Should capsule be removed during explanation and can my areola’s be reduced under local? (Photos)

Question

I recently met with my PS who recommended revision to correct lateral displacement and muscle animation. He suggested another lift and moving the implants over the muscle. I currently have 195cc and 210 cc moderate profile for 1.5 years. I’m worried about more rippling over the muscle and I would prefer to have them removed. Will I still have muscle deformity after explanation? Should the capsule be removed? Can my areolas be reduced? I’d prefer to do this under local.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question! It is a matter of surgeon preference as well as what is seen during your procedure that will determine whether or not a complete capsulectomy is performed. I have always favored a complete capsulectomy vía en bloc method.  Although a more complex and skilled procedure, I believe it to be the best method, especially given concerns today  A true en bloc will keep the implant and all contents within as one piece throughout the removal without violating the capsule and opening it up during the procedure.  
If significant capsule formation is seen intraoperatively, a full capsule removal may be warranted with a drain in order to completely remove all of the tissue and allow better adherence of your breast back to its normal anatomic position down on your chest wall. If minimal contracture is seen, it may be possible to leave the capsule, or place cuts within the capsule to allow better adherence.  It is still not completely understood what forms the capsule, but the popular theory would lead most to removing it entirely. It truly is dependent on what is seen with your capsule and the issues that may be causing you to have such a procedure (e.g., contracture from rutptured implant vs pain vs simple pocket adjustment, etc).  
But, I completely believe in removal of the entire capsule, en bloc, for several reasons - removal of entire capsule that wasn’t there to begin with, adherence of tissue back to where it started, improved breast contour for revision, and not exposing the body to any implant material or periprosthetic fluids/contents that are within the capsule and in vivo.  These are just a few important that en bloc addresses. Drains should be used to remove the fluid that will inevitably develop in the potential space.   Without knowing your issues and without an examination, it is difficult to tell you what may be the best thing for you. I favor performing capsulectomies (in an en bloc fashion) in order to create a fresh pocket, reshape the pocket, allow better shape and adherence of the overlying breast, and suturing the muscle back to where it started from. I would discuss your issues with your plastic surgeon who will assist you in determining the right modality for you. Given the capsule formed from the foreign object and was not there to begin with, as well as some theories of what exactly is a capsule and what causes it to form...I favor complete capsule removal.  I would expect a somewhat similar appearance as if you have not had implants, as your breasts have also aged over the past few years. The decision on whether a lift may be performed depends on how much of a lift is needed and ultimately vascularity to the breast.  Otherwise, consideration as a staged procedure with/out fat grafting may be done then or at same time.  Most are back to regular things within a week. Activity restrictions for ~6 weeks along with a compression bra.  Cost will vary amongst surgeons. Discuss with a surgeon who is knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced with this technique. Hope that this helps!  Best wishes!

Donald R. Revis Jr, MD · Answer

Good morning!
My approach in your case would be the following:
1) en bloc capsulectomy/explant- yes I believe you need to remove the capsules
2) drain for five days
3) tight compression bra for 12 weeks4) areola reduction at the same time
With this approach I believe your muscle deformity would be corrected. I do not, however, perform this type of surgery under straight local anesthesia- I perform surgery in a full service hospital with Board Certified MD anesthesiologists and use the LMA (laryngeal mask airway) for anesthesia. During this technique you breathe on your own throughout surgery, you do not have a tube inserted into your lungs, you are not paralyzed and you are not on the ventilator, but you are still asleep and feel no pain. I find that this is the best technique for implant surgery of all types, and has minimal postop nausea and other complications. At the end of surgery the anesthesiologist turns off the gas you are breathing and you wake up. Most patients are ready to go home within an hour after surgery.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

If you have thickening of the capsule or rupture of the implant then you should consider removing the capsules as well as the implants.  The areola size can be reduced along with the revision of the lift.  In order to safely and comfortably undergo this surgical plan general anesthesia is recommended.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You are an excellent candidate for 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.  The capsule may or may not be removed depending on the appearance of the capsule at surgery.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Urmen Desai, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

The implant selection should be based on a combination of your desired size, soft tissue dynamics, breast base diameter and skin elasticity. 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 Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified, Double Fellowship-Trained Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Should capsule be removed during explanation and can my areola’s be reduced under local? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Capsule removal is determined at surgery

Answer: Capsule removal is determined at surgery

Answer: Revision

Answer: Revision

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

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

Should capsule be removed during explanation and can my areola’s be reduced under local? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Capsule removal is determined at surgery

Answer: Capsule removal is determined at surgery

Answer: Revision

Answer: Revision

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

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