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En Bloc Capsulectomy Breast Implant Removal

En bloc capsulectomy has emerged as a preferred technique for removing breast implants and the surrounding scar tissue capsule when confronted with certain breast implant-related health concerns or implant complications. As a highly trained, board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience performing a wide range of cosmetic breast surgeries, Dr. Christine Petti is pleased to be able to offer her patients this technically advanced surgical option. Dr. Petti is widely known for her capabilities as a world-class breast surgeon and she frequently combines en bloc capsulectomy with breast implant replacement and/or breast lift surgery to create natural-looking breast shape and volume following implant removal.

Learn more about en bloc capsulectomy by exploring the informative sections provided below or contacting our practice:

What is En Bloc Capsulectomy?

En bloc capsulectomy is a breast implant and scar tissue capsule removal technique that involves the complete excision of the intact capsule with the breast implant still inside—all in one piece. This surgical procedure theoretically offers several benefits to patients who prefer to take a more cautious and complete approach to removing their breast implants. Most often, en bloc capsulectomy is recommended instead of a total capsulectomy or a traditional explant procedure for patients who are concerned about or are experiencing health consequences from their breast implants. En bloc capsulectomy helps to ensure the complete removal of scar tissue, while also preventing any fluid, ruptured silicone, or other pathogens from leaking outside of the capsule and into the body during surgery.

Who Is a Candidate for En Bloc Capsulectomy?

Dr. Petti understands the sensitive nature of breast implant-related problems and health concerns and always brings a deep level of compassionate understanding and professionalism when it comes to discussing these issues with patients. There are many unique circumstances under which you may be interested in or Dr. Petti may recommend en bloc capsulectomy; however, before determining that en bloc capsulectomy is indeed the right approach, Dr. Petti will perform a comprehensive evaluation to assess your current health status, the condition of your breast implants, and your medical history, in addition to a thorough discussion of your personal goals and concerns. Patients who tend to be suitable candidates for the en bloc capsulectomy procedure include those who:

  • Want to remove old, leaking, and/or ruptured silicone gel implants.
  • Are experiencing detrimental health effects as the result of their breast implants —i.e. symptoms of BII (breast implant-related illness) or BIA-ALCL (breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma).
  • Want to remove textured-surface silicone breast implants and completely eliminate the surrounding scar tissue in an effort to prevent developing BIA-ALCL in the future.

While the en bloc procedure is not right for every patient who falls into these categories, you can rely on Dr. Petti’s diagnostic skill and decades of experience to determine the most suitable way to proceed with treatment.

BIA-ALCL & En Bloc Capsulectomy

In July, 2019 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration officially announced 573 confirmed cases of BIA-ALCL worldwide, and while this number can seem alarming for patients with breast implants, it is important to keep in mind that the likelihood of developing BIA-ALCL is extremely rare and primarily attributed to textured-surface breast implants. When examining the available information on BIA-ALCL, which is surprisingly limited, it is believed that the interaction between the scar tissue capsule and the textured surface of a breast implant is a contributing factor to developing BIA-ALCL. For this reason, many doctors and plastic surgeons theorize that completely removing the breast implant and surrounding scar tissue with the en bloc capsulectomy procedure may be the best way to prevent and/or eliminate BIA-ALCL. In cases where BIA-ALCL is diagnosed in the advanced stages, patients should be advised to seek treatment guidance from an oncologist. In order to accurately diagnose BIA-ALCL, Dr. Petti may recommend that patients who are experiencing symptoms of the condition undergo an MRI and/or fluid aspiration testing. As one of the foremost breast surgeons in the area, Dr. Petti is trusted by her patients to recommend the best diagnostic protocol and treatment recommendations to meet their medical needs and concerns about BIA-ALCL.

What Happens During En Bloc Breast Implant Removal?

En bloc explant surgery is performed under general anesthesia and considered to be a technically demanding procedure that is best performed by an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Petti. Surgery begins with an incision made along the inframammary fold, which is the crease on the underside of the breast. Through this incision, the scar tissue capsule containing the breast implant is carefully dissected from the breast. Once the scar tissue has been removed in one piece, it is extracted from the breast through the inframammary incision and the breast pocket is sterilized. If you have decided to replace your old breast implants with new ones, or plan to undergo a breast lift to create a natural-looking breast shape once the implants have been removed, this portion of your surgical plan can be completed once the breast pocket has been cleansed.

What Is Recovery Like After En Bloc Capsulectomy?

You should expect some degree of soreness and swelling following your en bloc explant procedure. Recovery after en bloc capsulectomy typically requires about a week of rest, unless you have undergone a simultaneous breast lift or breast implant exchange which could extend your recovery period. Dr. Petti recommends avoiding heavy lifting and vigorous exercise until you have been cleared at a follow-up appointment. Most patients are able to resume their usual activities starting at 3 weeks, though this estimate can fluctuate based on personal progress milestones. During surgery, Dr. Petti is careful to keep incisions as hidden as possible to minimize the potential for visible scarring. While your incisions may appear reddish and raised in the initial phase of healing, after about a year with proper care scar tissue should flatten and fade considerably.

What Are En Bloc Capsulectomy Results Like?

As with any cosmetic breast procedure, Dr. Petti strives to create en bloc capsulectomy results that look natural and symmetrical. She uses her signature breast augmentation techniques to create optimal placement and support for new implants to deliver long-lasting results. If a breast lift is desired, Dr. Petti can reshape the breasts using a variety of techniques to restore an attractive breast shape following breast implant removal. The vast majority of Dr. Petti’s en bloc capsulectomy and secondary breast surgery patients are thrilled with the outcomes they achieve. Dr. Petti is known for her ability to deliver outstanding results even for the most complex breast surgery cases.

Do you want to remove your breast implants due to concerns about your health? Contact our plastic surgery practice to schedule your consultation with Dr. Petti to discuss the explant procedures that are available, including en bloc capsulectomy.