Acapsulectomyis the surgical removal of abnormally thick, hardened tissue that forms around breast implantsa condition known ascapsular contracture.
During this procedure, your breast implant is removed and usually replaced.
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This article will review the surgical procedure of a capsulectomy.
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What Is a Capsulectomy?
In the case of breast implants, the capsule also helps keep them in place.
A capsulectomy aims to address both of these issues.
During a capsulectomy, a plastic surgeon removes the scar tissue that forms around a breast implant.
The implant itself is also usually replaced.
Capsulectomy and capsulotomy are the only proven treatment options for capsular contracture.
However, capsulectomy is considered the gold-standard treatment option.
Experts suspect capsular contracture is an extreme foreign body reaction to a breast implant.
Collagen is produced from the inflammation that ensues, causing the tissue to become more fibrous.
Breasts become extremely firm and painful as a result.
This complication may occur soon after surgery or years later.
It may affect one or both breasts.
Prior to your capsulectomy, your surgeon will give you instructions on how to best prepare.
Location
A capsulectomy is performed in a hospital or surgical center by a plastic surgeon.
What to Wear
You will change into a hospital gown upon arriving.
Do not wear makeup, hairspray, cream, lotion, or perfume.
Leave all jewelry (including body piercings) and valuables at home.
Food and Drink
Avoid eating or drinking anything after midnight on the eve of your surgery.
If the latter, be sure to bring it with you on the day of your surgery.
You will also need to have someone stay with you the first day after your surgery.
Smoking can delay the healing process and have a significant negative effect on anesthesia.
Before the Surgery
Here, you will change into a hospital gown and stow your belongings.
Your surgeon andanesthesiologistwill then come to greet you and review the operation with you.
You may need to sign one or more consent forms at this time.
From there, you will walk on your own into the operating room or be wheeled on a gurney.
You will not remember or feel anything during surgery.
Your surgery will take around two to three hoursand proceed in this general fashion:
1.
Removal
The specifics of this step depend on the jot down of procedure being done:
3.
Implant Replacement
An implant is usually replaced at this point in the procedure.
Final Steps
The capsulectomy itself is now done.
You will then be wheeled to a recovery area.
After the Surgery
You will slowly wake up from anesthesia while in the recovery area.
You may feel drowsy, nauseated, and sore.
Your nurse will monitor your vital signs and administer medication as needed to help you feel more comfortable.
If you are being discharged that day, it will likely be a few hours after the procedure.
That said, generally speaking, recovery from capsulectomy takes around four to six weeks.
During this timeframe, expect to experience breast pain, swelling, and bruising.
Breast numbness or unusual nerve sensations like tingling or burning are also common and normal.
To soothe any discomfort, take your pain medication as prescribed.
Your surgeon may also recommend a gentle breast massage to help ease nerve sensitivity.
Wear your support bra as directed.
Also, confirm with your surgeon whether you’re able to remove your bra temporarily to shower.
If you could, wash the incision sites gently and pat them dry with a clean towel.
If you have adhesive strips covering the incision sites, leave them in place.
Some suggestions include pudding, oatmeal, bananas, and pasta.
Walking can help expedite healing and prevent complications likeblood clots.
Examples include elevating your arms, twisting, reaching, and bending over.
The timeline will vary depending on your job’s physical demands and how well you are recovering.
Any non-absorbable sutures will be removed and your healing will continue to be monitored at additional follow-up visits.
Full results may not be seen for up to a year.
Therefore, it’s important to remain diligent about applying sunscreen.
If you are concerned about scarring, talk with your surgeon.
This is done to check for ruptured implants.
That said, people with advanced diseases may need to undergo chemotherapy after surgery.
All patients with BIA-ALCL must undergo cancer surveillance every three to six months for at least two years.
Future revisional surgeries may also be desired if you are not satisfied with how your breasts look after surgery.
The capsule can cause the breast to become firm, painful, and distorted.
Do not hesitate to seek a second opinion from a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Capsules around breast implants will not dissolve on their own.
Bruising can last beyond four weeks, depending upon the jot down of surgery you’ve had.
The bruises should begin fading after this time though.
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