The Patient’s Guide

Everything You Need to Know AboutNeedle Deflation ofSaline Breast Implants

Saline Breast Implants

What needle deflation is, the signs it might be time, what happens during the procedure, and what recovery actually looks like. A complete walkthrough before you sit down for a consultation.

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Warning Signs

Signs that your saline breast implants may require removal and/or replacement:

Four of the most common reasons patients schedule a deflation consultation. If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth having a conversation.

Capsular Contracture

The hardening of the scar tissue around the breast implants, which can cause tightness, pain, and changes to the appearance of the breasts.

Rupture or Leakage

Implants may develop a hole or tear, causing the saline solution to leak. It can happen gradually or quickly. The saline is safely absorbed by the body, but the affected breast noticeably changes in size and shape.

Rippling

Implants can develop wrinkles or ripples. When this happens, you may be able to see them through the skin and feel them when you touch your breasts.

Position Change

Implants don't prevent the breasts from dropping or sagging with age. As the skin thins and loses elasticity, combined with gravity, the breast position drops significantly.

The Technique

What is needle deflation?

Needle deflation is a technique used to deflate saline breast implants, removing all of the saline solution from inside them and leaving an empty shell. It is typically carried out before a patient has their saline breast implants permanently removed or replaced. The added benefit: deflation shows the patient how their breasts will look if they choose to have their implants permanently removed.

The Procedure

What happens in a needle deflation procedure?

Local Anesthetic

Needle deflation is usually performed with a local anesthetic so the patient does not experience discomfort at any point during the procedure.

Saline Removed

Once you are anesthetized, a needle syringe is used to remove the saline from the implants, causing them to deflate.

Next Step

What happens next depends on your decision. Deflated implants can be removed through a small incision in the fold under the breast, or replaced with a new implant filled to your desired size.

Recovery

Recovering from a needle deflation procedure

Recovery time depends on whether you have your implants replaced or simply removed. Removal is straightforward: aside from some slightly sore incisions once they are closed, you should feel back to normal fairly quickly.

If you have your implants replaced, the after-effects will be similar to those you experienced after your initial augmentation: soreness, swelling, and possibly some bruising. Dr. Eberle will remind you how to care for your new breasts during recovery, but expect several weeks or more before you are back to all of your usual daily activities.

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