What Is a Capsulectomy?

A capsulectomy is a surgical procedure meant to treat capsular contracture after breast augmentation or breast reconstruction. The surgery involves removing some or all of the scar tissue that has hardened around one or both of the breast implants.

How Does a Capsulectomy Work?

There are several types of capsulectomy procedures. One of the methods below is chosen depending on the specific needs of the patient.

Partial Capsulectomy

A partial capsulectomy is the least invasive option for patients who need the procedure. This operation is performed by removing only a portion of the scar tissue that has hardened around the implant. When a section of the capsule is removed, it can release the tension around the breast implant, which can reduce or eliminate the symptoms of capsular contracture.

Total Capsulectomy

In a total capsulectomy, Dr. Egrari carefully removes all of the capsule tissue from around the implant. This is achieved by dissecting the superficial pocket surface before extracting the remainder of the capsule. For some patients, the procedure may also include removing and replacing the breast implant.

En Bloc Capsulectomy

An en bloc capsulectomy is a surgical procedure in which the breast implant is removed with the capsule tissue still surrounding it. This type of capsulectomy is often performed when the patient has a breast implant-related illness or an implant that is in danger of rupturing.

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Benefits of a Capsulectomy

A capsulectomy in Seattle can provide the following benefits for patients dealing with capsular contracture:

  • Improved comfort
  • Corrects the appearance of misshapen breast implants
  • Relieves the pain of hardened scar tissue
  • Provides relief from breast implant-related complications
  • Offers the opportunity to replace damaged or distorted implants
  • Restores peace of mind and self-confidence
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What Should I Expect During the Surgery?

If you believe that you’re suffering from capsular contracture, the first step toward undergoing a capsulectomy will be to have a consultation with Dr. Egrari. During this consultation, the doctor will thoroughly evaluate your symptoms to determine whether or not the surgery is necessary. If it is, he will work with you to devise a personalized plan for the procedure. This will include deciding which type of capsulectomy is the ideal choice for your situation. Dr. Egrari will also have questions about your health, medical history, and medications to ensure that you qualify for the surgery.

When the day of the surgery arrives, you will first be administered general anesthesia. This will ensure that you don’t feel any pain or remember anything from the operation. Dr. Egrari will then make an incision along the inframammary fold of the breast. Next, depending on the type of capsulectomy being performed, he will carefully remove either a section of the capsule tissue, all of the capsule tissue, or both the capsule and the breast implant. If your treatment plan includes a replacement implant, Dr. Egrari will then carefully place it in the proper position.

Finally, the doctor will close the incision with sutures and place drains for any excess fluid. On average, the capsulectomy will take between two and three hours to complete.

How Long Is the Recovery Time?

After an hour or two of monitoring, you should be able to return home the same day as your surgery. The specifics of the recovery will vary depending on the type of capsulectomy you’ve undergone and whether or not you’ve received a new breast implant.

You will likely be given a surgical support bra to wear, and Dr. Egrari will provide you with thorough recovery instructions. Many patients experience swelling, bruising, and tenderness for the first several weeks. During the first week, it will be important to rest frequently and take occasional walks around the house. You should be able to ease back into your normal routine after one or two weeks, but you’ll need to avoid strenuous exercise for at least four to six weeks.

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Am I a Candidate for a Capsulectomy?

If you’re experiencing capsular contracture after breast augmentation or breast reconstruction, you may be a candidate for a capsulectomy. To be an ideal candidate, you should meet these requirements:

  • Have ongoing capsular contracture of a breast implant
  • Not pregnant or nursing
  • Be free of active infections
  • Not have untreated breast cancer or precancerous breast disease
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What Are the Potential Risks?

Before undergoing a capsulectomy, you should be aware of the potential risks brought on by the surgery:

  • Breast implant failure, damage, displacement, or contamination
  • Chest wall irregularities
  • Poor wound healing
  • Damage to surrounding organs, nerves, or blood vessels
  • Change in nipple sensation
  • Breast seroma
  • Breast fat necrosis
  • Recurrence of capsular contracture

Why Choose Dr. Egrari?

Dr. Egrari is a double board-certified plastic surgeon in Seattle and a highly respected, long-time member of the plastic surgery community. He and his expert team will approach your capsulectomy with extreme care and precision. Dr. Egrari will work closely with you to ensure that you have a comfortable experience, satisfying results, and a smooth recovery process.

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