Periareolar Vs Inframammary Fold Incision (En Bloc Capsulectomy - Ruptured Submuscular Silicone Implants) (photo)

Dear doctors, Which approach provides the most direct route for an en bloc capsulectomy and requires the least operative time? Will and inframammary incision provide less post operative discomfort and faster healing? I am having my en bloc procedure soon and my surgeon said he'd use the existing periareolar incision in order to avoid creating a new scar. However, I did not ask if it's easier /safer to remove the capsules via inframammary incision even if it means a new scar!

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rupture silicone implant capsulectomy duration en bloc incision technique

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by G51 in WA

Doctor Answers (5)
Community Comments (1)

Removing an implant and capsule

It is perfectly fien to use any of the incision described to gain access to remove the implant and capsule.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

En Bloc Capsulectomy - Ruptured Submuscular Silicone Implants

I do this procedure several times a year as patients with the older gel implants come in for a change. It is not necessary use any incision other than the one you have around one-half of the areola. If it is a small implant the surgeon will remove the implant and capsule in one piece. But if the implant is larger is can be done through the same incision by first removing the implant, ruptured or not, and then the capsule. If the tissues outside the capsule are injected with a solution... more

Capsulectomy

Enblock capsulectomy and removal of ruptured implant will require a larger incision equal to the diameter of the contracted capsule. You have a full periareolar incison, according to the pictures, which means you had a breast lift . If you have a vertical scar as well then the combination of these two scars can remove the capsule enblock. Other wise an infra mammary incision, and i like to use the harmonic scalpel to dissect the capsule where there is less chance of entering the capsule. more

En bloc implant removal is not as easy as it sounds

To remove the entire capsule and the contained ruptured implant intact (so called "en bloc") requires a LARGE incision or the capsule will almost for sure pop open at some point during the removal from too much pressure and manipulation. I really would not try it through the areola and would do a long crease incision if you want the best chance of success and the quickest surgery. Did they discuss lifting with you after by the way?

Periareolar vs Infra-mammary Approach to Capsulectomy

A complete capsulectomy, also en bloc, can be performed depending on the case by an infra-mammary incision or a periareolar one (if the areolar is large enough and already has a scar). Other scars such as a vertical mastopexy scar if present can also be used. In most cases and in yours, I would prefer an infra-mammary approach as if needed the access can be enlarged if required.