Breast Implant Removal: Q&A
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What Happens to the Pocket After Breast Implant Removal?
If the capsule is not taken out? Can you feel it? What happens to the pocket when breast implants are removed?
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18 Doctor Answers |
Asked by
littleagain
in Iowa
+5
Breast capsule removal
Breast capsule removal does not pose a problem. The reminaing space contracts and the capsule (scar tissue) is absorbed into the body. You should not be able to feel the remaining scar tissue. Healing is quick. If you attempt to remove the scar tissue as is commonly requested by the patient, you can distort the breast tissue and the end result, which should be a soft, normal-looking breast.
+4
What happens to the breast pocket after implants are removed?
HI littleagain,
These are great questions.
In general, if you are having the implants removed and you have enough extra tissue left behind (ie, skin, breast and fat - nothing personal, of course) it may be advisable to have the capsule removed. It may heal up well on its own but sometimes a smooth-walled pocket remains and it can continuously fill with fluid. Removing at least part of the pocket (an anterior capsulectomy) will help the remaining tissue scar down and...
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+4
Capsulectomy is often needed for complex revisional breast surgery
If you are having a simple implant removal procedure, the capsule should be excised and the 'pocket' obliterated, in order to prevent a long-term fluid collection from forming. This procedure is called a capsulectomy. I generally remove the anterior capsule only (in a sub-muscular argumentation) and then place a drain in the space for a few days. You cannot feel the remnants of the capsule when it is handled in this manner.
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+3
Removal of breast capsule after implant removal
Typically, I recommend removal of the capsule along with removal of the implant in order to prevent long-term fluid collection within this space. Inevitably, there is some capsule formation in this breast pocket created with and around the implant. In order to get the tissue to re-adhere and obliterate the potential space from where the pocket was previously, removal of the capsule (i.e., capsulectomy) is advised along with placement of a drain. Once done, your breast...
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+3
Pocket can collapse
If the pocket is not removed, then it can collapse and disappear, or it can fill with fluid and look like you still have an implant. Best suggestion is to remove the implant and capsule and suture the pocket closed while lifting the breast tissue as well.
+3
Debatable
Breast implant capsules vary. Plastic surgeon opinions vary as well regarding them. When capsules are left in place they can at times cause breast distortion or persistent fluid collections requiring more surgery. I take them out at least partially during implant removal surgery - particularly implant removals without replacement.
Best Regards.
+3
Breast capsules should be removed with your implants
When breast capsules are left in following removal of Breast implants, there is a chance of developing a collection of fluid (called a seroma). Removing the capsule (at least part of it) will help prevent this from occurring.
+2
The Capsule After Explantation
He body will absorb the capsule after the implants are removed. This process is enhanced significantly if your surgeon removes parts of the capsule. Many surgeons use drains to prevent fluid (serum) from building up inside the empty capsule, which can slow absorption of the capsule.
+2
What happens to the Breast Implant Capule after Implant Removal?
Unless the breast implant capsule is calcified, as might be seen in very old implants, it generally is absorbed by your body over time without need for a drain in most cases.
A calcified breast implant capsule is usually excised and this pocket is drained as a seroma, or fluid collection can occur.
+2
The pocket closes.
Once the implant is removed, the pocket collapses on itself and closes. If there is a thickened, calcified capsule, it is usually removed with the implants dso that the scar tissue is not palpable..
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