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Breast Implant Deflation Repair in Las Vegas

Early in his career, Dr. Pancholi was immersed in a population of patients affected by breast implant deflations by other plastic surgeons. Having corrected hundreds upon hundreds of failed breast augmentations, his ability to adapt, refine, and improve upon older techniques have helped him emerge as an international lecturing expert on breast implant deflation repair. Patients from Las Vegas and throughout the world have turned to Dr. Pancholi for their implant repair following failed breast augmentation by their plastic surgeon.

What is breast implant deflation and how does it occur?

The majority of breast implant deflations Dr. Pancholi treats have occurred with textured saline breast implants. He does, however, commonly treat both saline breast implant deflations and silicone breast implant ruptures.

With saline breast implants, deflations occur when the integrity of the outer shell becomes compromised and ruptures. This will allow any saline inside the implant to harmlessly drain out, but the breast quickly loses its size and shape.

With silicone breast implants, a breach of the outer shell may also occur. If this happens, you will need to have the implant replaced. However, it can be more difficult to tell immediately if you have a rupture because today’s cohesive silicone gel will stay contained within the implant for longer periods. The FDA recommends routine MRIs—3 years after implant placement, and then every 2 years thereafter—to detect a rupture in a silicone implant.

What causes breast implants to rupture or fail?

The causes of breast implant failure can vary. Poor surgical technique, aggressive placement of the implant, or a defect in the implant valve or seam can result in the early rupture of an implant. Wear and tear through the years also plays a role in the deterioration of all types of breast implants.

One common cause of implant failure and rupture is from the implant wrinkling. This can occur from placement into an ill-fitting breast pocket (i.e., placing a large implant into a small breast pocket), capsular contracture (where the breast pocket shrinks and squeezes and folds the implant), and with an implant that naturally wrinkles, such as a saline textured implant.

With saline implants, the problem can occur when the implants are filled above or below the manufacturer’s recommended fill range. Other times, as stated above, the texturing of a saline implant can result in excessive wrinkling and premature wear, causing the implant to fail.

How common are breast implant ruptures?

Yes and no. All implants will eventually deflate over time; at the same time, we have seen saline implants last over 30 years. However, independent studies by leading manufacturers of FDA approved breast implants show a saline implant deflation rate of 3-5% at 3 years and 7-10% at 5 years. So it isn’t expected early on after your breast augmentation, but it will eventually deflate over time.

How often do I need to have breast implants replaced?

The risk of rupture increases over time, and most manufacturers indicate the rate of rupture to increase after about 10 years. While you do not necessarily need to have your implants replaced exactly every 10 years, it is a good idea to check in with your cosmetic surgeon as your implants age to discuss if and when replacement is right for you.

If you think you’ve experienced a deflation, what should you do?

The liquid in a saline breast implant is IV fluid and similar to that which occurs naturally in your body, so it is harmlessly absorbed. The sudden dose of saline solution and the associated anxiety of having a deflated breast implant may lead to some headache and nausea. Typically this will resolve over 24-48 hours.

Make an appointment with Dr. Pancholi, the sooner the better

It is important that you contact Dr. Pancholi when you realize a deflation has occurred in order to avoid any further complications. Although not a medical emergency, the longer a deflated implant remains inside of you, the tighter the fibrous scar tissue capsule surrounding the implant will become, and the more difficult it can be to reshape the breast. Additionally, the deflated implant can place pressure points inside the breast resulting in the thinning of tissues and possible extrusion of the implant over time.

The sooner a deflated implant is corrected, the less time tissues have to contract and subsequently require re-expansion. This equates to fewer surgical measures to re-expand the fibrous capsule, a greater opportunity to recreate the pre-deflation look, less recovery time, and less pain.

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How is breast implant deflation corrected?

A deflated implant can be safely and successfully removed and replaced with new breast implants surgically. Typically, your same breast augmentation incision is used to approach the deflated implant. You will have scar tissue surrounding the implant; this is normal. Dr. Pancholi will free the implant from the surrounding scar tissue, clean the breast pocket, and then reshape the pocket to allow for the new implant to be properly positioned.

Should I have one or both implants replaced?

Dr. Pancholi typically recommends replacing both breast implants. This will minimize your risk of having to undergo another surgery if the untreated side deflates soon afterward. It is also good to have both of your implants reset at this time to maintain or even improve the position and appearance of your breasts.

Can I switch breast implant size and type if mine deflates?

Most women are able to change the size and type of their implants (saline or silicone breast implants) without issue. Decreasing size is possible but may require a breast lift to account for stretched tissue, which could cause sagging. Depending on your desires for breast implant change, additional costs may apply.

What is the recovery time for breast implant replacement?

Although it is an intricate procedure requiring a surgeon with specific skills in revision surgery, patients generally experience only minimal discomfort after breast implant deflation surgery because most of the stretching of tissues has already occurred. Generally, patients can resume normal activities in about 3 days and full activities in 2-3 weeks, depending on changes made at the time of surgery. Our office will give you detailed instructions for your recovery.

How much does it cost to replace a ruptured or deflated breast implant?

At Cosmetic Surgery of Las Vegas, breast implant deflation repair prices start at $6,390. Your total cost will depend on the extent of surgery needed to correct the issue, the type of implants you are receiving, and other factors. Often, the cost of replacing a ruptured or deflated implant is at least partially covered under a breast implant warranty by the breast implant manufacturer. Dr. Pancholi and his staff will prioritize your appointments and surgery while also guiding you through to help make it as smooth and efficient as possible.