Does saline capsule need to be removed? What will happen to capsule if it stays in?

Question

Dear Doctors, I wanna remove my saline implants. I’d be thankful if you answer my Q. 1-Do the capsules need to be removed? Why yes or no? 2-What will happen to capsule if it stays in? 3-Will it move to other parts of the body or will it dissolve? 4-Does my surgeon notice the mold or yeast in my saline implants or its capsule if there is any with the naked eye? 5-What kind of tests do I need to request to see my capsule is normal and not infected with yeast, mold bacteria or any other problems

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear @eli_godliness thank you for your question. To solve all your question you need to have a consultation with a board certified Plastic Surgeon. However, After 21 years of experience and more than 400 breast implant removal surgeries the answer is yes the whole capsule needs to be removed. If they stay in it could cause inflammatory reaction along the way, the capsules do not reabsorbe, after so many explants I can attest that when a patient comes for an explant and had has a change of prostheses without the removal of the first capsules, when I perform surgery I find 2 capsules: The ones left there from the first surgery and the capsules of the new prostheses. So every time we change prostheses we also remove the capsules because that way the mammary tissue can recuperate better and avoid a future inflammatory response from the body or an autoimmune syndrome like Asia Syndrome. Is not true that the capsules are reabsorbed. I hope this shed some light. Best wishes

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

When removing implants if the capsule is thickened or causing issues then it is recommended to be removed along with the implants.  If the capsule is thin and non problematic then it is an option to have it removed or leave it behind.  Your surgeon will inspect your implants once they are removed to look for any concerns.  I encourage you to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you for a consultation to learn more.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear eli_godliness,
if your capsules are thin, then you can get only the removal of breast implants.. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Not all saline capsules need to be removed if they are thin. Many times the thin capsules will dissolve over time. The capsule does not travel since it is scar tissue. You could ask your surgeon to do a culture for bacteria and fungus and even take a small piece out to be checked if he/she does not intend to remove the whole capsule. Sometimes more damage is done trying to remove a thin capsules, especially on the back side of the implant against the chest wall.

Does saline capsule need to be removed? What will happen to capsule if it stays in?

Answers (4)

Answer: Removal

Answer: Removal

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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.

Does saline capsule need to be removed? What will happen to capsule if it stays in?

Answers (4)

Answer: Removal

Answer: Removal

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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.