Removal of saline under the muscle implants.

Question

Is it possible to drain/ remove implants under local in the office? The implants I currently have are 3 1/2 years old and they replaced a too large previous augmentation. At the time I was told my "pockets" we're perfectly clean with no scarring. I have no cc issues, but I am having shoulder/back issues and want them out! I was a small B cup before but ended up with a full D even after my revision to downsize! I am 5"5 115 lbs so in addition to the back issues, I feel they are too large. Options? Cost?

Lavinia K. Chong, MD · Answer

Simple explantation of breast implants is both safe and feasible under local anesthesia, provided a. Patient and physician are comfortable with the procedure.  Supplemented local anesthesia includes oral anti-anxiety tablets, Xanax, etc. and is ok, as long as the patient has a driver;b. The implants are saline.  The implant can be deflated and withdrawn through a relatively small incision;c. The extent of capsular contracture is minimal.  It's impractical to attempt capsulectomy (removal of thick scar tissue) in an awake patient.d. Breast lifting is not required.  Patients are uniformly concerned about the contractile quality of the skin brassiere, once the implant is removed. There are multiple factors which can positively influence shrinkage. Unless the nipple-areolar complex is very low on the chest wall,  I usually ask patients to consider staging explantation and lifting.  Only the patient can determine whether a relaxed breast is acceptable or not and a wait and see approach affords a patient time to evaluate the outcome.Interview several BC/PS who will support you in your decision.  Realself has fees according to geography.Good luck.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Saline implants can easily be removed in the office under local anesthesia, with or without sedation.  However, if you have much scar tissue or capsule formation, you may need heavier sedation.  Intact gel implants can also be removed, but ruptured ones may need more aggressive sedation.  However, after removal, you may need a lift.  These questions can best be answered after you are seen by a plastic surgeon.

John Silverton, MD, FRCS · Answer

It is possible to remove your implants under local anesthesia, but I would not advise it. There are other issues to consider too. Will you need skin tightening (a lift)? Sometimes fluid accumulates in the empty pocket after removal and it might be a good idea to remove at least part of that capsule to allow fluid to drain out. Fees vary by region and also by what procedure is actually selected.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.Yes, it is possible to have breast implants removed under local anesthesia  in some cases. This is especially true if no additional work, such as breast lifting or removal of breast implant capsules is indicated.  Of course, the patient will need to be somewhat “low anxiety”. If so, the cost of the procedure can be kept  relatively low.I would suggest in-person consultation with well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons to discuss your goals and options. You may also find the attached link, dedicated to breast implant removal concerns, helpful to you as you learn more. Best wishes.

Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

It's possible but only if the procedure is limited (saline implants would be easier to remove this way than silicone), the incision is nearby (an incision on the breast would be easier than trying to do this via the axillary approach), you're only having the implants out (ie no capsulectomy) and, of course, there are no complications.For that reason, even if the decision is made to do this under local alone, it is prudent to anticipate the potential for some sort of problem (bleeding, pain) and to know what would be done in that event.You should therefore go over all of this with a board-certified plastic surgeon so that you know your options and what to expect.I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of RealSelf100

Removal of saline under the muscle implants.

Answers (5)

More Breast Implant Removal Questions

Removal of implant after mastectomy. Would this require hospitalization and drains, or could it be an outpatient procedure?

Help! Doctor/surgery center says its "illegal" to give me my implants back after explant today!

Is Breast Implant Removal recovery easier when its over muscle vs. under muscle?

What is the cost of implant removal with fat transfer?

4 Years post reconstructive surgery: Implants have ruptured - could this be causing the pain and itching? (Photo)

Why do so many breasts end up looking deformed after explants?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS