Implant removal confusion. Would I need a capsulectomy, en bloc or capsulotomy?

Thanks for your question! While my recommendation would be to find a surgeon in your area and have an in-person consultation, I think that an explant (removal of the implant) and a partial capsulectomy would be sufficient. That is my personal opinion. Good luck!

Hello, thank you for your question! These are all symptoms associated with breast implant illness. It is advised to either have a 100% total capsulectomy or EN BLOC removal of breast implants performed for optimal patient outcomes. The entire implant, capsule, and all inflamed tissue must be removed for optimal recovery.

Removal of breast implants, intact or ruptured, may have positive implications if patients are symptomatic. A constellation of symptoms associated with breast implant illness, and autoimmune disease are considered when treating patients who have breast implants and are concerned about foreign body reaction. In our office, we begin this journey with a consideration of symptoms and exclusion of obvious autoimmune problems. In many of our patients, en bloc removal of breast implants with capsulectomy is important and beneficial. Further clinical evidence about breast implant illness is evolving and will continue to guide treatment. I would suggest removal if there is a possibility of foreign body reaction.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Dear Exquisite687809, Based on the information you shared, I recommend removing the implants. Implants are not intended to last for a lifetime. I always advise my breast augmentation patients that they need follow-up consultations in the long term. Performing a capsulectomy is unnecessary in the absence of capsule pathology or disease. Performing a capsulectomy can harbor the risk of lung injury, more bleeding, and increasing surgical time. No clinical study shows superiority in symptom relief when performing capsulectomy against other capsule surgeries. En bloc is an oncological term. Intended to describe an oncological surgery for cancer patients. I recommend you visit a board-certified plastic surgeon to make a surgical plan.

Dear Exquisite,
I'm sorry you have health issues. Saline implants are not questionable implants for breast implant illness. That is silicone. It would be unlikely that your saline implants are causing any of your symptoms. If you truly feel like you still need to remove them to find out, your doctor will do a capsulectomy. Enbloc is really only done with silicone implants. I wish you well!!