adjustable breast implants

Plastic Surgeon Dr. Audrey Farahmand helps her plastic surgery patients in Fort Myers, Florida control the size of their breast augmentation surgery after their breast augmentation surgery is complete with a special post-operatively adjustable saline breast implant.
Patients now have an opportunity to change the size of their breasts after the surgery is complete. This option is ideal for women who are unsure about their final implant size or want to customize their results over time. The augmentation is performed just as a standard breast augmentation. A special saline implant is used with a small port which is buried underneath the skin. The port is not visible but can be felt with the fingertips.

During post-operative visits, if the patient desires to make the breasts larger or smaller, a tiny needle can be inserted through the skin, into the port, and saline can be added or removed. This type of implant is often referred to as a “post-operative adjustable breast implant” or “adjustable saline breast implant.”

Adjustable implants offer a flexible breast augmentation option that empowers patients to modify their results as they heal.

After a period of approximately three months, the ports are removed through the old incisions. The second procedure takes twenty minutes to perform but is performed with sedation for the patient’s comfort. And, the patient is back to work the following day.

The Augmentation
The augmentation is performed just as a standard breast augmentation. A special saline implant is used with a small port which is buried underneath the skin. The port is usually not visible but can be felt with the fingertips. During post-operative visits, if the patient desires to make the breasts larger or smaller, a tiny needle can be inserted through the skin, into the port, and saline can be added or removed. This allows patients to gradually increase or decrease breast volume after surgery—an appealing feature for women seeking more control over their enhancement. After a period of approximately three months, the ports are removed through the old incisions. The second procedure takes approximately twenty minutes to perform and the patient is usually back to work the following day after port removal surgery.

The Advantages of Adjustable Breast Implants

• Patients can “try” different sizes after their augmentation
• If rippling occurs, sometimes adding more saline lends improvements
• Patients can sometimes more safely achieve sizes that are larger than would be possible with a standard saline breast augmentation
• Some patients feel they can conceal the fact that they have had an augmentation from friends and co-workers by gradually increasing their size.
• If performed with a breast lift, the breast lift incisions may heal better as less tension would be placed on the incisions initially.
  Great for women unsure about implant size before surgery
  Less pressure on skin and tissue immediately after surgery

The Disadvantages of Adjustable Breast Implants

• This approach requires more office visits
• It is Dr. Farahmand’s opinion that the adjustable implants are more prone to rippling than standard breast implants.
• Adjustable breast implants require a second surgery
• The port can malfunction
• There is a slightly higher chance of infection
• There is a limit to how much the implant can be filled as over-filling or under-filling can contribute to early rupture or rippling or scalloping.
  Not recommended for patients seeking silicone implants, as only saline can be used
  Higher cost due to two procedures instead of one
• Only saline implants can be used with this technique.

Procedure: Post-operatively adjustable breast augmentation.

This 35-year-old mother of two experienced flattening of her breasts after breast-feeding. She opted for 360cc adjustable saline breast implants (pictured).

Ideal Candidates

Adjustable implants are especially suited for women considering breast augmentation for the first time, those seeking a more conservative change at first, or patients who want to avoid multiple implant revision surgeries in the future.

It is also a great option for post-pregnancy body changes or those experiencing significant asymmetry.

Every patient is different as to how quickly they recover from breast augmentation surgery. In general, patients stay at home for about 3 days. How quickly they return to work depends on what type of work they perform. People who work desk jobs can often return to work within 5-7 days provided they are not taking pain medications. People whose jobs require a lot of physical activity would need to take more time off.
Patients undergoing adjustable breast augmentation in Fort Myers often appreciate the faster recovery and flexibility that comes with being able to fine-tune their results gradually.

“Love the work she did! Staff is amazing and the experience all around was the best. She explains everything to really make you feel at ease!!”
— Breast Augmentation patient

Procedure: Post-operatively adjustable breast augmentation.

This 35-year-old mother of two experienced flattening of her breasts after breast-feeding. She opted for 360cc adjustable saline breast implants (pictured).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do adjustable breast implants work?
They use a small valve or port under the skin that allows saline to be added or removed after surgery.

Are adjustable implants safe?
Yes, when monitored by a board-certified plastic surgeon, they are considered a safe option for women who want more control over their augmentation outcome.

Can you change your breast implant size after surgery?
Yes, with adjustable implants, saline can be added or removed post-op to reach the desired size.

What are adjustable breast implants filled with?
Only saline can be used, which is sterile salt water.

Is the port used for filling noticeable or painful?
The port is not visible but can be felt. Adjustments are done in-office with minimal discomfort.