Saline Implant Deflation

Serving Fort Collins, Northern Colorado & Cheyenne, and Southeastern Wyoming

Although deflation of saline breast implants is expected at some time during the breast implant owner’s life, it is never a happy occurrence. Here at Plastic Surgical Associates of Fort Collins, we feel that a deflation is urgent, and the patient is worked in as soon as possible for a replacement or other procedure. The causes of saline implant deflation include a direct blow to the chest, severe trauma due to squeezing or external compression, a “fold flaw” or crease in the implant which causes a weak point, and a tight capsule (too much scar tissue around the implant) which puts pressure on the implant, causing a leak. Sometimes there is no obvious explanation for the leak and subsequent flattening of the implant. For most patients, breast implant problems including deflation are psychologically difficult. We specialize in listening to and understanding these problems, and will be direct and honest in giving patients information about the degree of improvement  that can be achieved with surgery.

This 47 year old had a subpectoral breast augmentation in 1998. In January of 2009, she noted a deflation of the left breast implant. There seemed to be no apparent cause. She also noted that both of her breasts had drooped over the last 10 years. And the right implant had “bottomed out” and drifted to the side. She had 305 cc implants.

The pictures above show her appearance before restorative surgery. Her breasts are flat, droopy and unattractive. She wanted more than just an implant replacement; an improvement in the shape, sagging, flat look, and lack of cleavage were also important to her. Correction of the pocket on both sides was necessary in order to improve her shape and projection.

The surgery included an internal “lift” which minimizes scarring. By repairing the pocket inside that the implant resides in, the projection, superior fullness, “perky” look and desirable shape have been restored.

---

Another patient called after a traumatic deflation of the left breast. The other side appeared relatively normal, with only slight bottoming out.

One dilemma many patients face is whether or not to replace both implants.

If the implants are approaching the 10 year old mark, my best recommendation is to go ahead and replace both, as 10 years is about what the manufacturers feel is the average implant lifespan. If there is a problem with the opposite side, such as poor implant position, bottoming out, implant migration, or capsular contracture, it might be a good idea to get this fixed while you are under anesthesia. If you have aged since the original surgery, or have had children, sometimes a different implant or some minor repairs can improve the shape or size of the original implants. If the implants are relatively new — 3-4 years old — then the likelihood of a deflation or rupture of  the opposite side is less. It is not always an easy decision; and should be carefully considered before surgery is performed.

This patient was considering just having her implants removed. She had such a nice result that I was reluctant to do this. Patients who have had implants for a long time get used to the nice appearance. It can be devastating for them to look in the mirror if implants are removed. Few patients actually choose this option. About 50% of those do eventually have replacement implants put back in.

970.493.7445
1701 E. Prospect Rd.
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Contact Our Plastic Surgery Associates Now

Home ♦ About Us ♦ Plastic Surgery Practice Philosophy ♦ Before & After Gallery ♦ FAQ
Facial Plastic Surgery ♦ Forehead/Brow Lift ♦ Eyelid Surgery ♦ Nose Surgery ♦ Mouth/Perioral Are
Lips ♦ Cheeks Implants ♦ Neck Lift ♦ Arm Lift ♦ Breast Surgery ♦ Chest ♦ Back/Waist/Bra Rolls ♦ Flanks
Abdominoplasty ♦ Buttocks ♦ Outer Thighs ♦ Inner Thighs ♦ Skin Rejuvenation ♦ Cosmetic Surgery Resources
PSA Policies ♦ Plastic Surgery Site Map ♦ Plastic Surgery Clinic Directions ♦ Contact Our Plastic Surgeon