Treatment of the capsule in explantation

Lavinia Chong, MD answers: Should the capsule be removed with the implants?

If someone wants to permanently remove their saline breast implants, does the capsule need to be removed as well? If the capsule stays in, what happens to it? Will it move to other parts of the body or does it dissolve eventually? I've heard conflicting information about it. I heard from some that it is risky to remove it and it will dissolve over time. On the other hand, I read other stories about women who get sicker from leaving it in. Which is correct, to remove the capsule or leave it in after removing the implant permanently?


Lavinia Chong, MD
1 month ago
By Lavinia Chong, MD - Orange County Plastic Surgeon

The considerations for removing implants are to streamline a woman's life (ie eliminate the maintenance concerns) and optimize the appearance of  her breasts.  Assuming that your nipples are at or above the inframammary fold (where the breast meets the chest wall) and your skin brassiere is elastic, there is a chance that your eventual result will be acceptable, even if somewhat deflated. 

My approach is as follows: a) for low grade capsules (Baker I & 2); capsulotomy, drain placement, antibiotics, compression and limited activity for 4 weeks; b) for high grade capsules (Baker 3&4) open dome capsulectomy (subtotal release), drains, antibiotics, compresssion and limited activity for 4 weeks.  My rationale is to ensure that the prior space collapses down consistently. 

Good luck

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More answers to “Should the capsule be removed with the implants?”

A: Capsule and removal of breast implants

Farbod Esmailian, MD
6 months ago
By Farbod Esmailian, MD - Orange County Plastic Surgeon

In general the implant is removed and a drain is placed.  Now if you have silicone implants are there is some possibility of rupture, I like to remove everything en bloc.  Remove the capsule and the implant all at once.

If the capsule is very thick, I also like to remove the capsule and place drains.  Drains are a necessity whether the capsule is left or taken out.

Good Luck.

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