How Long Does It Take for the Capsule to Dissolve Back into the Body After Breast Implant Removal?

Question

How long does it take for the capsule to dissolve back into the body after breast implant removal?

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

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

If the capsule is removed it increases the risk of bleeding. If a silicone gel implant has ruptured then removal of the capsule would be recommended otherwise I would leave it alone unless it was calcified. If there is distortion of the breast after implant removal may also be a reason to remove the capsule. The capsule probably never fully gets resorbed and refinements will be there for a long time. This would not cause a health risk.

John P. Di Saia, MD · Answer

Hello,

	Breast implants always are associated with the formation of a capsule. Some capsules are more thick and firm than others. When implants are removed all but the softest capsules should be removed at least in part to allow the breast to remain soft. The capsule does not vanish if not removed. My video below shows a firm calcified silicone gel capsule that was removed at the time of implant removal.

	 

	Best Regards,

	 

	John DI Saia MD

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

The breast capsule is a response to the implant. Unless it is removed surgically, it always stays in some form.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	The breast implant capsule does not &ldquo;dissolve&rdquo;. it will remain in place permanently but should not cause any problems for patients after breast implant removal. If breast implant capsules are soft and asymptomatic,  their removal is not necessary during implant removal.

	I hope this helps.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

In removing breast implants, especially silicone gel filled implants, plastic surgeons remove much of the scar (capsule) around the implants. However, there is no reason for complete removal of the scar tissue. As a result some scar tissue is always left behind to avoid unnecessary injury to adjacent tissues. Scar tissue is permanent. It may be modified with time but remains part of the breast tissue and softens with time.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

The capsule never "melts" or "dissolves" back into the body after implant removal.  It either stays open as a pocket forever or the sides stick totally or partially to each other in healing.

How Long Does It Take for the Capsule to Dissolve Back into the Body After Breast Implant Removal?

Answers (7)

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