How To Know If You Need An En Bloc Capsulectomy

While breast implant removal is often a necessary procedure to correct a complication or relieve certain symptoms, in some cases, it is simply performed for cosmetic reasons when the patient has a change in preference or aesthetic taste. In either case, there are a number of potential surgical approaches for breast implant removal, each of which has its own unique set of characteristics and benefits. Board-certified Las Vegas plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi and the award-winning team at VIP Plastic Surgery are dedicated to helping women restore their desired figure, get rapid relief from adverse symptoms, and correct breast augmentation complications through the most advanced breast implant removal techniques available. Learn more about one of the most complex explantation methods, en bloc capsulectomy, and find out if it may be right for you.

Who needs breast implant removal?

There are a number of situations when breast implant removal, often called explantation, may be performed. In some cases, removing breast implants is necessary due to complications or health-related conditions, while other times, it is simply a cosmetic preference. Some of the most common reasons for breast implant removal include:

• Capsular contracture: an excessive and sometimes painful tightening of the scar tissue capsule that naturally forms around the breast implant

• Ruptured implant: a rupture of the implant’s shell, whether saline or silicone

• Implant displacement: unwanted movement or shifting of the implant, resulting in asymmetry and an unnatural contour

• Breast implant illness: a broad range of systemic symptoms thought to possibly be related to a woman’s breast implants

• BIA-ALCL: a form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma associated with certain kinds of textured implants

• Change in preference: when a woman prefers a more natural look, a smaller breast size, or simply does not want implants any longer

How are breast implants removed?

Breast implant removal can be performed using several different approaches. The best method for breast implant removal can vary from patient to patient, depending on the woman’s symptoms, the reason for breast implant removal, and other factors. During your initial consultation for breast implant removal in Las Vegas, Dr. Khorsandi will thoroughly evaluate your concerns, discuss your symptoms, and answer all of your questions in detail. In some cases, imaging studies or other tests may be needed to fully elucidate the nature of the problem, particularly in the case of a ruptured silicone implant.

In the case of capsular contracture, Dr. Khorsandi may recommend capsulotomy, which simply loosens and/or expands the capsule of the scar tissue. Implants can be removed, replaced, or remain in place depending on the severity of the case and the patient’s wishes.

In more severe cases, capsulectomy may be required. Capsulectomy involves the removal of both the implant as well as the entire capsule of scar tissue. Capsulectomy can be performed in a number of ways depending on the nature of the case, including en bloc capsulectomy or subtotal capsulectomy.

Who needs en bloc capsulectomy?

En bloc capsulectomy is a complex and involved procedure that is used to remove the implant and the entire scar tissue capsule as a single entity, rather than removing them separately or partially. By removing the implant and capsule as one unit, the risk of contaminating the surrounding tissues can be greatly reduced. This is particularly important when breast implant removal is being performed to address a silicone breast implant rupture or a case of BIA-ALCL. Because the incision required to remove the implant and capsule together is somewhat lengthy, en block capsulectomy recovery and scarring may be more profound than other forms of explantation.

What are the symptoms of silicone breast implant rupture?

Silicone breast implant rupture is one of the most common situations requiring en bloc capsulectomy, so it is important to understand how to identify a ruptured silicone implant. Unlike saline implants, which immediately deflate upon rupture, ruptured silicone implants may show no visible symptoms. In fact, an MRI is often the only way to diagnose a ruptured silicone implant. Some signs and symptoms to watch for that may indicate a compromised silicone implant include:

• Asymmetry
• Swelling
• Misshapen breast
• Pain or tenderness
• Tightness or firmness
• Lumps in breast

If you are experiencing any signs or symptoms that you suspect are related to a ruptured breast implant, contact your surgeon as soon as possible to learn more about your options for implant removal, revision, or replacement.

Make sure your implants are removed safely with the most appropriate method for breast implant removal in Las Vegas, NV

Regardless of why you want or need your breast implants removed, our team is here to help. Additionally, we are committed to helping you achieve or restore a gorgeous, feminine figure you can feel confident about, even after breast implant removal. If you are considering breast implant removal in Las Vegas, NV, call us today to schedule your one-on-one consultation or virtual appointment with internationally recognized board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi, Chief of Plastic Surgery at VIP Plastic Surgery. We look forward to helping you look and feel better than ever with cosmetic breast surgery.