Is it safe to aspirate my 23 year old 300cc saline implants in-office before deciding if mastopexy is necessary?

Thank you for your question. Yes you can aspirate your saline implants under local anesthesia in an office. Your body will absorb the saline. After the implants have emptied you will be able to see the size and shape of your breasts. Unfortunately, you will be able to feel the saline implant shell. It may feel puckered or rippled depending on the amount of breast tissue you have on top. I would meanwhile start researching some board certified plastic surgeons and look at their before and after photos to determine what type of surgery you would need after your implants are removed. You may need a small lift. Good luck with your search. Sincerely,Stephanie Teotia, MDBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

En bloc refers to removing the capsule and the implant in one piece.  Leaving a capsule behind is preferred if it is thin and pliable. If there are calcific components, or if the capsule is deforming the breast tissue, then removal of the capsule may be warranted.  Your surgeon may deflate your saline implants before removal usually through the same incisions that were used for your breast augmentation surgery. Consult with a board certified PS to determine how long after explant to perform a breast lift and/or insert new breast implants. You will be able to see the results of aspiration much quicker than three to six months.

Yes, you can aspirate them in the office and within a day or two you will be able to see your new size.  I recommend explant and lift as soon as possible after.  There is no advantage in waiting.  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, if not injured during your previous surgery.  Later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.  The capsule is not removed by aspiration and often times not removed during the mastopexy technique.  There are specific indications for capsulectomy, which can be discussed with you by the surgeon.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Dear madjviv,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Generally speaking, it is possible to deflate aline implants prior to removal to determine whether breast lift is indicated. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to 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

Thank you for sharing your question.  All procedures carry risks with it but it is not uncommon to deflate saline implants in the office to allow for some tissue retraction prior to a breast lift.  The capsule, if thin, can be left in place and will not materially impact your recovery but this depends on an in-person examination of your tissues.  In most cases deflation occurs a couple of weeks prior to surgery.  Hope this helps.

Your saline implants can easily be removed under local anesthesia in the office. It is best to remove them, place a small drain for a few days to be sure that the capsule sticks closed. Much of it will dissolve/ absorb over time. Give it several months of healing before you make a decision re the need for mastopexy. You may decide that it is not needed.   

Yes, you can deflate your saline implants in the office to allow your breasts to adjust and for you to determine if you want a mastopexy.  Even if you decide against the breast lift I still recommend having the implant shells removed.  Your surgeon can help you determine if it is best for you to have the capsules removed as well.  If you are in the Houston area we welcome you to visit with us!

Yes, you can have the saline aspirated in the office under local anesthesia. Once done, you will get an idea of what you will look like with just a removal. I would suggest still having the implant bags removed at some point because the empty corners may poke and bother you. If you don't like your size once deflated, then you can consider going down in size with or without a lift. If you are content with your size, then you may just need a lift. If you are happy with what you see, then just choose to remove the empty bags. Removal also can usually be done under local anesthesia in the office.