Episode 55: Saline Deflation: Managing Complexity and Challenges

Saline implants stand as a popular choice for individuals seeking breast augmentation or reconstruction. However, despite their widespread adoption, saline implants are not immune to the occasional occurrence of rupture, presenting a significant concern for both patients and practitioners.

In this episode, we talk about managing saline implants and discuss the aspects of breast implant surgery. With a keen focus on both the challenges and the innovative techniques inherent in this specialized field, we uncover the complexities of saline implant management and saline deflation.

Saline Devices and Their Complexity

Managing saline devices, often exceeding 400 CC's and even reaching up to 500 or 900 CC's in my own experience, presents a significant complexity. This complexity arises primarily from the inherent characteristics of saline implants, which lack the compressibility of their silicone gel counterparts. Unlike silicone gel implants, which can be compressed, saline implants maintain their full form, making them particularly challenging to manipulate, especially when placed beneath the breast fold.

Operating around these firm implants, especially from below, requires skill and precision. Our goal is to remove them without damage, keeping everything intact. However, doing this with saline implants requires careful planning and expertise.

Treating Ruptured Saline Implants

There are different approaches we can take when dealing with larger implants, like overfilled ones. We might opt for a traditional method or even a vertical approach. Throughout my career, situations have arisen where individuals, while visiting town, experienced a rupture in their saline device. Through the years, I've encountered numerous patients facing similar circumstances.

Essentially, within about a week of a rupture, the saline in the implant typically drains out harmlessly, as it's sterile and gets absorbed by the body without any issues. Patients should discuss with their surgeon and arrange for a replacement if desired. This process is somewhat traditional, and it's important to act relatively quickly because once the implant is removed, the pocket starts to close.

For patients with overfilled saline implants, I won't proceed with surgery without deflating the implant first. Deflating the implant is a safe procedure done using sterile techniques, similar to what's done if a rupture occurs.

Using Deflation to Visualize Breast Changes after Surgery

Often, patients don't have their implant information readily available, making it challenging to determine the exact fill volume. After controlled deflation in the office over a period of two to four weeks, the tissues settle down, offering a glimpse of their natural state. While it's not an exact replica due to the short timeframe, this visual assessment aids in understanding the current situation. It also facilitates discussions about additional procedures like skin lifts or fat transfers.