Breast implant removal – Explant – Capsulectomy – “En Bloc”
There are various reasons why women who have previously had breast augmentation choose to have their silicone implants removed. The reason they were originally inserted may have been to reconstruct or enlarge the breasts. Regardless of the reason, the implants can be removed with or without the capsule that always forms around a breast implant.
“Capsule” is the scar tissue that the body forms around an inserted implant, whether it is a breast implant or any other implant. Most people who seek a plastic surgeon to remove their breast implants do not experience any problems with them but are tired of them or simply do not want to have an artificial material in their body anymore. Most often, it is enough to remove the implants and the lower part of the capsule. The reason why part of the capsule is removed is because it can otherwise contain tissue fluid and old blood, which can then remain as a fluid accumulation.
IN BLOCK
For women who experience symptoms from the breasts or other symptoms attributed to "breast implant illness", we recommend total capsulectomy. In this case, in addition to the prostheses, we also remove all capsular tissue that is present. We always try to do this as a so-called "en bloc", i.e. that the capsule and implant are removed as one unit. If there is a thick capsule, this is easier and with a thin capsule it is more difficult and sometimes impossible because the capsule is easily punctured. In cases where the prosthesis is broken, it is a very big advantage to remove the capsule as an en bloc, but if this is not possible, we suction out the broken silicone prosthesis before removing the remaining capsular tissue. It does not really matter whether the prosthesis is removed with the capsule "en bloc" or separately, the important thing is that everything comes out.
If the prosthesis is placed under the pectoralis major muscle, the capsule floor/back lies down against the ribs and the muscles between the ribs. In some cases, it is so tight that there is a risk of damage to the pleura that can cause a lung collapse, a so-called pneumothorax. In cases where a thin capsule sits tight down against the ribs, you must carefully weigh the pros and cons of removing it instead of leaving it in place. In all likelihood, there will be no problems with leaving the lower/back part of the capsule.
If only the implant is removed, we make a wound surface in the capsule so that it heals, it is often a very simple operation with very little risk of post-bleeding. Sick leave is rarely needed and you are back on your feet quickly after the operation. We remove all foreign material but the body's own capsule is left.
With a capsulectomy, there is a higher risk of post-bleeding and we often place a drain. The increased risk of bleeding is because the capsule is very vascular and a relatively large wound surface is formed.
Sick leave may be required after a capsulectomy and the recovery time is slightly longer than if only the implant is removed.
After a week, you will return to us for a check-up of the wound and after another 6-12 months, you will return to us for a final check-up.
RESTORING ANATOMY AND BREAST
Depending on the shape and size of the breasts, we sometimes recommend a breast lift in conjunction with the removal. However, in many cases, the skin can tighten so that the cosmetic result is good without further surgery. Especially if the implants were located behind the muscle, a more natural bust can be achieved after the removal and this may be sufficient.
If you still want a little more volume than your own bust but do not want silicone implants, we can perform a fat transplant of your own fat tissue to the breasts.
Book a consultation and talk to a specialist to find out what is best for you.