Is there a way for a surgeon to know if capsules are thin or thick before surgery?

Question

Is there a way for a surgeon to know if capsules are thin or thick before surgery? What happens if you have thick capsules and they are left in? See i dont have a option to get capsules out and i do have alot of pain and waterfall effect and id say my capsules are thick as ive my implants 11yrs.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Yes, they can find out with an ultrasound or MRI and this will determine the thickness of the capsule. If the capsules are thin then they do not need to be removed. They only reasons to remove the capsules are infection or calcifications. If you are having a waterfall deformity then I recommend explantation with lift using The Bellesoma Method. The implants are removed, your breast tissue is reshaped creating upper pole fullness, elevated higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained if not injured during your previous surgery.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Calm3644, thank you for your question. There are ways to look at what is happening. If there is a capsule. But the size of the capsule is very difficult to know until the intervention is not done. It can be presumed by knowing the time the patient has been with the prosthesis and by what can be seen a little with the tests that are sent to the patient such as ultrasound or MRI to diagnose the process. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Calm3644,
generally speaking, capsule thickness can be checked with MRI. 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

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Your surgeon will often be able to tell from an exam if you have thickened capsules.  Other tests such as MRI are also helpful in determining this.  Typically the capsules are removed with the implants when they are thickened or causing issues.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

By examination, your surgeon can tell if your capsules are thin or thick. Sometimes the entire capsule  cannot be removed, but most thick capsules are removed with the implants when possible.

Is there a way for a surgeon to know if capsules are thin or thick before surgery?

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