Breast explant with or without removing the capsule?

Question

Hi there, I m 35 years old and I have 360cc round textured implant on top of my muscle. I want to explant because I have a capsular contracture and I never liked to feel something stranger inside my body. I would like to know if I have to remove the capsule or should I leave the capsule. My goal is to take the minimum of risk for the futur and to make the minimum of damage to my body.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. In your case, given that the  capsule has thickened (and that you have textured breast implants in place), I think you will be best off undergoing breast implant removal and capsulectomy surgery. Some general thoughts regarding breast implant removal and the need for capsulectomy surgery may be helpful to you.Generally speaking (in my opinion), unless the breast implant capsules have thickened (and/or are otherwise symptomatic), are associated with the ruptured silicone gel breast implants, or if the patient has concerns about "medical conditions" related to the breast implants, capsulectomy is not universally necessary. For these patients, en bloc removal of breast implants is a good procedure.
***On the contrary, capsulectomy can expose patients to additional risks, such as bleeding, size loss, contour irregularities and other serious complications. In other words, any maneuver performed during surgery exposes patients to additional risk (morbidity). For example, attempting to remove very thin capsule densely adherent to the patient's rib cage may expose the patient to significant bleeding and/or entrance into the thoracic cavity.
   The good news:  breast implant removal surgery is a very well-tolerated procedure with minimal discomfort,  compared to first-time breast augmentation surgery. Patience is definitely indicated after removal of breast implants; it will take many months for the skin to “bounce back” and for you to see the final appearance of the breasts.
I hope this helps. Best wishes for uneventful surgery and an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

If you have capsular contracture it is often recommended that you have implants and capsules removed.  An examination is needed to determine what is best for you.  See a board certified plastic surgeon in your area to learn more.

Benjamin J. Cousins, MD · Answer

Thank you for your post and questions. The scar or capsule that forms around implant generally should be removed. Sometimes a large amount of this scar capsule is left behind from implant removal as I have seen from other patients referred to me, and a seroma can form in the old breast implant pocket. The decision for a lift can be made after the implants have been removed and time has allowed things to settle. Hope this helps. Be sure to see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. 
  
Dr. Benjamin J. Cousins MD Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Miami/Miami Beach, FL

Susan Buenaventura, MD, FACS · Answer

If a capsular contracture exists, the capsule may be thin and just tight, or it may be thickened.  Removing the capsule allows the breast to return to its natural shape.   If the capsule is very thin and normal looking, removing it may not be necessary.    Your surgeon can best judge this at the time of surgery, looking at the inside of the breast pocket.  Good luck!

Breast explant with or without removing the capsule?

Answers (4)

Answer: Implant removal with or without capsulectomy

Answer: Implant removal with or without capsulectomy

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

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Breast explant with or without removing the capsule?

Answers (4)

Answer: Implant removal with or without capsulectomy

Answer: Implant removal with or without capsulectomy

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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.