Lift with saline implants - how long would I be under anesthesia? (Photo)

Question

33 female. I want a lift with saline implants. How long would I be under anesthesia? I like saline implants bc I would know if it ruptured without an MRI. Also, if it Raptures, can it be fixed easily or is that another surgery?

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

For a breast lift with saline implants, many cases are done under general anesthesia and often take about 2 to 4 hours, but the exact time depends on the lift pattern, implant pocket, whether both sides need different adjustments, and your surgeon and anesthesia team. I reviewed the photo; it shows breast droop and skin laxity, but measurements in person are needed to choose the lift pattern safely.
One advantage of saline is that a rupture usually becomes obvious because the breast deflates and the saline is absorbed by the body. It is not usually repaired by sealing the implant; the usual treatment is another surgery to remove and replace the implant, sometimes with pocket adjustment if needed. That surgery is often less involved than the original lift-augmentation, but it is still an operation with anesthesia and recovery.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear AmandaMariexo777,

it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Paul M. Parker, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, I think you are right in saying you would need a breast lift along with an augmentation based on the picture you provide. The procedure in my hands would probably take about 3 1/2 hours in order to perform carefully and would be done under a general anesthetic. We help our patients select implant type and sizes during their consultation with us. At surgery, the implants would be inserted using a small incision on each breast. The anesthesiologist would then raise up the back of the OR table so I can see what the implants look like. I would then perform the breast lift which would likely involve a circular incision around the areolas to reduce them as well as a vertical incision below this to lift them(we call this a "lollipop lift"). These incisions are closed carefully with several layers of dissolving stitches so that the resultant scars typically heal well. If a saline implant leaks, it needs to be replaced, just like a silicone implant does. This is another topic of conversation during a consultation--the pros and cons of each of these implants. Hope this helps. Good luck!

James N. Romanelli, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Amanda

Great question.  A breast augmentation without a lift generally takes our surgeons 1 to 1 1/2 hours.  Adding a lift generally takes about 2 1/2 to 3 hours.  Below is a blended case:  implant only on 1 side, implant with lift on right.  OR time about 2 hours.

Best of Luck,
Dr. Jim Romanelli

Guray Yesiladali, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Anesthesia time• For a primary lift with implants anesthesia often runs about 2.5 to 3.5 hours. The exact time depends on lift pattern and pocket work
Rupture detection• Saline rupture is usually obvious. The breast deflates over hours to days• Routine MRI is not needed. Ultrasound can confirm if there is doubt
If a rupture happens• The saline is absorbed by the body• It still requires surgery. The empty shell is removed and a new implant placed in the same outpatient session in most cases• The pocket can be adjusted at the same time if needed
Wishing you a smooth plan and a result that feels balanced.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Depends on the surgeon. In my experience around 3 and 1/2 hours, give or take. Ruptures are usually easily fixed in a separate surgery. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! Every surgeon takes different amounts of time in surgery. This would take me about 2 hours. Your breast tissue looks thin, so I would encourage you to consider a gel or silicone implant. If you have a deflation or rupture, you would need to go back under anesthesia either way for replacement. Good luck!

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Operative times will vary from surgeon to surgeon, procedure to procedure and patient to patient.

A typical augmentation/mastopexy can take anywhere from 2-3 hrs.

With regards to your specific question, replacing a saline rupture does require surgery. Although, it is easier than silicone rupture removal.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Paul E. Chasan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I have been in practice for over 30 years, and breast surgery is a large portion of my practice. In my field, there were very few black and white issues, and everything we do considers advantages and disadvantages. You have thin skin and a saline implant will cause considerable amount of wrinkling for you.  The silicone implant devices have gotten so much better in their engineering so that even if they do rupture, the cohesive gel really is not an issue.  The body walls at off and there is no leaking silicone throughout your body.  Silicone implants last approximately 18 to 20 years on average. You should be able to have an excellent result with a dual plane submuscular silicone implant and a breast lift.  Best wishes to you.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Your breasts are very low and ptotic on the chest wall. I do not recommend the anchor or lollipop incision. The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained. Later, fat transfers or small implants can be placed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Lift with saline implants - how long would I be under anesthesia? (Photo)

Answers (18)

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