En bloc capsulectomy, what will my recovery be like? Over the muscle implants, 3 years post op.

Dear 81818181,
if your implants are over the muscle, they can be removed under local anesthesia which can reduce the costs of the procedure significantly. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello @81818181, thank you for your question. The recovery and healing process depends on a number of factors, including the surgical technique of the specialist performing the surgery. It does not matter if the capasulectomy is en block (this is determined based on the morphology of the breast and the professional findings of the surgery) or where the prosthesis is located in terms of the cost or recovery. What is important in this kind of surgery is that the whole capsule is taken out and a preventive biopsy is performed on each capsule. My practice always involves a breast implant removal followed by a breast reconstruction. The reconstruction of the breast ensures the repositioning of the mammary tissues and improves the overall appearance of the breast. If you are considering a breast explantation, consultation with a plastic surgeon who is experienced in this procedure is essential to ensure optimal results. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

En bloc surgery is for cancer surgery only and does not refer to removing implants or the capsules. It is much more involved and something you probably will not have. Removal with the capsules may be similar to your first procedure in pain and recovery.

Your recovery should be easier as compared to a subpectoral capsulectomy however the amount of dissection and the complexity of the procedure is going to depend on how thick your capsule is and how thick your native breast tissue is over the capsule. In terms of cost, that is something you need to discuss with your surgeon. Every surgeon has different charges for their procedures. Some charge a standard rate for a capsulectomy where as others may charge different rates depending if your implants are above or below the muscle.

Patients report recovery from this procedure is typically not too bad. Patients who work outside of the home are generally back to work at a non physically demanding job after about a week. Other restrictions may still be in place for up to six weeks. Patients will usually wear a support bra or compression post operatively and be given pain medication to aid with comfort.