “shells” if they wish to have their breasts implants removed. Leaving a foreign body in place can be problematic;  not something I would recommend.

	 Best wishes.

Is It Safe To Drain Saline Implants Without Removal?

Answers (6)

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