Breast Implant Capsules - will they ever dissolve or reabsorb into the body? (Photo)

Question

My doctor only removed 50% of my capsules during explant surgery. Do the capsules ever dissolve or reabsorb into the body? I’ve had BII symptoms for 10 years and really want all of the capsules gone.

Dev Vibhakar, DO, FACS · Answer

Hello. The capsules do not dissolve or reabsorb. Unfortunately, 50% of your capsule will remain in the breast pocket unless it is definitively removed via a Total Capsulectomy.Dr Dev

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Removal of breast implants, intact or ruptured, may have positive implications if patients are symptomatic. A constellation of symptoms associated with breast implant illness, and autoimmune disease are considered when treating patients who have breast implants and are concerned about foreign body reaction. In our office, we begin this journey with a consideration of symptoms and exclusion of obvious autoimmune problems. In many of our patients, en bloc removal of breast implants with capsulectomy is important and beneficial. Further clinical evidence about breast implant illness is evolving and will continue to guide treatment. I would suggest removal if there is a possibility of foreign body reaction.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Shaher W. Khan, MD · Answer

Hello, great question! The capsule will never dissolve or absorb into the body. I have seen capsules that were left behind even forty years after implant removal. The goal and gist of implant removal surgery is to remove the entire implant and capsule completely, along with all inflamed tissue and to test it for malignancies.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The capsules are essentially scar tissue and will not dissolve over time. If you are continuing to experience BII symptoms I encourage you to speak with your surgeon.

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

The capsules will not dissolve or go away, but they will scar down without further capsule formation in most cases after removal of the foreign body (the implant). There are many instances in which removal of the entire capsule is not necessary or is not considered safe due to its adherence to the posterior chest wall and its proximity to the lungs. While it is easy to say that the capsule and implant should be removed "en bloc," this often times is not possible or desirable.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear jennyf1979,
it is hard to tell for sure, in most cases capsule that is left causes no symptoms. I would suggest discussing your concerns with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Breast Implant Capsules - will they ever dissolve or reabsorb into the body? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Breast implant capsules

Answer: Breast implant capsules

Answer: Not Necessarily

Answer: Not Necessarily

Answer: Capsules

Answer: Capsules

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Breast Implant Capsules - will they ever dissolve or reabsorb into the body? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Breast implant capsules

Answer: Breast implant capsules

Answer: Not Necessarily

Answer: Not Necessarily

Answer: Capsules

Answer: Capsules

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.