Breast explant and pockets- do they closed on their own?

After explantation, the capsule will remain.  However, the space will collapse.  Many women are not satisfied after explantation alone because of the hanging skin, loss of volume 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.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

After implants are removed, the capsule will remain. Generally, with saline implants, it tends to close off rapidly and close the dead space. With silicone implants, it tends to be a little different, and the space will often remain. Probably neither of these situations will have and effect on the overall breast appearance postoperatively.

Once breast implants are removed the scar capsule collapses, but never resolves.  The shape will change a little bit, but it will not go away.  There is no evidence that shows a benefit to removing the scar capsule in someone that has no symptoms and no evidence of rupture, but there is good evidence that shows it increases risk for complications.

A capsulectomy is recommended if the capsule is thick or calcified or if a silicone implant is ruptured. Usually after 20 years, the capsule does become thicker and there is a possibility of implant rupture. If the capsule is a see through membrane and your implant is under the muscle, there is the possibility that it could stay in place. Sometimes you never know until you see things in surgery. In certain cases it can close down naturally and in other cases it can stay as is, but be compressed by surrounding tissues. 

Thank you for your question. After removing an implant, you can leave the capsule there and over time it will shrink down. In most cases, when implants are removed it leaves sagging skin which most patients are not happy with. I would suggest an in person consultation to discuss all your options.

After the implant is removed, the tissue should shrink and the space should seal.  The space can be closed with sutures.  Capsulectomy does not have to be performed in the instance of thin, pliable capsules. Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Dear Melissa 280m,
in most cases, there is no need to remove capsules after implant removal. Most plastic surgeons remove capsules only in case of capsular contracture. As you heal, your implant pockets will close with scar tissue. 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

In most cases, the capsule does not have to be removed and the cavity doesn't deep clothes and collapse without issue. Your surgeon can explain how this happens during a consultation. It sounds like you should do well. Hope this helps.

Following explant, the capsule will typically shrink and scar down. In cases of contracture/abnormal capsule removal is recommended. The pocket is usually closed off in cases of pocket change so as to mitigate the risk of the device slipping back into the prior established pocket.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).Donovan Rosas MD
Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic
Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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Thank you for sharing your question.  For most patients with a thin breast implant capsule the body will scar the surfaces down to one another, obliterating the space.  If the capsule is thick or hardened, best to have it removed in order to ensure this process takes place and a fluid collection does not develop in the place of the pocket.  Hope this helps.