Saline deflation in Office. (Photos)

Question

I've recently had my saline implants drained. 375cc and 325cc. I'm still in the Ds for bra size which I find weird. It's only been a few weeks since they have been drained. I do have the shell in. They are still a bit saggy. My question is will my breast fit in a bra differently due to the shell still being inside? Will my breast get smaller and fit in a bra properly after I explant them?

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

I have done saline deflation for years and I prefer to wait at least 6 weeks to let the skin shrink all the way. I also wrap the patients in an Ace wrap for compression which I think helps to improve skin contraction. Once all the skin contraction has occurred then you can make a judgement about that ultimate size of the breast and whether a breast lift will be necessary. Follow up closely with your plastic surgery to determine the best timing for your case and to get a good idea about what to expect.Best wishes, Dr. ALDO

Vaishali B. Doolabh, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi cvree.  Being in the same cup size is not unusual after deflation because the width of your breasts has not changed significantly-likely the projection and upper fullness has decreased enough that now the top of your bra is not filled.  The shell is not maintaining your cup size.  Is it possible that you were wearing too small of a bra before deflation? If you want to wear a smaller bra, you will require removal of breast tissue and a lift, but even then the upper width of your breasts will not change significantly.  Talk to your PS about your specific goals on shape, position and size.  Best wishes,

Anthony Deboni, MD · Answer

If your implants are completely deflated, it is unlikely that the shell is contributing anything significant to the volume or droop. Sometimes, a few more months will result in some slight skin retraction however the shell itself is likely not causing significant size or shape issues. Certainly discuss your concerns with your surgeon. Best regards

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Depending on the bra style, your breasts will not fit much differently in a given bra than they do right now from simple implant shell removal.  It is important to realize that for a period of time after surgery you will have some swelling, so it is best not to judge the bra fit until your healing has completed.

Susan MacLennan, MD · Answer

Thanks for your photos. Your breasts look as expected after deflation of your implants. I often see some improvement in shape over the first few weeks after deflation, but I suspect that what you've got now is pretty close to what you'll have. The deflated implant itself is contributing very little volume, so your shape is unlikely to change after you have it removed.I hope that helps-

Angeline Lim, MD · Answer

If the saline implants have been completely deflated, the empty shells should not add much volume to your breasts.  It does take time for the skin to adjust - you might see a little bit of shrinkage, but nothing that will significantly affect your cup size.  After explantation, you may still be able to wear your current bras but aren't filling out the cups like you did before.  Once everything has healed, it may help to get measured professionally by an experienced bra fitter to find a good bra that fits you comfortably.Hope this helps, and best of luck,Dr. Lim

Mary Gingrass, MD · Answer

Your breasts look pretty typical post-deflation for the size implants you had. My guess is that they will "fill in" a little bit in the upper pole but your bra size will change very little. The letter part of standard US bra sizes is a measure of the width of your breast which hasn't changed all that much. Your D cup is probably kind of empty at the top now. Removal of the empty shell will not change your current breast size or shape much at all.

Ben Gbulie, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi
All the salin in your implants should by now be gone and you should be close to your final result to expect after explantation. The implant shell and capsule typically do not take up a lot of volume and any saline left behind should have been absorbed by now. From your photos you have lost fullness and volume as expected and the fit of your bra would depend on what type and size of bra you have. The sagginess is from the volume loss which gives a relative skin excess - this will persist after explantation unless you undergo a concommitant skin reducing mastopexy.
I would recommend getting fitted for new bras about a month or two after you have been explanted. 
I hope this helps ...

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Assuming your breast implants have completely deflated, it is unlikely that your breasts will change significantly in size/shape once the implant shells have been removed.  Make sure that you communicate your aesthetic goals very carefully with your plastic surgeon prior to proceeding with the next stage.  As you know, discussing goals in terms of cup sizes is a recipe for miscommunication and/or disappointment. I hope this, and the attached link/video (dedicated to breast implant removal surgery concerns) helps. Best wishes.

Saline deflation in Office. (Photos)

Answers (9)

More Breast Implant Removal Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (9)

More Breast Implant Removal Questions

Outcomes and cost of breast implant removal and fat grafting on thin women?

How likely will my breasts return to normal after explant surgery? Total Capsulectomy or Capsulotomy? Possible complications?

Is this "double bubble"? Mild pain most days in this 450 cc implant. Memes textured from about 28 years ago. (photo)

Breast implants 37 years ago - removed on 11/1/2013 still fatigued and depressed after 3 years.

How do I find a doctor to deflate my implant?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS