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Some women experience capsular contracture (the tightening and hardening of the capsule, which is the tissue that your body forms around your breast implants) or other complications after having breast implants. For women suffering from these concerns, a capsulectomy in Las Vegas can be performed to successfully and entirely remove the capsule and the breast implant within it.

What is a capsulectomy?

When any type of implant is put into the body, the body forms scar tissue around the implant. This is called the capsule. The capsule can become infected and harden, or other issues can arise with breast implants. 

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

Women who suffer from breast implant illness or any of the following concerns can have a capsulectomy to resolve them:

  • Capsular contracture (a hardening of the tissue surrounding the implants)
  • Breast pain 
  • Implant folding or rupture 
  • Infection 
  • A buildup of dead tissue 
  • Implants shifting 
  • Hardening or tightening of the breast scar tissue

Why get an en bloc capsulectomy?

Breast Implant Illness (BII)

Women suffering from BII require this surgery to ensure no further exposure to the implant or its substances is experienced. A capsulectomy provides women with complete certainty that the implant and capsule are not opened during surgery and that no additional contact within the body was made with the implants or the contents of the implants/capsule. An en bloc surgery can improve or completely resolve the symptoms of BII.

Implant Rupture

If the implant has ruptured, opening the capsule to remove it risks further implant leakage into the body. A capsulectomy procedure reduces or eliminates this risk.

Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma

BIA-ALCL is a non-Hodgkins lymphoma that has been associated with breast implants. In a case such as this, the capsule should be removed by en bloc capsulectomy. This helps ensure cancerous cells are no longer in the body.

What happens during an en bloc capsulectomy?

During your capsulectomy, the entire, intact capsule with the breast implant inside is carefully removed in one piece. This is a complex, meticulous technique that requires a highly-trained surgeon to accomplish properly.

You will have general anesthesia to start the procedure. Once this has taken effect, an incision is made vertically from the lower crease of the breast to the areola. The capsule must be carefully separated from the surrounding tissues to allow the entire piece with the implant inside to be delicately removed through the incision. 

No fluids or substances within the capsule, including the implant itself or its contents, ever come in contact with the rest of your body. 

Breast Implant Removal Las Vages - Dr. Nitin Engineer

Recovery after your capsulectomy

While recovery after a capsulectomy is often easier for women than their original breast implant surgery, you will still need a friend or family member to drive you home after your procedure and stay with you for the following day. Many patients feel comfortable returning to sedentary work as soon as several days to a week.

Expect swelling for the first two weeks. You will wear a compression bra to help reduce the swelling and ensure your breasts heal properly. During your recovery, sleep on your back or side and get plenty of rest. Avoid lifting anything over five pounds and do not exercise for several weeks.

As the swelling fades, your breasts will still be settling and healing. While you may not notice it and will be fully recovered, keep in mind that the settling period takes several months until your breasts fully heal.

Candidates for en bloc capsulectomy

Women who are experiencing complications, including breast implant illness, after breast augmentation may be ideal candidates for a capsulectomy. Ideal candidates meet the following requirements: 

  • Are generally in good health
  • Do not smoke
  • Have realistic expectations of what this surgery can achieve
  • Are at a stable weight
  • Are not taking blood-thinning medications or can stop them prior to the procedure
woman posing in green one piece swimsuit

Why choose Engineered Aesthetics?

Engineered Aesthetics provides the highest standards of comfort and quality in a welcoming and private environment. Dr. Engineer and his staff work together with patients suffering from concerns such as BII or other breast implant complications as a caring, understanding team to help them achieve their goals. 

Dr. Nitin Engineer is an accredited, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon in Las Vegas whose dedication to his patients’ needs and superior results is why he is a trusted plastic surgeon with a reputation for excellence and expertise.

Plastic Surgeon Las Vegas - Dr. Nitin Engineer

Capsulectomy FAQs

During a breast implant capsulectomy, can my implants be changed?

If you want new breast implants, these can be inserted after your capsulectomy.

When should I start breast massages after a capsulectomy?

If you have new implants inserted, at 3-4 weeks after your procedure, Dr. Engineer will advise you on when and how to start breast massages to decrease scarring around the implant.

Can I change the size of my implants after my capsulectomy?

You can have a larger or smaller implant inserted, based on your aesthetic goals. You may also change the type of implant, going from silicone to saline, or vice versa.

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