Safe to Remove Saline Implants by Puncturing, Draining, then Stitching Up?

Question

Is it safe to remove implants with local by just punctureing the implant, draining it then stitching it back up? I have had my saline submuscular implants for 10 years and want them out.I have no problems with them they are just too big. I am a DD, but was a large B small C prior. They are not hard or anything. I also am afraid of looking to saggy.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Removal of breast implants, intact or ruptured, may have positive implications if patients are symptomatic. A constellation of symptoms associated with breast implant illness, and autoimmune disease are considered when treating patients who have breast implants and are concerned about foreign body reaction. In our office, we begin this journey with a consideration of symptoms and exclusion of obvious autoimmune problems. In many of our patients, en bloc removal of breast implants with capsulectomy is important and beneficial. Further clinical evidence about breast implant illness is evolving and will continue to guide treatment. I would suggest removal if there is a possibility of foreign body reaction.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Good day! Keeping a deflated implant does not cause serious illness but aside from asymmetry,
it may cause discomfort in the long run. It is best to
have an in-person examination with a board-certified plastic surgeon and discuss your options for best results. Best
of luck! #RealSelf100

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

When patients have soft,
pliable breast implants with no evidence of capsular contracture, implant
removal can be relatively simple.Under
these circumstances, removal can be performed under local anesthesia.The procedure involves a small incision in the
inframammary fold.Through this incision
the implant is perforated and the saline removed.The deflated implant is then removed and the
wound closed.This procedure is associated with excellent clinical
results and short recoveries.If you
have saline implants and are considering implant removal, it’s important to
discuss this option with your plastic surgeon.Your surgeon should be able to formulate a treatment plan that addresses
your anatomic findings and achieves your aesthetic goals.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Yes saline implants (silicone as well) can be removed under local anesthesia. Saline implants are typically deflated with needle aspiration, a small incision is placed and the implant removed.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Breast implants can certainly be removed(explantation) under local anesthesia. In regards to the capsule, there is some controversy among surgeons if this should be removed and this is difficult to perform under local.

Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD · Answer

Removing a saline implant is pretty easy, and it can be done under local anesthesia if someone really wants to. However, if you have had the implants for ten years, the breast tissue has probably been stretched out to the point that it will not retract back on its own. This means that you may need a lift after the implant is removed, or changed to a smaller implant. Iwould consult with a board certifed plastic surgeon to see what is the best option for you.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

Removing saline breast implants is fairly straight forward but you MUST understand that your OLD B small C breasts would probably not reappear after the implants are removed. Those breasts are long gone. The pressure from the breast implants has caused some wasting of the breast tissue resulting in smaller volume and the skin stretching has resulted in sagging breasts. You may find very sagging small breasts when the implants are removed.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Explantation of implants should be done by a  qualified plastic surgeon in an accredited facility.  However the breasts may sag after removal.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

Removal of breast implants is a serious decision to make.

	Think of what you will look like after the removal of the implants.

	Psychological impact.

	Also something need to be done by the surgeon to the capsule. Leaving the capsule may leave lwo surfaces of the capsule non adherent and may fill with fluid. It has been reported several times after just removal of implants

Randy J. Buckspan, MD (retired) · Answer

Saline breast implants can certainly be removed without problems using local anesthesia. You will probably look a bit saggy at first, but with the weight of the implants off the skin there will be some contraction of the skin from its elasticity. You may indeed need a breast lift to look better, but the expected loss of your remaining natural breast tissue will not be improved without an implant! If you want to be smaller, just replace the implants with smaller implants. Your doctor can give you advice regarding what you need.

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