En Bloc Capsulectomy
Kai Morimoto, MD Plastic Surgeon in Spokane Valley, WA
Surgery Surgeon
What is Breast Implant Removal?
The goal of breast implant removal surgery is to remove breast implants from breast augmentation or breast reconstruction patients. During these procedures, the Dr. Morimoto may also remove silicone material from implant leaks and the breast capsule, which is the scar tissue that forms after the placement of a breast implant.
Often, the scar tissue that forms after the placement of an implant is soft and does not need to be removed, but it may harden, causing pain and discomfort. This is often a reason to have the implants and scar tissue removed.
Should You Replace Implants?
Breast implants are not lifelong devices and it is important to have them exchanged or removed approximately every 10-15 years. This decision is typically based on the individual and the patient’s needs and desires.
In some cases, the outside shell of the implant breaks down causing silicone to leak and the scar tissue around the implant to harden. It is important to understand that your implants should be removed for this reason.
What Is The Procedure Like?
Breast Implant removal is when the surgeon removes the scar tissue (or capsule) and implant at the same time, with the implant still inside the intact scar tissue capsule. Breast Implant removal allows the silicone and other chemicals to stay inside the intact scar tissue capsule as it is removed.
Breast Implant removal is also sometimes referred to as a total capsulectomy, but they are not exactly the same. A total capsulectomy is not always performed using the specific en bloc technique.
A total capsulectomy is the removal of the breast implants and all the scar tissue, or capsule, that forms around a breast implant. However, during a total capsulectomy, the implant is not necessarily removed while still inside the intact scar capsule (en bloc method). Most surgeons use the term total capsulectomy to mean that they will cut the scar tissue capsule, remove the implants first, and then go back and remove all of the scar tissue capsule.
Reasons To Consider Breast Implant Removal
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
- Hair loss
- Headaches
- Chills
- Light sensitivity
- Chronic pain
- Rash
- Body odor
- Neurologic issues
- Anxiety
- Brain fog
- Sleep disturbance
- Depression
There are women with breast implants who self-identify and present with various systemic symptoms and believe that these are related to their breast implants.
Breast Implant Illness (BII)
This is not to say that social media is the cause of Breast Implant Illness (BII) however, it may account for the rapid increases in patient reporting. BII is not an official medical diagnosis.
Before & After
Patient Testimonials
Making that first leap can be nerve racking. It’s important to choose a surgeon that you feel comfortable with and who has your best interest at hand. Explore some of the testimonials of satisfied patients to help you in your decision.
