When a woman chooses to get breast augmentation with implants, it is usually thought of as a somewhat permanent decision. While it is likely that a revision or replacement may be needed at some point in time, patients who get breast implants are generally planning to keep their new look for the foreseeable future. However, there are a few cases when an explant may either be desired or required. For these patients, an en bloc capsulectomy, or total capsulectomy, may be an appropriate choice. Regardless of the reason for pursuing breast implant removal, we can help. Board-certified and award-winning plastic surgeon Dr. Jaime S. Schwartz has successfully performed countless capsulectomy procedures for patients in Beverly Hills, CA and is extremely knowledgeable in the intricacies and nuances of this complex surgery.
If you are considering breast implant removal, it is important to know all of your options, including what you can do after the procedure to restore or enhance your look. During your initial one-on-one consultation, Dr. Schwartz will take all of the time necessary to thoroughly evaluate your case, discuss your options in detail, explain the procedure(s) at length, and answer all of your questions fully. Some of the key points to discuss with your surgeon prior to making the decision to undergo an en bloc capsulectomy are:
WHAT IS AN EN BLOC CAPSULECTOMY?
To better understand what an en bloc capsulectomy is, it is important to first be familiar with the capsule itself. When a foreign object, such as a breast implant, is introduced into the body, a capsule of scar tissue will naturally form around it. In most cases, this has no impact on the appearance of the breast or the health of the patient. In rare cases, though, the capsule may harden excessively and begin to squeeze the implant. This condition is referred to as capsular contracture and requires removal and/or replacement of the implant. Capsular contracture is one of the most common situations leading to breast implant removal.
En bloc capsulectomy is a surgical procedure designed to remove a breast implant and the entire capsule as one intact unit rather than removing only part of the capsule and/or removing the capsule and implant separately.
WHY IS THE EN BLOC CAPSULECTOMY BETTER FOR YOU?
While an en bloc capsulectomy is not necessarily the best option for every patient, it certainly has some unique advantages. By removing the implant and capsule as one intact unit, the risk of contamination by bacteria or ruptured material is virtually eliminated. Removing the entire capsule as one piece also ensures that there is no capsule material left behind. In some cases, total capsulectomy (removal of the entire capsule) or en bloc capsulectomy (removal of the entire capsule as one unit with the implant) is not possible. One example of a situation where en bloc capsulectomy would not be possible is when portions of the capsule have adhered to surrounding tissue and structures, such as the rib cage. When this occurs, the surgeon may be forced to leave small pieces of the capsule, but these will be sterilized and generally pose no risk to the patient’s future health. Dr. Schwartz and his expert medical team will guide you through deciding what method of implant removal and capsulectomy is best and most appropriate for your specific case.
WHY WOULD I NEED AN EN BLOC CAPSULECTOMY?
There are a variety of reasons that women choose to have their breast implants removed. For some, it is simply a case of having a change in personal preference and wanting to restore their natural aesthetic. In other cases, implant malfunction – such as rupture or shifting – leads to the need for implant removal and replacement, if desired. The most common conditions resulting in breast implant removal via en bloc capsulectomy include:
- Capsular contracture
- Implant rupture
- Implant malfunction
- Breast implant-related illness (BIA-ALCL)
- Change in personal preference
Dr. Schwartz understands the sensitive and oftentimes difficult situation of wanting or needing to have your breast implants removed, and will employ care and compassion in helping determining what method of explant and/or capsulectomy is most appropriate for you.
CAN I GET NEW BREAST IMPLANTS AFTER AN EN BLOC CAPSULECTOMY?
Understandably, many patients facing an en bloc capsulectomy for capsular contracture or implant rupture are concerned about losing the look they have become used to over time. Fortunately in most cases, a new implant can safely be placed after an en bloc capsulectomy. An alternative to having new implants placed is a technique called fat grafting. This procedure uses a patient’s own fat from elsewhere on her body and transfers it to the breast, increasing the volume and producing a more pleasing contour. Candidates for fat grafting must have enough fat to harvest, so this procedure may not be ideal for every patient. You may also benefit from a breast lift after capsulectomy and implant removal. Dr. Schwartz and his caring team are committed to helping patients achieve their ideal outcome and have a long list of available treatments, techniques, and procedures at their disposal to accomplish this. Whether you are looking to return to a more streamlined and natural contour after your capsulectomy, or you are hoping to maintain the augmented look you already had, Dr. Schwartz will tailor a custom surgical plan to best meet your goals.
HOW DO I GET AN EN BLOC CAPSULECTOMY?
If you think an en bloc capsulectomy and/or breast implant removal or replacement is right for you, the first step is to be evaluated by a qualified and highly experienced plastic surgeon. Call our convenient Beverly Hills, CA office to schedule your consultation with Dr. Jaime S. Schwartz today, and learn more about how the en bloc capsulectomy can help you.
