Can My Armpit Incisions Be Used Again To Replace My Saline Breast Implants?

Q:  Dr. Eppley, I have saline breast implants in now that are 375cc in size. While my surgeon said they would be perfect, I knew from the beginning they were too normal. (maybe perfect for him but not for me) They are under the muscle and are smooth Mentor saline implants. They were placed through an incision under my armpit as I did not want any breast scars. After having had them for six months, I am more convinced than ever that I want to go bigger. I want to go at least 500cc and maybe 550cc. Can my current implants be removed and replaced by going through the armpit again?  I still do not want any scars on my nipples or under my breasts. Should I use saline again or go with silicone implants this time?

A: In terms of a size change, you want to make sure that you are having a breast implant volume change of at least 30%, as that usually the minimum it takes to see a real cup size difference on the outside. That is why a change to 500cc (33% is the least you should go) and 550cc (46%) would be more ideal. You do not want to go through a second surgery and still fall short of your size goal.

Since the incision is an important concern for you, the armpit approach can be re-used and your saline implants exchanged for larger ones. While silicone implants can be placed through an armpit incision, there are some limitations of size. The size you have in now is about the limit for inserting silicone implants using a funnel technique through the armpit. There is no limit of size when it comes to saline breast implants through the armpit.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana