Why would a doctor cauterize the pocket?

Question

I am returning to my original surgeon for a revision and to switch from 715 cc moderate profile silicon to 800 cc high profile silicone. I asked if her would use an internal bra on me to give additional support. He said he is going to cauterize the pocket. This sounds 'old school' to me. Can anyone explain cauterization to me and why he wouldn't do an internal bra techniqe instead?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Best to clarify with your plastic surgeon. Cauterization alone, in my opinion, will not suffice when it comes to providing you with additional support.  The additional support, otherwise known as an “internal bra” is best done  (in my opinion) after removal of a segment of the capsule, the use of internal sutures ( capsulorraphy) and (sometimes) with the use of additional supportive material such as acellular dermal matrix or biosynthetic mesh. Again, make sure that you clarify your concerns and are on the same page as your plastic surgeon prior to proceeding. Best wishes.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Cautery is used by all surgeons during breast surgery to control bleeding so it is not an old technique.  I'd suggest you simply ask you plastic surgeon what she means by "cauterizing the pocket".  Perhaps they mean making the pocket larger to accommodate the bigger implant?  They will be able to provide more details.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

has been mentioned to help shrink the pocket but it was used in conjunction with sutures.  If you are confused about what is going to be done, you should spend time clarifying what your procedure will do to ensure it provides you the result you desire.

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

That's a question for your doctor, but if the pockets are too big they can be reduced by first cauterizing the tissues to shrink them and then oversewing. Otherwise the only function of cautery is control of bleeding.

Why would a doctor cauterize the pocket?

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Answer: Why would a doctor cauterize the pocket?

Answer: Why would a doctor cauterize the pocket?

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Why would a doctor cauterize the pocket?

Answers (4)

Answer: Why would a doctor cauterize the pocket?

Answer: Why would a doctor cauterize the pocket?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.