Breast implant revision - do I need to have the capsule removed?

Question

Hello, just wanted to ask my surgeon will do me breast implant revision for size increase only I did two previous surgery also for size one 330 second 450 , my surgeon told me to remove capsule even if it’s thin because it’s been there for 8 years , other surgeon said removing capsule will increase capsular contracture risk and other said removing it will decrease for new capsule to form , please give me an advice which one is right Thankyou

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

I recommend you have an ultrasound or MRI done to look at the capsule.  If the capsule appears normal then it does not need to be removed.  If you are going to a larger implant, it may need to be released to accommodate a larger implant.  If the capsule appears abnormal then you may want to remove it.  Removing the capsule does not increase the incident of capsular contracture.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Paul E. Chasan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I have been in practice for 30 years and breast revision surgery is a large portion of my practice. There is absolutely no reason to remove capsule for a size change. Do not even think about it and find a different surgeon.  Best wishes to you.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

If you do not have capsular contracture and you only want a size change I would not perform a capsulectomy

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Most of us would recommend leaving the thin capsule alone to decrease risks. Thick capsules need to be removed. However, since you are going up in size, the capsule may need to be opened. Your surgeon can decide this when you are in surgery.

Mark Eberbach, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I believe that your Dr is perhaps a little bit misinformed about the recent understanding regarding capsule and capsule contracture. In the recent summary of papers published, there is little Benefit noted by complete capsulectomy prior to implant exchange in most cases. In fact, removal of a very thin capsule is quite difficult to do in its entirety.

It would seem a second opinion is worth your time.

Breast implant revision - do I need to have the capsule removed?

Answers (6)

Answer: Surgery

Answer: Surgery

Answer: Capsule removal

Answer: Capsule removal

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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Breast implant revision - do I need to have the capsule removed?

Answers (6)

Answer: Surgery

Answer: Surgery

Answer: Capsule removal

Answer: Capsule removal

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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