Capsular contracture explant - Does it cost more to remove implants with capsules?

Question

Does it cost more to remove implants that has capsules than implants that does not have capsules, if you were not going to put back in any implants?

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @gstogw thank you for your question. Is not about the cost, is better for the patient health if she is going to have a breast implant removal to have the removal of the capsule as well, because the capsules are not reabsorbe by the body. After so many explants I can attest that when a patient comes for an explant and had has a change of prostheses without the removal of the first capsules, when I perform surgery I find 2 capsules: The ones left there from the first surgery and the capsules of the new prostheses. So every time we change prostheses we also remove the capsules because that way the mammary tissue can recuperate better and avoid a future inflammatory response from the body or an autoimmune syndrome like Asia Syndrome. Best wishes!

Angelica Kavouni, MD, PhD, FRCS(Eng) · Answer

Hi there, it is rather complex to remove the capsule , it takes much longer and you may need another procedure such as an uplift or fat transfer so generally it does cost more and the recovery is longer

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear gstogw,
the cost of surgery depends on a lot of factors (type of surgery, number of treated areas, anesthesia fee, surgeon, facility fee, city, etc.). It would be the best to visit or call plastic surgery offices and ask for a price.
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

All implants have capsules.  In the case of capsular contracture, the capsule has tightened and or thickened.  Depending on the degree of the contracture your surgeon may recommend that the capsules be removed along with the implants.  If capsules are thin and not causing issues it is an option to remove the implants and leave the capsules behind, which may be a less complex surgery and will typically cost more.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, it does cost more to remove the capsules and the implants than just to remove implants since more time is needed for surgery. Some capsules can be somewhat stubborn to remove.

Capsular contracture explant - Does it cost more to remove implants with capsules?

Answers (5)

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