I have baker grade IV capsular contracture which is extremely uncomfortable and painful. I was wanting dr's opinion on which procedure is best and also I am getting my implants removed and not replaced..... Thank you! Kind regards Jess
September 16, 2015
Answer: Capsulotomy or Capsulectomy? What is best for severe capsular contracture? Thank you for your question. Most authorities would recommend removal of as much capsule as is safely possible . You would also want information regarding the consequences of removal of the implants and capsule during your assessment. You may need to consider a breast lift afterwards. I would recommend starting with a face to face consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who has experience in breast surgery. Good luck.
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September 16, 2015
Answer: Capsulotomy or Capsulectomy? What is best for severe capsular contracture? Thank you for your question. Most authorities would recommend removal of as much capsule as is safely possible . You would also want information regarding the consequences of removal of the implants and capsule during your assessment. You may need to consider a breast lift afterwards. I would recommend starting with a face to face consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who has experience in breast surgery. Good luck.
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October 2, 2015
Answer: Breast implant removal capsule management Hi, Thanks for posting your question. I am happy to try and help you. It is important to remember that a board certified plastic surgeon will be your best resource when it comes to an accurate assessment of your situation, and concerns. Having said that, people get confused trying to use medical terms they do not understand. You are better off not trying to use these terms and learn what the doctor is actually telling you. Simply put: any word with 'ectomy' at the end of the word means to remove, so tonsilectomy, appendectomy, mastectomy all mean to remove the organ. So these would be to remove the tonsils, appendix and breast, respectively. Any word with 'otomy' at the end of the word means to open or make a hole in. So in terms of a breast implant capsule, a capsulotomy simply means they are going to cut a hole in the capsule to pull the implant out. There is no removal, just open. Obviously, if you want the implant removed, exchanged, pocket surgery, etc they all start with the 'otomy'. Thats it. So a capsulotomy under local anesthesia or light sedation is absolutely fine. For breast implant removals, as long the capsule is thin, soft and without calcium deposits, it is fine to leave them in. The body will reabsorb the thin layer over time. This is of no consequence and is entirely safe. Now if the capsules are thick then you may require their removal. This should be done under anesthesia for your comfort. I hope all goes well with your surgery. Best wishes, Dr. Michael J. Brown Northern Virginia Plastic Surgeon
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October 2, 2015
Answer: Breast implant removal capsule management Hi, Thanks for posting your question. I am happy to try and help you. It is important to remember that a board certified plastic surgeon will be your best resource when it comes to an accurate assessment of your situation, and concerns. Having said that, people get confused trying to use medical terms they do not understand. You are better off not trying to use these terms and learn what the doctor is actually telling you. Simply put: any word with 'ectomy' at the end of the word means to remove, so tonsilectomy, appendectomy, mastectomy all mean to remove the organ. So these would be to remove the tonsils, appendix and breast, respectively. Any word with 'otomy' at the end of the word means to open or make a hole in. So in terms of a breast implant capsule, a capsulotomy simply means they are going to cut a hole in the capsule to pull the implant out. There is no removal, just open. Obviously, if you want the implant removed, exchanged, pocket surgery, etc they all start with the 'otomy'. Thats it. So a capsulotomy under local anesthesia or light sedation is absolutely fine. For breast implant removals, as long the capsule is thin, soft and without calcium deposits, it is fine to leave them in. The body will reabsorb the thin layer over time. This is of no consequence and is entirely safe. Now if the capsules are thick then you may require their removal. This should be done under anesthesia for your comfort. I hope all goes well with your surgery. Best wishes, Dr. Michael J. Brown Northern Virginia Plastic Surgeon
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