I've had Mentor saline, smooth implants under muscle (325cc), for 16 yrs. and am ready to explant no replacement. I've had 3 consults and all say a capsulectomy is not necessary since I do not have any breast implant illnesses. I have researched and some Dr.'s feel the capsule must be removed to prevent misreadings on mammograms, lumps from the capsule, a rare form of cancer caused by leaving the capsule in, and poisoning of the body from toxins leached from the implant shellAdvice appreciated.
Answer: Breast implant removal of smooth, saline (Capsulectomy vs implant removal). Thank you for the question. Don't be surprised if you receive a variety of differing responses.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 patients to additional risks, such as bleeding, size loss, contour irregularities and other serious complications. In other words, any maneuver performed during surgery exposes patients to additional risk (morbidity). For example, attempting to remove very thin capsule densely adherent to the patient's rib cage may expose the patient to significant bleeding and/or entrance into the thoracic cavity. 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.
Helpful 3 people found this helpful
Answer: Breast implant removal of smooth, saline (Capsulectomy vs implant removal). Thank you for the question. Don't be surprised if you receive a variety of differing responses.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 patients to additional risks, such as bleeding, size loss, contour irregularities and other serious complications. In other words, any maneuver performed during surgery exposes patients to additional risk (morbidity). For example, attempting to remove very thin capsule densely adherent to the patient's rib cage may expose the patient to significant bleeding and/or entrance into the thoracic cavity. 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.
Helpful 3 people found this helpful
Answer: Capsules When removing implants it is recommended to have the capsules removed along with the implants if they are silicone and have ruptured, or if the the capsules are thickened or causing issues. If they are thin and not causing concerns then it is an option to leave the capsules behind. If you are still unsure about the advice you have received return to the board certified plastic surgeons you have seen. You can ask further questions based on your exam and circumstances.
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Answer: Capsules When removing implants it is recommended to have the capsules removed along with the implants if they are silicone and have ruptured, or if the the capsules are thickened or causing issues. If they are thin and not causing concerns then it is an option to leave the capsules behind. If you are still unsure about the advice you have received return to the board certified plastic surgeons you have seen. You can ask further questions based on your exam and circumstances.
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August 4, 2023
Answer: The capsule must be removed with breast implant 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.
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August 4, 2023
Answer: The capsule must be removed with breast implant 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.
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March 19, 2016
Answer: Is a capsulectomy mandatory? Thank you for your question. If one has a thin capsule and not had any issues then the capsule does not need to be removed. Once you decide on your surgeon this is a decision that you and your surgeon should have. good luck
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March 19, 2016
Answer: Is a capsulectomy mandatory? Thank you for your question. If one has a thin capsule and not had any issues then the capsule does not need to be removed. Once you decide on your surgeon this is a decision that you and your surgeon should have. good luck
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March 21, 2016
Answer: Implant only removal or capsules too Even if you did not have any illness from the implants, if you had contracture and/or persistent pain (even if low grade) it would be of benefit to take out most of the capsule in case there was a low grade yeast or mold in the capsule. Some have that without being sick. If they were under the muscle, the capsule under the implant could be left in there. Sometimes we find a fair amount of "eggshell" calcium deposits on the outside of the capsules that was not appreciated on the mammogram. Again, it would be better for you in the long term to have this taken out. But if everything looks absolutely benign in there, the capsule can be left. The only thing about leaving the capsule is a slight risk of fluid accumulation (serum) in the old pocket.
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
March 21, 2016
Answer: Implant only removal or capsules too Even if you did not have any illness from the implants, if you had contracture and/or persistent pain (even if low grade) it would be of benefit to take out most of the capsule in case there was a low grade yeast or mold in the capsule. Some have that without being sick. If they were under the muscle, the capsule under the implant could be left in there. Sometimes we find a fair amount of "eggshell" calcium deposits on the outside of the capsules that was not appreciated on the mammogram. Again, it would be better for you in the long term to have this taken out. But if everything looks absolutely benign in there, the capsule can be left. The only thing about leaving the capsule is a slight risk of fluid accumulation (serum) in the old pocket.
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
