On the fence about having saline implants removed but thought the happy compromise and ideal solution would be to have them just partially deflated. Is this even possible?
Answer: Partially deflating saline-filled implants Puncturing saline-filled implants generally eventually results in complete deflation and also voids the warranty on the implants. Saline-filled implants also are intended to be filled to their rated volume and no more than about 10% additional volume. Over or under-filling them results in problems like rippling and palpable creases as well as works against their long term integrity. The simplest way to downsize implants (assuming everything else is satisfactory) is to do a simple exchange through an inframammary crease incision where the forward volume of the implant is reduced by decreasing it's projection but it's still filled properly. The horizontal (diameter) width of the implant cannot be reduced much without problems related to the base width of the breast and capsule.
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
Answer: Partially deflating saline-filled implants Puncturing saline-filled implants generally eventually results in complete deflation and also voids the warranty on the implants. Saline-filled implants also are intended to be filled to their rated volume and no more than about 10% additional volume. Over or under-filling them results in problems like rippling and palpable creases as well as works against their long term integrity. The simplest way to downsize implants (assuming everything else is satisfactory) is to do a simple exchange through an inframammary crease incision where the forward volume of the implant is reduced by decreasing it's projection but it's still filled properly. The horizontal (diameter) width of the implant cannot be reduced much without problems related to the base width of the breast and capsule.
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November 3, 2016
Answer: Is partial deflation of saline implants possible? Good thinking but unfortunately it is not possible. Usually a needle is placed percutaneously through the wall of the implant and leads to complete deflation within a day or two. A small surgical procedure to open the valve and remove some of the fluid is possible but nearly certain to result in rippling and waviness of an underinflated implant. It is also not recommended after six months by the manufacturer due to the risk of future valve failure. Thanks for your question and best wishes,Jon A Perlman M.D., FACSDiplomate, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)Beverly Hills, California
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
November 3, 2016
Answer: Is partial deflation of saline implants possible? Good thinking but unfortunately it is not possible. Usually a needle is placed percutaneously through the wall of the implant and leads to complete deflation within a day or two. A small surgical procedure to open the valve and remove some of the fluid is possible but nearly certain to result in rippling and waviness of an underinflated implant. It is also not recommended after six months by the manufacturer due to the risk of future valve failure. Thanks for your question and best wishes,Jon A Perlman M.D., FACSDiplomate, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)Beverly Hills, California
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
