En Bloc vs Partial Capsulectomy for Breast Implant Removal

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or explant surgery is a procedure to remove silicone or saline implants from the breasts. This is often pursued due to complications from a , changes in aesthetic preference, or health concerns related to the implants.

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The choice of explant surgery technique depends on several factors, such as the patient’s health, the type of implants, the presence of complications, and the patient’s preferences.

The best technique for your explant surgery will be determined after a detailed discussion with your surgeon. The surgeon will evaluate your health history, current health status, type and condition of your implants, and your personal goals and preferences. The surgeon will also explain the potential risks and benefits associated with each technique to help you make an decision.

At Centre for Surgery, our highly skilled and surgeons have expertise in all these techniques. We are committed to providing personalised care and achieving the best outcomes for our patients. We will guide you through the entire process, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident with your decision.

What is Capsulectomy?

Capsulectomy is a surgical term referring to the removal of a breast implant along with the scar tissue capsule that forms around it. It is typically conducted in two forms: partial and total capsulectomy, each having distinct characteristics and purposes.

A partial capsulectomy, also known as capsulotomy, involves surgically loosening and removing part of the scar tissue encapsulating the . This is often chosen by patients who experience discomfort or changes in the aesthetic appearance of their breasts due to capsular contracture. In this condition, the scar tissue and squeezes the . In a partial capsulectomy, the surgeon selectively removes sections of the troublesome scar tissue, relieving pressure around the implant. This results in softer, more natural-looking breasts. Some patients may also opt for implant replacement during this procedure, although it’s not a compulsory part of the surgery.

On the other hand, a total involves removing the entire scar tissue capsule, in pieces or sections. Should a patient wish for an , it is common for the surgeon to recommend a different type of implant and potentially suggest a change in implant placement. These recommendations are geared towards minimising the patient’s future risk of capsular contracture or other complications.

In both partial and total capsulectomy, the central goal is to alleviate discomfort and restore a breast aesthetic, all the while ensuring the patient’s safety and well-being.

Deciding whether a capsulectomy is appropriate for you involves several considerations. The might not be suitable for individuals who:

Further, if you experience any of the following, it’s vital to communicate this to your surgeon during the consultation:

To assess your suitability for the surgery, your surgeon might require various tests, to ensure that the procedure is safe for you. These tests could comprise a Full Blood Count (FBC), pregnancy test, chest X-ray, Electrocardiogram (ECG), breast ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and in certain situations, a mammogram. These diagnostic tools help provide a comprehensive health profile, aiding in the formulation of a safe and effective surgical plan.

What Is an En Bloc Capsulectomy?

"En bloc capsulectomy" is a surgical technique derived from the French term "en bloc", meaning "all together" or "as one piece". In the context of breast implant removal, en bloc capsulectomy refers to the method whereby the breast implant and the surrounding scar tissue capsule are removed as a single entity without opening or the capsule during the process. The intention is to prevent any potential contaminants within the capsule from leaking into the body.

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It’s crucial to understand that en bloc capsulectomy is a complex, demanding surgery for both the surgeon and the patient. From the surgeon’s perspective, the operation requires extensive expertise, meticulous attention to detail, and considerable time .

The scar tissue itself is incredibly delicate, often less than a millimetre thick, which can tear easily. Consequently, the procedure necessitates a larger incision compared to typical implant insertion or straightforward implant removal.

The process can be challenging for the patient, with common post-operative symptoms discomfort, pain, and soreness. Sometimes, bleeding may occur post-surgery. To alleviate potential swelling and fluid build-up due to muscular trauma, surgeons frequently place drains in the breast area.

Determining whether you are a for en bloc capsulectomy is an discussion with your surgeon. This isn’t appropriate for every patient. In certain situations, the scar tissue capsule becomes so delicate that it’s virtually impossible to remove in one piece. Moreover, it’s not advisable when the capsule is adjacent to the rib cage, as deeper incisions in this area may lead to a punctured lung cavity and elevated post-operative pain. Due to these complexities, surgeons often avoid making absolute promises about performing en bloc capsulectomy.

The appearance of your breasts following an en bloc capsulectomy will depend on several factors, including the size of the implant, the degree of breast tissue displacement, skin elasticity, and whether you opt for implant replacement or removal.

Consulting with an experienced plastic surgeon will guide you towards restoring your breasts’ aesthetics. However, you should anticipate new scars and be aware of potential surgical risks. Extensive research and comprehensive discussions with your surgeon are key to fostering realistic expectations ahead of the procedure.

At Centre for Surgery, we encourage to view a range of before and after photographs from individuals who have undergone the procedure, both with and without implant replacement and lifts. This visual reference will provide a more concrete expectation of potential postoperative outcomes.

