Breast Becomes Smaller when Removing Capsule Scar Tissue?

Question

I recently had a revision for a capsule in my breast. I wanted to remain the same size when switching from saline to silicone during this process. My doctor went up atleast 100 CC's in the exchange ! Could he have possibly went so large because I have less breast tissue now, after removing scar tissue/capsule? Meaning when there is capsule removal, a larger implant is needed to get the same results for size that you would have in a first time BA patient? I am 500CC HD Sil. and want C cup

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

A capsular contracture will artificially supports the volume of the breast implant. A breast capsule has negligible volume. With capsular contracture when corrected the breasts may seem smaller because the volume is distributed differently.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Removing a capsule does little to change breast volume. The increase in size was probably based on your surgeons judgment. He or she is the only person that can answer that question.

	Good luck.

	Dr. ES

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

I have occasionally weighed capsulectomy specimens, finding 25-75 grams depending on thickness, how easily the separate from surrounding tissues, etc. 

	In addition, many surgeons feel that a higher volume of silicone is needed to get the same appearance as a smaller volume of saline.

	What you haven't noted in your question is how recently was the surgery, and whether the breasts seem the same size or not.

	All the best.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

Some breast tissue will be removed when the capsule is excised and it is true that a gel will look a bit smaller than a saline filled implant. Your plastic surgeon will have to use his best judgement to use an implant that will meet your expectations.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

In removing a capsule, the amount of tissue removed is usually pretty negligible. As for an increase in volume, that is something to ask your surgeon. It may have been a shape issue.

Breast Becomes Smaller when Removing Capsule Scar Tissue?

Answers (7)