Is removal of capsule required?

Yes, 100%. The entire capsule as well as all inflamed or abnormal tissue must be removed as well. The capsule is what holds the silica or gel bleed.

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

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. Trust your surgeon.

Thank you for your question regarding if removing the capsule is required. Your concerns are entirely valid, and it's crucial to ensure you're comfortable with your treatment plan and have trust in your surgeon's approach. When it comes to implant removal, the concept of total capsulectomy (complete capsule removal) has been widely discussed.

Generally, removing the capsule can reduce the potential for any residual silicone or implant material left behind, which might contribute to ongoing symptoms. However, in some cases, leaving a thin, healthy capsule in place is considered safe if it doesn't pose any risk or complication. It's believed that your body may reabsorb these thin capsules over time.

Your surgeon's recommendation about the Motiva implant capsule might be based on his or her experiences and assessment of your specific situation. However, if you're not comfortable with the proposed approach, it might be worth getting a second opinion from another board-certified plastic surgeon who frequently performs explant surgeries.

Ultimately, the decision to remove or leave the capsule should be made in consultation with your surgeon, taking into account your individual circumstances, your health status, and your personal comfort level.

Thank you for your question, and I wish you all the best on your journey towards health and wellness.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Dear Independent899498,
generally speaking, if you don't have capsular contracture or thick capsules then you can get only implants removal. 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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello @Independent899498, thank you for your question. Yes, it is the ideal approach to remove the capsules during the explantation procedure since it is not known what can be found in the tissue. Afterward, it would be necessary to carry out a preventive biopsy on each capsule. The removal of the capsules avoids any future inflammatory process they are not reabsorb in my experience. I linked a video about capsular contraction that will shed some more light. The most appropriate course of action is to consult one or several board certified plastic surgeons. This will allow you to get more information and options tailored specifically to your needs. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP).

If you're feeling uncertain about your doctor's recommendation, consider seeking a second opinion from another qualified plastic surgeon or breast implant specialist. They can provide you with a fresh perspective and offer different insights into your situation. Clearly communicate your concerns and desires to your doctor. Share the information you've gathered and express your preference for complete capsule removal if you feel it's necessary. A good doctor should listen to your concerns and work with you to find the best solution for your specific situation.

I hope this helps,
best of luck !

Good question, removing the capsules for no reason is not worth the risk. The only indication for removing the capsules would be for capsular contracture or concern for cancer. Your capsules will absorb over time. Please visit with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Good luck!

When undergoing breast implant removal, if you are not having symptoms of a hardened capsule, there is no need for capsule removal. There can actually be risks to capsule removal because it can injure the deeper structures and lead to a pneumothorax. Please make sure to speak to a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon about your decisions.

Since you only had had your implants for 10 months, the capsules may be very thin. Your surgeon can still try and remove as much as he can. I have seen capsules completely absorb, especially with saline implants.