Are you tired of feeling self-conscious about the appearance of your breasts? Do you experience discomfort or pain due to breast implants? If so, you may be considering a capsulectomy.
Capsulectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing the capsule, or scar tissue, that forms around breast implants.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what a capsulectomy is, why it is performed, and the different types of capsulotomy available. Whether you’re considering a proceedure or just curious about this procedure, keep reading to learn more.
What Is a Capsulectomy?
A capsulectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing the capsule of scar tissue that forms around a breast implant. This can be necessary when the capsule becomes thick and constrictive, causing pain or distortion of the breast. Essentially, it’s like removing a shell around the implant.
Don’t worry, it’s done under general anesthesia and typically as an outpatient procedure, so you won’t be staying in the hospital. While it’s a serious procedure, it’s also a common one, with thousands of women undergoing the proceedure each year.
So if you’re experiencing breast implant-related complications, a capsulectomy may be worth considering.
Why Are Capsulectomies Performed?
There are two reasons why the proceedure is performed:
Medical Reasons
Capsulectomies are commonly performed for medical reasons to address complications related to breast implants. These can include:
- Capsular contracture: Scar tissue naturally forms around a breast implant, but in some cases, it can thicken and harden, causing a condition known as capsular contracture. Capsular contracture can cause the breast to feel hard, painful, or misshapen, and can even lead to implant rupture or displacement. Removing the capsule can alleviate these symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life.
- Implant rupture or leakage: If a breast implant ruptures or leaks, it can cause the breast to appear uneven and may lead to health problems. Removing the capsule and the implant can alleviate these issues and allow for a new implant to be placed if desired.
Cosmetic Reasons
Capsulectomies may also be performed for cosmetic reasons to improve the appearance of the breasts. These can include:
- Capsular contracture: In addition to causing physical discomfort, capsular contracture can also cause the breast to appear misshapen or unnatural. Removing the capsule can improve the appearance of the breast and help the patient feel more confident.
- Implant displacement: If an implant becomes displaced due to capsular contracture or other factors, it can cause the breasts to appear asymmetrical. Removing the capsule and the implant can allow for a new implant to be placed in a more desirable position.
Types of Capsulectomy
There are three main types of capsulectomy and each type of proceedure is performed based on the patient’s circumstances and their plastic surgeon’s recommendations. They include:
Partial Capsulectomy
During a partial capsulectomy, only part of the capsule surrounding the breast implant is removed. This is typically done when the capsule is causing complications, but the implant is still intact and in good condition.
Total Capsulectomy
During a total capsulectomy, the entire capsule surrounding the breast implant is removed. This procedure is typically done when the capsule has thickened or hardened, causing significant discomfort or other complications.
En Bloc Capsulectomy
An en bloc capsulectomy is a procedure in which the entire capsule and implant are removed together, as a single unit. This is typically done when there is concern that the implant may have ruptured or leaked, and there is a risk of silicone or other materials spreading throughout the body.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Capsulectomy?
It is a procedure that is performed to remove the scar tissue that has formed around the implant.
Why Is a Capsulectomy Performed?
Capsulectomy may be performed for several reasons, including the correction of breast implant complications such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, or implant malposition.
What Happens During a Capsulectomy Procedure?
During a procedure, the surgeon will remove the scar tissue capsule surrounding the breast implant. Depending on the extent of the scar tissue, the surgeon may remove only a portion of the capsule or the entire capsule.
What Is the Cost of Capsulectomy in Ladera Ranch?
The cost of capsulectomy in Ladera Ranch can vary depending on the surgeon and the type of procedure. It is best to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss the costs associated with a proceedure. They can provide you with a personalized quote based on your specific needs and situation.
Is a Capsulectomy a Major Surgery?
A capsulectomy is considered a major surgery and is typically performed under general anesthesia.
What Is the Recovery Like After a Capsulectomy?
The recovery after a proceedure will vary depending on the extent of the surgery, but most patients can return to normal activities within two to six weeks after the procedure.
