I Am Having an Explant, Capsulectomy, and Lift Soon. Should Things Be Sent to a Pathologist?

The PS I'm seeing doesn't send things to a pathologist unless the patient requests it. Should the implants, capsules, and/or any tissue be sent to a pathologist? If so, what is a ballpark cost for this as I am paying out of pocket? Thank you!

Tags:

capsulectomy lift

Comment on this

5 Doctor Answers | Asked by novrelief in Florida

Doctor Answers (5)
Community Comments (0)

Sending tissue off to pathology

Unless there is a suspicion or suspicious tissue the breast implant/capsule does not necessarily have to be sent to pathology. Discuss this with your doctor.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Pathological exam of implants, capsules, or tissue

The only reason to send an implant, capsule, or tissue to pathology and incur a charge is if there is something abnormal or unexpected and a diagnosis is needed. I would add that although there is a difference of opinion on this, there is no good reason to remove a normal capsule when removing an implant and it adds cost, time, and risk to the procedure. There is also no reason a lift must be done when an implant is removed. Implants do not lift breasts and removing them does not... more

Explant

Unless there is a family history or personal history of malignancy there is no need for this. if you are requesting this then paying the fee is also appropriate.

Send Capsule/Tissue to Pathology after Breast Implant Removal?

Thank you for the question. Generally speaking, unless there is an abnormality on imaging studies and/or found during the surgical procedure, I do not routinely send breast implants, capsules, or tissue to pathology for evaluation. If you choose to have this performed, patholgy costs may vary from one institution to another ( probably ranging from $500-$1000). Best wishes with your upcoming procedures.

Capsulectomy, and Lift Soon. Should Things Be Sent to a Pathologist?

It is quite unlikely that anything will come out from the path report that is of any use, and the cost is about $500. Unless there is some abnormality on a mammogram or MRI, I generally do not send capsule tissue to the lab. Thanks, and best wishes.