• Breast Augmentation
• Saline Breast Implants
• Silicone Breast Implants
• Breast Reduction
• Breast Lift
• Implant Deflation & Repair
• Types of Incisions
• Breast Implant Placement

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

Breast Augmentation
Before & After Photos

What is breast implant deflation and how does it occur?

The majority of breast implant deflations treated by Dr. Pancholi have occurred with textured saline breast implants. He does however commonly treat both saline breast implant deflations and silicone breast implant deflations. With saline breast implants, deflations occur when the integrity of the outer shell is breached. A breach will allow any saline inside the implant to harmlessly drain out and cause the breast to quickly lose its size and shape. With silicone breast implants, a breach of the outer shell may also occur. In this instance the implant capsule may contain the silicone. More modern day cohesive gel implants have minimal mobility if the shell is breached and the implant is also monitored every couple of years for such an incident.

What causes breast implants to rupture or fail?

The causes of breast implant failure can vary. In some instances, the problem occurs when the implants are filled above or below the manufacturer's recommended fill range. Other times, texturing of a saline implant can result in excessive wrinkling and premature wear, causing the implant to fail. Sometimes the implant itself may have a defect in its valve or seam. Wear and tear through the years also plays a role in the deterioration of your breast implants.

How long does it take after the initial surgery before breast implant deflation can occur?

Most manufactures indicate a life span for the breast implant of about 10 years, but a deflation may occur at any time. When an implant is ruptured, additional surgery is needed to remove or replace the implant.

Should I have one or both implants replaced?

Dr. Pancholi typically recommends replacement of both breast implants. This will minimize the 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.

Is deflation a frequent occurrence?

Yes and No. All implants will eventually deflate over time. 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.

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

The liquid in a saline breast implant is similar to that which occurs naturally in the human body and thus 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.

It is important that you contact your surgeon or Dr. Pancholi when you realize a deflation has occurred in order to avoid any further complications. 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 will 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.

How is breast implant deflation corrected?

A deflated implant can be safely and successfully removed and replaced with new implants surgically. Typically your same breast augmentation incision is used to approach the deflated implant. After traversing the scar tissue path to the implant, 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.

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 loose tissue or drooping. Depending on your desires for breast implant change, additional costs may apply.

What about recovery?

Although it is an intricate and challenging procedure, 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.

What is the cost?

Often, deflation repair 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.

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