Does Overfilling Smooth Inflatable Saline-Filled Breast Implants Decrease the Deflation Rate? Experience with 4761 Augmentation Mammaplasty Patients.

[BACKGROUND] Research suggests that overfilling saline inflatable breast implants may decrease their deflation rates. To date, there has been no large-scale study comparing breast implants filled within vs. beyond the manufacturer's recommended fill volumes.

[METHODS] A retrospective comparative study was conducted for 4761 women who underwent aesthetic augmentation mammaplasty by the author. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 includes 2960 patients who had breast augmentation between 2002 and 2009 with implants filled within the manufacturer's recommended fill volumes. Group 2 includes 1801 patients who had breast augmentation between 2011 and 2018. Their implants were overfilled with an average volume between 42 and 50 cc, or 10-13%, respectively. All surgeries were performed with Mentor Style 1600 saline breast implants (smooth, round moderate profile) through an inframammary incision; implants were placed in the subpectoral (dual) plane. Also evaluated was the yearly increase in deflation rates.

[RESULTS] Group I had 119 deflations, representing a deflation rate of 4.02%. Group 2 had 33 deflations, providing a deflation rate of 1.83%. The author found a protective effect in overfilling the device (p < 0.00001 and Z-score of 4.17). Fold failure was the major reason for deflation in both groups. The implants filled within the manufacturer's recommended volume had a yearly increase in deflation rate of 0.41%, not 1% as is commonly reported. The overfilled implants did not have a yearly increase in deflation rate.

[CONCLUSION] Overfilling Mentor Style 1600 saline breast implants (smooth, round moderate profile) 10-13% significantly reduced the deflation rate.

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