Capsulectomy for Capsular Contracture

A capsulectomy is a surgical procedure designed to rectify issues stemming from capsular contracture and other implant-related complications. refers to the body’s response to material, such as a breast implant. This reaction can prompt the production of collagen, which then inflames the surrounding tissues, them fibrous, firm, and potentially painful.

It’s worth noting that these can arise immediately or might take years to manifest. However, in many cases, these issues do not present at all, particularly when recommended precautionary measures are taken.

Grade 1: The breast retains a natural appearance and feels soft.

Grade 2: The breast natural but feels slightly firm.

Grade 3: The breast appears distorted, feels firm, and is hard to touch.

Grade 4: The breast distorted, is hard, and causes pain.

Addressing capsular contracture typically involves performing either a partial or capsulectomy, often followed by implant replacement, if desired by the patient. It’s important to highlight that capsulectomies are not solely conducted to treat capsular contracture.

Other reasons for undergoing a breast implant Pico tattoo removal procedure include the following:

: This condition arises when a tear forms in the silicone implant’s outer shell, leading to gel leakage.

Capsule Infection: The region surrounding the capsule may become infected.

Implant Extrusion: Occasionally, the implant can protrude through the skin.

: This is a rare form of cancer that develops within the scar that encapsulates the implant.

: This is a condition associated with a wide range of symptoms related to having implants. While a lot about BII’s causative factors remains unclear, diligent medical research continues to offer better understanding and options.

How Is Capsulectomy Different From an En Bloc Capsulectomy?

The terms capsulectomy and en bloc capsulectomy are often used interchangeably, but they refer to slightly different procedures.

Capsulectomy is a broad term, referring generally to the removal of a breast implant along with its surrounding scar tissue capsule. There are two types: partial and complete. During a capsulectomy, the capsule is removed in sections or pieces.

On the contrary, en bloc capsulectomy entails removing the breast implant and scar tissue in a single, unbroken piece without slicing into the capsule. This approach is more invasive than a partial capsulectomy. It has gained considerable attention on the internet, and numerous plastic surgeons profess their expertise in this technique.

Despite its popularity, the en bloc technique won’t necessarily affect the outcome of the surgery. Actually, it’s considered more invasive, leading most surgeons to prefer a capsulectomy. However, this isn’t to say one technique is superior to the other. The choice of procedure can only be decided after a comprehensive evaluation of your condition by an experienced plastic surgeon at our .

In particular situations, like implant rupture or risk of BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma), an en bloc capsulectomy may be preferred as it minimises certain risks. This method can alleviate symptoms related to BIA-ALCL and the safe removal of implants, contributing to enhancing your comfort and overall well-being.

The importance of choosing a specialist plastic surgeon for capsulectomy surgery

Choosing an appropriate plastic surgeon for your breast is vital in mitigating any potential complications associated with breast implants. They will thoroughly assess your condition and determine the most suitable surgical procedure to safeguard your health and wellness.

To assist in your selection of a surgeon, you should:

While both en bloc and partial/complete capsulectomies aim to eliminate complications associated with implants and enhance your health and well-being, the procedures differ in their approach and technique. After discussing these options at Centre for Surgery, the potential risks of each procedure, you can make an informed that best suits your needs.

Why choose Centre for Surgery?

Choosing the Centre for Surgery for your cosmetic or medical procedures comes with a of benefits:

Our team of skilled surgeons have extensive training and experience in their respective fields. They remain up-to-date with the latest techniques and technologies to provide the best possible results.

We believe in a holistic approach to healthcare, which means we not only focus on the surgical procedure but also on the pre and postoperative care to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience.

We offer state-of-the-art facilities equipped with technology to ensure the safety and comfort of our patients.

Understanding that each patient is unique, we provide personalised treatment plans tailored to the individual needs and goals of each patient.

We provide clear and transparent information about the procedures, including risks and benefits, to help our patients make informed decisions.

Our top priority is patient satisfaction. We strive to exceed patient expectations at every stage of the process, from consultation through recovery.

We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety. Our clinical governance framework ensures rigorous monitoring of all aspects of care delivery.

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Centre for Surgery is a CQC-regulated private hospital on London’s Baker Street, delivering plastic and surgery through GMC-registered specialist surgeons. Our expertise spans facial procedures including and , , for men, and body contouring procedures such as and . Patient safety, surgical excellence and natural-looking results sit at the heart of everything we do.

Centre for Surgery is a CQC-regulated private hospital on London’s iconic , offering plastic and cosmetic surgery led by GMC-registered consultant surgeons.

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