Do capsules in breast naturally dissolve following explantation?

Question

I have saline implants over the muscle and pronounced CC in right breast. I am considering explanation of both, as they no longer feel or look appropriate. I got them 26 years ago. Will the hard capsule just resolve over time? If so, what is usual timeframe?

Eileen Summer Black, MD · Answer

The capsule is scar tissue that your body naturally forms around the implant.  A thin capsule will resolve/dissolve over time.  A thick capsule like you have, however, would probably not.  I recommend removing as much of the capsule as is safely possible at the time of implant removal (capsulectomy).  Removing the capsule allows the breast tissue to stick back down to the chest wall more easily and decreases the risk of fluid collection in the old breast implant pocket.  Occasionally small portions of the capsule have to be left because the breast skin is too thin and there is a risk of loosing skin or the capsule  is dangerously adherent to the rib cage and removing it would put the patient at significant risk of bleeding or pneumothorax (you would need a chest tube).  In these situations, small portions of the capsule are left and  don't seem to cause a problem.  I would recommend talking to a board certified plastic surgeon about you options.  Best of luck, Summer Black MD

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

No, the capsule does not resolve on its own, even if the implants are removed. To get rid of it, you'd need a formal capsulectomy (surgical removal of the capsule). Once this is done the pocket where the implant sat will heal up and close. It is common to require a lift after explantation, so do not be surprised if your surgeon suggests this. Hope that helps!

Jimmy L. Waldrop, MD · Answer

After removing the implant, the capsule will not dissolve over time. It is best to remove the capsule along with the implant.

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

If you are having the implants and the capsules removed then you do not need to worry any longer. You need to run through the pros and cons of removing the capsules with your PS. Capsules are usually scar tissue and although they do not resorb/ dissolve they do remodel.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If possible, the capsule is usually removed at the same time as the implant exchange or removal.  Sometimes not all of the capsule can be removed because of the thin tissues or adherence( if under the muscle) to the rib cage.

Jeanette Padgett, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  The capsule does not dissolve. The capsule is the scar that your body normally makes around an implant.  If the capsule is thick and hard, it is best to remove it when you remove the implants.  Best wishes.

Neal Handel, MD · Answer

The capsule is layer or membrane of scar tissue that forms around all breast implants. If an implant is removed and a new one is not inserted, the capsule creates a potential space or pocket. If the capsule is not surgically removed (cut out) it may persist for many years and even remain there permanently. Sometimes fluid accumulates in the pocket, a condition known as a seroma. To prevent this problem I usually recommend removal of the capsules (capsulectomy) at the time the implants are taken out.

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.   Yes, you still need to have a capsulotomy (removing the scar tissue), with the implant removal.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

With 26 years old implants and capsular contracture, it is best to remove the capsule as complete as possible.

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

It would require an examination but there is a reason for the capsular contracture. Many capsular contractors have bacteria associated with them.  In settings of capsular contracture I advise my patients to have the capsule removed entirely and cultures are taken of the breast pocket and capsule to identify bacteria.

Do capsules in breast naturally dissolve following explantation?

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Answers (11)

More Breast Implant Removal Questions

The night I got my silicone cohesive gel implants removed, I had such bad fever and chills I couldn't sleep. Is this normal?

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WE SEND PRETTY
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