Capsulectomy Houston

Capsular contracture is the tightening and hardening of the capsule, the tissue that your body forms around breast implants. Capsular contracture and other complications that can arise after having breast implants can require a capsulectomy procedure, which removes the entire capsule and the breast implant within it at once.

What is a capsulectomy?

When any implant or foreign object is put into the body, the body forms scar tissue around it. The scar tissue formed around your breast implants is called the capsule. In some cases, the capsule can become infected and harden. Other issues can arise with breast implants and cause complications as well.

A capsulectomy, also called an en bloc capsulectomy, is a surgical procedure. This procedure removes the entire capsule around the implant, keeping the breast implant intact inside of it. A capsulectomy This procedure allows no fluids or substances within the capsule or implant to come into further contact with the other tissues of your body.

What breast implant concerns can be addressed with a capsulectomy?

Many breast implant concerns can be successfully treated with a capsulectomy procedure, including the following:

Capsular contracture
Breast pain
Breast Implant Illness
Breast implant folding
Breast implant rupture
Infection
Dead tissue buildup
Shifted implants
Breasts hardening or tightening

Why get a capsulectomy?

Implant Rupture

If the implant has ruptured, a capsulectomy can be performed to remove the implant without further opening the capsule. This reduces or eliminates the risk of exposing the body further to the contents of the implant.

Breast Implant Illness (BII)

The cause and other factors around BII are not fully understood. What is known is that women with BII appear to be reacting to something in the implant, either silicone or saline. Women suffering from BII require an en bloc capsulectomy to ensure there is no further exposure to the implant or its substances.

Having a capsulectomy provides complete certainty that the implant and capsule are not opened during surgery, meaning no additional contact between the implants and capsule or their contents is made within the body.

Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma

Breast implants have been associated with BIA-ALCL, a non-Hodgkins lymphoma. In this case, the capsule should be removed by en bloc capsulectomy to help ensure cancerous cells are no longer in the body.

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What happens during an en bloc capsulectomy?

Your capsulectomy procedure is performed to carefully remove the entire, intact capsule with the breast implant inside in one piece. This meticulous technique is complex and requires a highly-trained surgeon to achieve the proper results.

To begin the procedure, you will go under general anesthesia. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, a vertical incision is made from the lower crease of the breast to the areola. From this incision point, the capsule is carefully and meticulously separated from the surrounding tissues, allowing the entire capsule with the intact implant inside to be delicately removed through the incision.

No fluids or substances within the capsule or implant will ever come in contact with the rest of your body.

Recovery after your capsulectomy

In a number of cases, recovery after a capsulectomy is easier for women than the original breast implant surgery. Many patients feel comfortable returning to sedentary work after several days to a week. However,you will still need a friend or family member to drive you home. After your procedure, you will need someone to stay with you and help you for the following day.

During the first two weeks, during the height of the swelling, you will wear a compression bra to help reduce swelling and to help ensure your breasts heal well. Sleep on your back or side and get plenty of rest during your healing period, and avoid lifting anything over five pounds. It will take several weeks before you can exercise again.

As the swelling fades, your breasts will heal and settle. You may feel recovered and may not notice many changes during this period. However, do keep in mind that the settling period takes several months until your breasts are healed fully.

Candidates for en bloc capsulectomy

Women who are experiencing complications after getting breast implants, including breast implant illness, are likely candidates for a capsulectomy. Ideal candidates meet the following requirements:

Are generally healthy and have no serious medical concerns
Do not smoke
Are not taking blood-thinning medications or can stop taking them prior to the procedure
Have realistic expectations of what a capsulectomy can achieve

Why choose Eisemann Plastic Surgery?

Eisemann Plastic Surgery Center is a respected, trusted center, known for outstanding outcomes. Dr. Michael Eisemann is triple board-certified and Dr. Bradley Eisemann is board-certified and fellowship-trained. They represent over three decades of experience as a team whose authority and expertise is unparalleled.

At Eisemann Plastuc Surgery, we understand how important your capsulectomy is. We treat our patients with care, providing thoughtful consultations that give all your options and help you feel certain about your surgical plan. Your surgery is performed with experienced, meticulous care to achieve your ideal outcome. Call today for a consultation.