I have saline implants placed 3 years ago that are too big. The issue is I am not sure if I want to remove the implants, replace with smaller, or remove an then do a lift. I am looking to do a needle deflation and give myself some time to decide on next steps, however my Doctor is saying I need to replace right away.I feel strongly about giving my body time to adjust before deciding next steps. Where can I find a dr that will support this?
Answer: Needle deflation Dear Nice55596, in the case of saline implants, it is possible to remove some of its volume prior to removal. 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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
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Answer: Needle deflation Dear Nice55596, in the case of saline implants, it is possible to remove some of its volume prior to removal. 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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
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Answer: Deflation of Saline Implants Hello, thank you for your question! It is not advised to deflate the saline implants, at all, never: This is a serious mistake. You are correct to worry about contamination within the chest wall if fluids travel elsewhere during the procedure. The entire implant, capsule, and all inflamed tissue must be removed as one system in EN BLOC fashion or 100% total capsulectomy. This will allow for optimal recovery. This is the gist of explant surgery. Not everyone can perform explant surgery.
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Answer: Deflation of Saline Implants Hello, thank you for your question! It is not advised to deflate the saline implants, at all, never: This is a serious mistake. You are correct to worry about contamination within the chest wall if fluids travel elsewhere during the procedure. The entire implant, capsule, and all inflamed tissue must be removed as one system in EN BLOC fashion or 100% total capsulectomy. This will allow for optimal recovery. This is the gist of explant surgery. Not everyone can perform explant surgery.
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May 12, 2023
Answer: Can I get needle deflation before deciding whether to remove or replace my implants? Hello @Nice55596, thank you for your question. It's technically possible to deflate saline implants and see what the breast would look like without them. This could help you decide whether to replace the implants with smaller ones, remove them entirely, or pursue a breast lift. However, it's important to know that needle deflation is not typically recommended. There are several reasons for this. Once an implant is deflated, the breast tissue and skin that have stretched to accommodate the implant can sag, and this may not give an accurate representation of what your breasts will look like after a formal explantation procedure. Your surgeon's recommendation to replace the implants immediately is likely based on their professional judgement and concern for your overall wellbeing and aesthetic outcome. If you feel strongly about exploring other options, it may be beneficial to seek a second opinion from another board-certified plastic surgeon. They can provide additional perspective and may be more aligned with your wishes. It's important to remember that each patient's situation is unique and a direct consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is crucial to determine the most appropriate plan for your specific case. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP)
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May 12, 2023
Answer: Can I get needle deflation before deciding whether to remove or replace my implants? Hello @Nice55596, thank you for your question. It's technically possible to deflate saline implants and see what the breast would look like without them. This could help you decide whether to replace the implants with smaller ones, remove them entirely, or pursue a breast lift. However, it's important to know that needle deflation is not typically recommended. There are several reasons for this. Once an implant is deflated, the breast tissue and skin that have stretched to accommodate the implant can sag, and this may not give an accurate representation of what your breasts will look like after a formal explantation procedure. Your surgeon's recommendation to replace the implants immediately is likely based on their professional judgement and concern for your overall wellbeing and aesthetic outcome. If you feel strongly about exploring other options, it may be beneficial to seek a second opinion from another board-certified plastic surgeon. They can provide additional perspective and may be more aligned with your wishes. It's important to remember that each patient's situation is unique and a direct consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is crucial to determine the most appropriate plan for your specific case. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP)
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May 9, 2023
Answer: Saline implants Yes, you can have your saline implants deflated in the office. As you stated this will give you some time to see how much the skin retracts on its own as how you feel about the size without the volume from your implants. You will want to eventually get the capsules out even if you decide not to do any further surgery.
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May 9, 2023
Answer: Saline implants Yes, you can have your saline implants deflated in the office. As you stated this will give you some time to see how much the skin retracts on its own as how you feel about the size without the volume from your implants. You will want to eventually get the capsules out even if you decide not to do any further surgery.
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June 16, 2023
Answer: Sure you can do it as long as you know the risks! Good question! The risk of needle deflation is that the capsule will shrink and scar down. This means that in the event you chose to replace your implants, you may need a capsulotomy (opening back up of the capsule) to make more room for the implant. This has higher risks of bleeding and capsular contracture than replacing the implants right away. If you decide to remove the implants and do a lift, this will make little difference. Please visit with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Good luck!
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June 16, 2023
Answer: Sure you can do it as long as you know the risks! Good question! The risk of needle deflation is that the capsule will shrink and scar down. This means that in the event you chose to replace your implants, you may need a capsulotomy (opening back up of the capsule) to make more room for the implant. This has higher risks of bleeding and capsular contracture than replacing the implants right away. If you decide to remove the implants and do a lift, this will make little difference. Please visit with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Good luck!
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