I have smooth saline breast implants that were put in in 2004. I have had insomnia, mild brain fog, and mild tiredness for the last 8 years. I am not sure if the implants are the cause of these symptoms as everything I have tried medically has failed to treat my problems. IS it necessary to remove the saline implant En Bloc to potentially treat these problems that could be breast implant illness? will leaving the capsule in harm me in any way. My capsules are reported to be soft and thin.
May 11, 2019
Answer: En bloc capsulectomy 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!
Helpful
May 11, 2019
Answer: En bloc capsulectomy 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!
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October 31, 2016
Answer: Is En Bloc implant removal necessary The decision to remove the capsules is based on whether they are soft and pliable and also depends on the desires of the individual person. Some people would like the capsules removed en bloc, and that's a reasonable request. Make sure to discuss the pros and cons of removal of the capsule during your consultation.
Helpful
October 31, 2016
Answer: Is En Bloc implant removal necessary The decision to remove the capsules is based on whether they are soft and pliable and also depends on the desires of the individual person. Some people would like the capsules removed en bloc, and that's a reasonable request. Make sure to discuss the pros and cons of removal of the capsule during your consultation.
Helpful