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

Question

Hi, I'm going t have my implants removed in around 2 weeks time. I've had them for about 5 months then. I don't have any hard capsules- they are soft. I don't like the feeling of having implants nor how mine turned out unfortunately:/ I can see a lot of people argue that capsules "need" to be removed but I can't find any research for this. I'd prefer the least invasive surgery. Will keeping the capsules in be bad long term? Also maybe this will give some more volume due to my tiny boobs? Thanks

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

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.

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 Surgeo

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

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

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry that you are unhappy with your breast augmentation.  As you've had your implants in for only 5 months your capsules will be very thin.  You can elect to have the implants removed and leave the capsules behind.  This will be the least complicated option.  I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

You don't need to have the capsules removed, but if your implants are under muscle then make sure it is re-attached. You are correct that there isn't any research that supports routine capsule removal.

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

Answers (9)

Answer: Capsule removal

Answer: Capsule removal

Answer: No need for capsule removal

Answer: No need for capsule removal

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

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

Answers (9)

Answer: Capsule removal

Answer: Capsule removal

Answer: No need for capsule removal

Answer: No need for capsule removal

Browse related questions

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.