My implants are making me ill. Do I need the capsule removed?

Question

I had implants Dec 2021 they are making me ill do i need the capsule removed or just have the implants removed? there is a big price difference

Shaher W. Khan, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. I'm really sorry to hear that your implants are making you feel ill. If you're experiencing symptoms that you believe are related to your implants, it’s important to address the issue promptly. Please see the attached video to address your concerns. If you are feeling ill and believe that both the implant and the capsule may be causing these symptoms, it is generally recommended to remove both the implants and capsules (full capsulectomy) to ensure the best possible outcome. While this may be more expensive, it might help resolve your symptoms more effectively. If cost is a concern, discussing your options with your surgeon and getting a second opinion will be crucial in making the best decision for your health and recovery.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Tommaso Addona, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
Capsules are a layer of scar tissue surrounding the breast implant, it will not be absorbed by the body over time. If the implants are causing you to be ill, it would be in your best interest to remove the capsule as well in my opinion. I recommend speaking with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear LiseyPoos88,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination.If your capsules are thick and cause issues, then they can be removed. 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

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello, 
And thank you for the question and the photos.
Following removal of breast implants without replacement, a patient may choose one of two options: do nothing and see how much the skin retracts and then decide about fat grafting or breast lift at a later point, or undergo a breast lift and fat grafting at the same time. 
If you are planning to remove your breast implants for any reasons, as long as the breast capsules are soft without any issues or evidence of capsular contracture, it is safe to just remove the implants without performing capsulectomy.
I suggest that you seek an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon specializing in Breast surgeries to further discuss your options, specific techniques, concerns and expectations. Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results. 
I hope this helps.
Best, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzBreast Fellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

My implants are making me ill. Do I need the capsule removed?

Answers (10)

Answer: Capsule removal

Answer: Capsule removal

Answer: Do I need the capsule removed?

Answer: Do I need the capsule removed?

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My implants are making me ill. Do I need the capsule removed?

Answers (10)

Answer: Capsule removal

Answer: Capsule removal

Answer: Do I need the capsule removed?

Answer: Do I need the capsule removed?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.