What is the Capsule That Many Doctors Refer to with Regards to Breast Implants?

asked 5 months ago by NGK
Latest answer by Mennen T. Gallas, MD
Question viewed 120 times
Tags: 15 years post-op, capsule, risk, terminology

I am exploring breast implant explantation, and in many Q&As, the Doctors refer to the 'capsule' created by the implant. What is this made of? What are they refering to? And what are the risks associated with keeping it in the body versus removing it? I am also keen to understand the risks associated with local versus general anesthetic for the explantation. I had silicon implants put in 16 years ago when I was 21 years old. I had a 32A cup prior to the operation and a 32C after. Thanks!

6 answers to What is the Capsule That Many Doctors Refer to with Regards to Breast Implants?

Breast implant removal and capsules

A breast implant capsule is the way the body heals around an implant or any foreign body that it cannot heal into. It is made of scar tissue similar to scars on the surface of the skin from incisions. There is nothing abnormal about most capsules and no reason to remove them just because they're there. Removing them will result in a new layer of scar tissue as the body heals the raw area from the removal of the capsule and the surgery involved with removing them is much more involved and... more

Scott L. Replogle, MD
Denver Plastic Surgeon

What is the capsule around breast implants

The capsule that is being described is scar tissue that forms around the implant. This is a normal occurrence in the body and happens with all breast implants. If you choose to have your implants removed you do not necessarily have to remove the scar capsules as well. Your body will break down and absorb the scar capsule over time.

Mennen T. Gallas, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

Capsules around implants

Simply put, the capsule is scar tissue. it is a colection of collagen (scar tissue) which surrounds the implant. the scars may be soft or thick but it is neverheless scar tissue.

James Apesos, MD
Dayton Plastic Surgeon

Breast capsule

The body forms a natural barrier of collagen around the implant. Usually this stays soft and thin but in some patients that capsule becomes thick and tight.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

The capsule is a very thin layer of your own tissue around the breast implants.

Hi. 1) There is always a capsule around implants. It is the body's natural reaction. What you do with the capsule depends on whether the implants are leaking. If they are leaking, most of the capsule should be removed because there might be bits of silicone in it. 2) If the implants are intact, we simply curette (scrape) the surface of the capsule and leave it in place. It disappears spontaneously after the implants are gone. 3) The... more

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast Implant Removal and Capsules?

Thank you for the question. When breast implants, or any other foreign body, is inserted into the human body, the body forms a lining around it. This lining is referred to as the “capsule”. This capsule is normally very thin and soft; however, it can become thick and hardened in a process called encapsulation or capsular contracture. In the process of breast implant removal, assuming the breast implant capsules are... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

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