Confused About Implant Capsule Removal

I've had my implants for 8 years and would like them removed. I have no trouble, but my aunt just found out she had breast cancer, and has gone through surgery and receiving radiation treatment. I just want them out to better monitor my health in the future. I am confused about the removal of the capsule. My doctor said he would leave them in since it's too difficult to remove them all. He said, it would not show or hardly show in X-rays and would heal (disappear)? Please explain this to me. I'm supposed to face breast implant removal surgery next week. Thank you so much in advance.

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8 Doctor Answers | Asked by needinfopls in CA

Doctor Answers (8)
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Breast implant explantation (removal) and managment of the capsule

Breast implants can certainly be removed(explantation) under local anesthesia. In regards to the capsule: 1. There is some controversy among surgeons if this should be removed and this is difficult to perform under local. 2. Over the muscle capsules are easier to remove than under the muscle capsules 3. With saline implants in which there is minimal capsule, i have left in place. 4.With saline implants that have a severe, thickened or infected capsule, I will attempt to... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Should Breast Implant Capsules be Removed?

Unless calcified, the breast implant capsule will be absorbed over time so there is no reason to attempt to excise it. Also, capsule excision has the potential complications of bleeding and possible damage to structures adherent to the breast implant capsule.

Capsulectomy during breast implant removal

It is possible to completely remove the capsule during breast implant removal. If you are having difficulty or thickness with the capsule this technique may be recommended. However if the capsule is soft and is not affecting adjacent structures, the capsule may be left in place.

Implants and removal

Very often, the implant capsule does not have to be removed. If it is hard and calcified, then it is best to remove it as best as possible. If the capsule is soft, then it usually is left and eventually remodels.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Many times the capsule does not need to be removed

If your implants don't have a hard capsular contracture around them and if you don't have leaking old silicone gel implants and if your implants are below the muscle, it would be fine to just remove the implants and leave the scar capsules alone. They shouldn't delay the detection of breast cancer.

No need to remove the capsule.

The capsule that forms around your implants forms in response to a foreign body (the breast implant). Therefore, by removing the implant, the capsule will eventually go away too! It becomes very vascular with a robust blood supply and can bleed a lot during removal. Therefore, it is best not to mess with it during removal if not necessary. I agree with your surgeon here.

Capsule removed if you have pain, breast distortion, etc.

The capsule around the implant needs to be removed only if it very thick and contracted to the point of creating pain,distortion of breast tissue. If you have a soft breast ,most likely you do not need capsule removal.

Breast Capsule Removal with Removal of Implants

The breast capsule is highly vascularized and can be left in place or removed during your surgery to remove your breast implants. Removal of the capsule is straightforward with minimal risk aside from bleeding which can be controlled intraoperatively. Deciding on whether to remove the capsule depends on the thickness of the overlying breast parenchyma. Usually, the anterior capsule is removed while the posterior capsule is left intact. Leaving the capsule in place risks seroma... more