What is the Capsule That Many Doctors Refer to with Regards to Breast Implants?

Question

I am exploring breast implant explantation, and in many Q&As, the Doctors refer to the 'capsule' created by the implant. What is this made of? What are they refering to? And what are the risks associated with keeping it in the body versus removing it? I am also keen to understand the risks associated with local versus general anesthetic for the explantation. I had silicon implants put in 16 years ago when I was 21 years old. I had a 32A cup prior to the operation and a 32C after. Thanks!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	When breast implants,  or any other foreign body,  is inserted into the human body,  the body forms a lining around it.  This lining is referred to as the &ldquo;capsule&rdquo;.   This capsule is normally very thin and soft;  however, it can become  thick and hardened in a process called encapsulation or capsular  contracture.

	In the process of breast implant removal,  assuming the breast implant capsules are soft and asymptomatic,  there is no reason to remove them (capsulectomy). Removal of breast  implant capsular  tissue increases  the risks of surgery (for example bleeding).

	Generally speaking what breasts look like after explantation  depends on several factors such as: the quality of skin elasticity (the better the elasticity the better the skin will bounce back),  the size of the implants used (the larger the implant the more trouble you may have with redundant skin), and the amount of breast tissue present at this time (which may have changed since the time of your breast augmentation). 

	Life experience since your breast augmentation procedure, such as pregnancy or weight gain weight loss, will  potentially influence the factors discussed above. If you take these factors into consideration and apply them  to your specific circumstances you may get a good idea of what to expect after the implants are removed. 

	Breast implants can be removed safely under local or general anesthesia depending on the specific situation and patient. 

	I hope this helps.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

The capsule is basically an inflammatory reaction to the implant itself.  It is the body trying to wall off the material.   If the capsule is removed it increases the risk of bleeding.  If a silicone gel implant has ruptured then removal of the capsule would be recommended otherwise I would leave it alone unless it was calcified.  If there is distortion of the breast after implant removal may also be a reason to remove the capsule.  The capsule probably never fully gets resorbed and refinements will be there for a long time.  This would not cause a health risk.

Mennen T. Gallas, MD · Answer

The capsule that is being described is scar tissue that forms around the implant.  This is a normal occurrence in the body and happens with all breast implants.  If you choose to have your implants removed you do not necessarily have to remove the scar capsules as well.  Your body will break down and absorb the scar capsule over time.

James Apesos, MD · Answer

simply put, the capsule is scar tissue.  it is a colection of collagen (scar tissue) which surrounds the implant.  the scars may be soft or thick but it is neverheless scar tissue.

What is the Capsule That Many Doctors Refer to with Regards to Breast Implants?

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What is the Capsule That Many Doctors Refer to with Regards to Breast Implants?

Answers (8)

Answer: What is the capsule around breast implants

Answer: What is the capsule around breast implants

Answer: Capsules around implants

Answer: Capsules around implants

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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.