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For women considering breast implants, who just aren’t entirely sure what size they would like to be, the answer may just be the new adjustable implants. Adjustable implants can be inflated or deflated depending upon the desires of the patient.
Adjustable implants are saline implants that are inserted just like regular saline implants. After a suitable period of postoperative recovery, the implant is inflated with saline to the exact size desired by the patient.
“Post operative adjustable implants are just another way of doing the same breast enhancement surgery, except now, they give the patient more control over her final size,” says Dr. Joseph.
“It’s done just like a standard augmentation, however during that procedure the implant is filled to less than the desired size. The filling tube is left attached to the implant, and at the opposite end is a reservoir. The reservoir is placed underneath the skin, close to the original breast incision. Postoperatively a needle can be placed through the skin, into the reservoir, and the size of the implant can be adjusted.”
Once the reservoir is removed, the implant is now a permanent size. Up until the removal of the reservoir, the implants can be changed in size. Typically, the reservoir is left in place for six months. Then the reservoir is removed under local anesthesia in the office and takes only about 15 minutes. There is no recovery time after that. You can literally have it done on your lunch break.
With the adjustable implants, the final result takes longer to achieve than the traditional implants. This is because the months following the procedure are spent getting the exact size desired by the patient. Adjustable implants are much more flexible and allow options that aren’t available with a permanent saline implant.
So now the woman can have the final answer as to the size of her breasts. She can say, “This is the size I want.” We can keep filling the implant until she’s happy.
The patient is awake during the filling. Typically, the skin is numb after surgery, so it doesn’t hurt putting the needle into the valve.
Most women who choose adjustable implants end up having larger implants than they originally thought.
“Not that much bigger, but typically a half cup to a full cup larger than was their initial intention,” says Dr. Joseph.
Greater volume is also possible with the new inflatable implants. This is because the inflatable implants have a larger final fill volume than the nonadjustable implants. Another advantage is that the adjustable implants tend to be softer. This is because the implants are inflated to a certain size that the patient finds acceptable. After that, additional saline is added to the implant to overinflate the implant. At this time the breast feels harder than normal. When the additional fluid is removed, the tissue that has been stretched out becomes soft and takes on the shape of a normal and natural breast.
Adjustable implants are very effective in dealing with asymmetry of the breasts and nipples. All women are born with one breast bigger than the other, but for some this is more noticeable. With non-adjustable implants, the surgeon makes an educated guess as to which size will not only please the patient, but will correct any obvious asymmetries. However, with adjustable implants, the surgeon is able to overfill one implant to even out the two breasts and make them appear much more normal and natural.
Adjustable implants are also better able to correct certain breast deformities. The most common one is a tubular breast, in which the base of the breast stopped growing, while the remainder of the patient’s chest continued to grow. As a result, the base of the breast is too small for the patient’s chest. Adjustable implants allow the cosmetic surgeon to expand these small-based breasts and assure the patient of an improved size and symmetry.
Similarly, if a woman has one nipple higher than the other, the high side can be overinflated. When the excess fluid is drained, the breast drops, resulting in nipples that are now even. Adjustable implants have the same risks associated with regular implants, such as bleeding, infection, and capsular contraction. The only drawback, besides the cost, over other implants is the time to complete the process. But time is on the patient’s side, because if she is willing to wait, she is more assured of having the size and shape breast that she has always desired.
Richard A. Joseph, MD
Midwest Surgical Arts
1250 North Mill St. Ste 103
Naperville, IL 60563
(630) 717-8200 | MyCosmeticSurgeon.com
Dr. Richard A. Joseph selected this article for publication based on its relevance to emerging innovations in cosmetic and surgical care. The insights presented highlight the growing interest in adjustable breast implants as a flexible alternative to traditional augmentation, offering patients greater control over size, symmetry, and natural outcomes. This information provides valuable guidance for individuals considering breast enhancement and the evolving options available in modern aesthetic medicine.