I have had my silicone implants for about 9 years now. My surgeon informed me that I did not have to have the capsule removed. Why do some doctors take them out and others don't?
Answer: Explant, no capsule removal. Why do some doctors take them out and others don't? Thank you for the good question. Generally speaking, if the breasts and the underlying breast implants feel soft (to deep palpation) and the breast implants seem to move freely (not fixed for firm), then it is very likely that the capsules are thin/normal. Some general thoughts regarding this issue may be helpful to you: generally speaking (in my opinion), unless the breast implant capsules have thickened (and/or are otherwise symptomatic), are associated with the ruptured silicone gel breast implants, or if the patient has concerns about "medical conditions" related to the breast implants, capsulectomy is not universally necessary. For these patients, en block removal of breast implants is a good procedure. On the contrary, capsulectomy can expose you to additional risks, such as bleeding and minimal size loss. In other words, any maneuver performed during surgery exposes patients to additional risk (morbidity). Recently I have become more aware of the fact that there are plastic surgeons who, instead of using good judgment and individualized patient care, are causing fear and unnecessary anxiety among patients. These patients them feel that complete capsulectomy is always necessary and undergo unnecessary surgery associated with additional morbidity and unnecessary expenses. I hope this, and the attached link, helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.
Helpful 6 people found this helpful
Answer: Explant, no capsule removal. Why do some doctors take them out and others don't? Thank you for the good question. Generally speaking, if the breasts and the underlying breast implants feel soft (to deep palpation) and the breast implants seem to move freely (not fixed for firm), then it is very likely that the capsules are thin/normal. Some general thoughts regarding this issue may be helpful to you: generally speaking (in my opinion), unless the breast implant capsules have thickened (and/or are otherwise symptomatic), are associated with the ruptured silicone gel breast implants, or if the patient has concerns about "medical conditions" related to the breast implants, capsulectomy is not universally necessary. For these patients, en block removal of breast implants is a good procedure. On the contrary, capsulectomy can expose you to additional risks, such as bleeding and minimal size loss. In other words, any maneuver performed during surgery exposes patients to additional risk (morbidity). Recently I have become more aware of the fact that there are plastic surgeons who, instead of using good judgment and individualized patient care, are causing fear and unnecessary anxiety among patients. These patients them feel that complete capsulectomy is always necessary and undergo unnecessary surgery associated with additional morbidity and unnecessary expenses. I hope this, and the attached link, helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.
Helpful 6 people found this helpful
Answer: Capsules When you decide to remove your implants there are other decisions to be made as well. If your capsules are thickened, causing issues, or if your implant is ruptured generally it is recommended that you have your capsules removed with the implants. If your capsules are thin and not causing any concerns then you can elect to have them removed or leave them behind. Your surgeon will also want to discuss if you are interested in having a lift to reshape the breasts, or perhaps exchanging your implants for a different size or style. I've included a video that I hope you find helpful.
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Answer: Capsules When you decide to remove your implants there are other decisions to be made as well. If your capsules are thickened, causing issues, or if your implant is ruptured generally it is recommended that you have your capsules removed with the implants. If your capsules are thin and not causing any concerns then you can elect to have them removed or leave them behind. Your surgeon will also want to discuss if you are interested in having a lift to reshape the breasts, or perhaps exchanging your implants for a different size or style. I've included a video that I hope you find helpful.
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April 19, 2017
Answer: Capsule Removal or Not If the implants have leaked silicone, the capsules should probably be removed. Find an expert in your area who has great reviews and before and after pictures.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Los Angeles, CA
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
April 19, 2017
Answer: Capsule Removal or Not If the implants have leaked silicone, the capsules should probably be removed. Find an expert in your area who has great reviews and before and after pictures.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Los Angeles, CA
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
April 10, 2017
Answer: To remove the capsule or not In general, if the breast feel soft and the implants still move freely in their pocket then the capsule is most probably thin or normal and does not necessarily need to be removed. Hope this helps.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
April 10, 2017
Answer: To remove the capsule or not In general, if the breast feel soft and the implants still move freely in their pocket then the capsule is most probably thin or normal and does not necessarily need to be removed. Hope this helps.
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April 8, 2017
Answer: Breast implant removal If a patient wants their implants removed because of concern over breast implant related illness then I perform a capsulectomy, culture the breast pocket and the send the capsule to pathology. More often that not there are bacteria in the breast pocket. I advise my patients that a course of oral antibiotics is appropriate in this situation.
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April 8, 2017
Answer: Breast implant removal If a patient wants their implants removed because of concern over breast implant related illness then I perform a capsulectomy, culture the breast pocket and the send the capsule to pathology. More often that not there are bacteria in the breast pocket. I advise my patients that a course of oral antibiotics is appropriate in this situation.
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