Breast Scar Capsule After Implant Explantation

asked 3 years ago by littleagain in Iowa
Latest answer by Steven Wallach, MD
Question viewed 2,030 times
Tags: silicone implant, capsule, mistake, scar

I want to have my silicone gel implants removed. I have had them for two years. I have had no problems, just feel it was a big mistake and would like to have them out. My plastic surgeon told me he would open me up and pull the implant out. I have been reading about the scar capsule, and am wondering if that can stay in? Will my body absorb it in time? I have them placed under the muscle. Thank you for your advise.

10 answers to Breast Scar Capsule After Implant Explantation

Implant Capsule

Dear Littleagain, I think you may have some confusion regarding a "capsule" and a "capsular contracture". The formation of a "capsule" is the natural response of the body to any foreign material. Occasionally, a "capsular contracture" can develop around an implant. This is an uncommon complication of having implant surgery. It makes the implant hard and causes the implant to move up on the chest. A "capsular contracture" can cause pain and... more

A. Peter Salas, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast implant removal

If your implants were soft and all you want is to have them removed, then all you need done is to remove the implant itself. The capsule will not be a problem.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Capsule removal after breast implant removal a matter of opinion

Hello, I tend to remove most of the capsule to encourage the pocket to close. This is a matter of opinion. Some surgeons do not believe this is very important, for example when the capsule is not very thick. Capsule removal might also make mammography easier to interpret over your lifetime. A debatable item here.

John P. Di Saia, MD
Orange Plastic Surgeon

Either way is OK for removing implants

I personally like to remove the capsule (capsulectomy) at the same time. The capsule will not go away by itself. On the other hand, capsulectomy is a slightly bigger operation, and will likely involve drain tubes. Still, I like the capsules out if the implants are removed.

Scott E. Kasden, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Proceed

Dear Little, If you haven't incorporated your implants into your body self image by two years, it is not likely to happen. You may proceed with removal and the capsules may remain in place. Good luck!

Kenneth R. Francis, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Okay to just remove the implant

With older generation gel implants, produced prior to 1999 there was a problem with silicone gel bleed. That is gel could leak through an intact bag. If this occurs then it would be recommended to have the capsule removed otherwise a simple removal of the implant is all that is needed. In many circumstances the insertion of a drain may be required. Usually ths procedure can be performed under local anesthesia depending upon the location of the original incision.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

It should not be a problem.

Even though the answer in the past has been to remove the capsules, I have found that removing the implant and placing a suction drain for about a week works well. Fortunately it is very unusual. I am curious why you would want them out.

William H. Huffaker, MD
Saint Louis Plastic Surgeon

At least part of scar capsule should be removed

Part or most of the capsule should be removed, otherwise a long-term fluid collection can occur. This is not very invasive and a partial capsulectomy (removal) takes about 15 minutes for each breast. This, combined ith drain placement, will minimize fluid collection and assure the pocket collapses down, long term.

Michael S. Beckenstein, MD
Birmingham Plastic Surgeon

I just answered your other question!

Hi littleagain, OK, so you are sure you want your implants out. As I told you in my other answer, the implant capsules need to be curetted (scraped). They can also be surgically removed, but this is an unnecessarily invasive operation. You also need to have suction drains put in and left in place for one week. Otherwise, there is a high risk of seromas (internal collections of fluid). Good luck!

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Removing breast implants should suffice

Hello, If you have had no problems and just want to go back to your original size, removing the implants should do it. There is no reason to try to remove the capsule around it. It can be traumatic, most of the time you can't remove the whole capsule and there is no medical reason for it. If anything, I would recommend to just leave the capsule alone and just remove the implants. We have done that many times with no problems. Best of luck.