What can I expect after capsulectomy (look, recovery)? (photos)

Question

I got implants 3 years ago (295mf anatomical, textured). I didn't have any problem so far (my breast are soft), i just decided to take them out. Surgeon want to do total capsulectomy. I wonder: how much pain is going to be and how much is the recovery time, will i be able to return to work after 14 days and how my breasts will look after that (i am afraid for deformations) - my surgeon told me, that he didn't have a lot cases like this (usually girls want to replace implants with new).THANKS!

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

If you simply undergo explant and capsulectomy, your breast will appear empty and your skin envelope will be hanging.  Many women who undergo explant alone are dissatisfied with the result and require a lift.  The technique I recommend is explantation using The Bellesoma Method.  The implants are removed, your breast tissue is reshaped creating upper pole fullness, elevated higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage.  Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation and the ability to breast feed are maintained, if not injured during your previous surgery.  At the same time or later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.  Implants can be removed with or without capsulectomy.  Usually the surgeon decides at surgery whether the capsule needs to be removed based upon physical findings.   Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Urmen Desai, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Yes, you can return to work within the time frame that you have allowed yourself.    I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified, Double Fellowship-Trained Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,With regards to the appearance of your breasts after explantation, one can be certain they won't look like they did before surgery. Breast implants tend to cause breast tissue thinning and skin expansion. Explantation does not usually cause as much discomfort as the initial surgery, but drains and wraps may make the recovery period longer. Your reasons for explant aren't clear, but if you are worried about your health, your fears are unfounded. Best of luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear jeur1,it is hard to tell for sure without an examination, but you should be able to return to work within your planned time frame. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.  
 
Generally speaking, what your breasts will look like after explantation depends on several factors such as: the quality of skin elasticity (the better the elasticity the better the skin will bounce back), the size of the implants used (the larger the implant the more trouble you may have with redundant skin), and the amount of breast tissue present at this time (which may have changed since the time of your breast augmentation).
Life experience since your breast augmentation procedure, such as pregnancy or weight gain weight loss, will potentially influence the factors discussed above. If you take these factors into consideration and apply them to your specific circumstances you may get a good idea of what to expect after the implants are removed.
The good news:  breast implant removal surgery is a very well-tolerated procedure with minimal discomfort,  compared to first-time breast augmentation surgery. Patience is definitely indicated after removal of breast implants; it will take many months/year for the skin to “bounce back” and for you to see the final appearance of the breasts.
 
I hope this helps. Best wishes.

What can I expect after capsulectomy (look, recovery)? (photos)

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Answer: Implant removal

Answer: Implant removal

Answer: What can I expect after capsulectomy (look, recovery)?

Answer: What can I expect after capsulectomy (look, recovery)?

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What can I expect after capsulectomy (look, recovery)? (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Implant removal

Answer: Implant removal

Answer: What can I expect after capsulectomy (look, recovery)?

Answer: What can I expect after capsulectomy (look, recovery)?

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