Explant - Is it safe to leave capsules in long-term? (photos)

If the capsules are normal they can be left long term with no concern. If the capsules are infected or calcified then they need to be removed at the time of implant removal. You may need a lift due to hanging skin.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

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 Surgeo

Hello,
And thank you for the question and the photos.
If the breast capsules are soft without any issues or evidence of capsular contracture, it is safe to just remove the implants without performing capsulectomy.
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.
Since you had small cup size breasts prior to undergoing breast augmentation, the breast volume and size will be similar after removing the breast implants, and the breasts may look more droopy (due to thinning of the tissues from the weight of implants).
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