What are the risks of leaving in capsules from 11-year old, recalled, textured implants?

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

Thank you for your question. The reason behind the implant recall is the risk of BIA-ALCL, a type of cancer that lives in the capsule. Removing the capsule is essential to reduce this risk of cancer. I would highly consider removing both implant and capsule when you have your procedure. Be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Good Luck!

Hello @Calm3644, thank you for your question. It is important to completely remove the capsule, when capsule stays in the body it does not get reabsorbed and your body can show responses to the capsules. Also it would be necessary to carry out a preventive biopsy on each capsule. I link to a video about a capsular contraction that will shed some more light. To obtain more information and recommendations, it is best to consult one or more board-certified plastic surgeons. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

Dear Calm3644,
Generally speaking, as long as your capsules are thin and you don't have capsular contracture, removal of implants alone should be enough. You should visit your plastic surgeon and get an examination.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

You will no longer have the waterfall look once the implants are removed, but will just have sagging. Sometimes thin capsules will slowly absorb over time. Implants were recalled from the shelf and not from women's breasts.

If the capsules are thickened or causing issues it is recommended that they be removed with the implants. If they are thin and not problematic it is an option to leave them in or take them out. The removal of your implants should correct your waterfall effect but it is important that you discuss with your surgeon how your breasts will appear after implant removal.

While in some cases the capsules should be removed (capsular contracture), it is not always indicated. Removing your implants should resolve the 'waterfall effect' you are dealing with now. If you do not have a capsular contracture, then simply removing the recalled implants should leave you looking fine.
Best wishes.
Dr. Taranow