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

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.

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.

Is It Safe To Drain Saline Implants Without Removal?

Answers (6)

Answer: Draining the Saline Out of Implants

Answer: Draining the Saline Out of Implants

Answer: It is possible to drain saline implants and leave them in place.

Answer: It is possible to drain saline implants and leave them in place.

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

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Is It Safe To Drain Saline Implants Without Removal?

Answers (6)

Answer: Draining the Saline Out of Implants

Answer: Draining the Saline Out of Implants

Answer: It is possible to drain saline implants and leave them in place.

Answer: It is possible to drain saline implants and leave them in place.

Browse related questions

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.