Why must a thickened capsule be removed for explant?

Thank you for sharing your question.  In most cases a thickened capsule should be removed in order to not have a continued firmness to the breast tissue and to limit the chances of a fluid collection developing, termed a seroma.  Hope this helps.

It is best to remove the thickened capsules and exchange the implant. Although we do not know all the causes for capsule formation, a subclinical infection is one cause. It is important not to leave behind a focus of bacteria that could be present in the capsule or with the old implant. Also, if the old capsules if left, a seroma, or fluid collection could develop.

Despite extensive research, the cause of capsular contracture remains unknown. Two main theories address the underlying cause: subclinical infection and hypertrophic scarring. Surgical removal of the scar tissue capsule is known as capsulectomy. This is the most effective method of capsule correction. The implant is either moved to a sub-muscular position or switched with another textured implant. This procedure does not eliminate the probability of the reoccurrence of capsulation but is the most effective method for limiting the recurrence.