What is a capsulectomy?

A capsulectomy is performed for women experiencing capsular contracture, tightening, and hardening of the capsule around the breast implant. The capsule is scar tissue that the body naturally forms around breast implants or any foreign object in the body. A capsulectomy can be performed partially or “en bloc”, and to address complications, such as Breast Implant Illness (BII) or BIA-ALCL.

During this procedure, either a portion or the entire capsule is removed––including the intact breast implant within it.

What does a capsulectomy address?

Women who suffer from a range of concerns with their breast implants can benefit from a capsulectomy in Beverly Hills. A capsulectomy can address the following concerns:

Capsular contracture
Implant rupture or folding
Breast pain
Infection
Shifted implants
A buildup of scar tissue
Breast Implant Illness

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Why have a capsulectomy?

A capsulectomy is a popular choice among women who have experienced Breast Implant Illness, implant rupture, or BIA-ALCL.

Breast Implant Illness

Women suffering from Breast Implant Illness (BII) require a capsulectomy. This procedure ensures there is no further exposure to the implants or their contents, including scar tissue. The nature of a capsulectomy removes not only the breast implant but the scar tissue around the implant. By removing the foreign body as well as the scar tissue, breast implant explant and capsulectomy may reduce or even fully resolve the symptoms of BII.

Implant Rupture

Implant rupture is best addressed with a capsulectomy to remove the implant and any of its remnants.

BIA-ALCL (Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma)

BIA-ALCL is a non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma–a type of cancer that has been associated with breast implants. For women experiencing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a capsulectomy should be performed. This helps to ensure no cancerous cells are left in the body. Dr. Lee does not use the FDA-recalled textured implants.

What happens during a capsulectomy procedure?

A capsulectomy is performed under general anesthesia. An incision is made from the lower crease of the breast to the areola, and the capsule is carefully and meticulously separated from the surrounding tissues. This allows the entire capsule with the implant inside of it to be gently and precisely removed through the incision.

A capsulectomy is a complex, meticulous surgical technique. To be accomplished properly, it requires a highly-trained, detail-oriented surgeon such as Dr. Lee.

Recovery after your capsulectomy

Many women report that their recovery period after a capsulectomy is often easier than the recovery period after their original breast implant surgery. However, you will still need to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home after your procedure and help you for the next day.

During the first two weeks, there will be swelling and bruising. We will provide a compression bra to help reduce the swelling and ensure the healing process goes according to plan. Sleep on your back during your recovery period, and get as much rest as you can. Do not lift anything over five pounds.

Many women are able to return to sedentary work within several days or a week.

Candidates for a capsulectomy

Women who have breast implants but are experiencing complications or breast implant illness are generally candidates for a capsulectomy in Beverly Hills. Ideal candidates meet the following criteria:

Are generally healthy
Do not smoke
Are not taking blood-thinning medications or can stop taking them before their capsulectomy
Have realistic expectations about what a capsulectomy can achieve

Why choose Dr. Lee?

As an award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Michelle Lee is known for her commitment to patient care, understanding and compassionate approach, and meticulous, finite attention to detail. Dr. Lee’s approach is focused, customized, and friendly. As an authority in the field of plastic surgery, her precision, experience, and expertise make her an ideal choice for women who require a capsulectomy.

Capsulectomy FAQs

Can my implants be changed during a breast implant capsulectomy?

New breast implants can be inserted once the implant removal by capsulectomy is complete.

After my capsulectomy, when should I start breast massages?

Breast massage to decrease scarring should begin 3-4 weeks after your procedure.

Can I change the size of my implants as a part of my capsulectomy?

Implant type and size may be changed once your implants are removed as a part of your capsulectomy.

When can I exercise again after a capsulectomy?

Wait for 4-6 weeks and get a clearance from Dr. Lee before you return to exercise.

How long will it take until I can go back to work?

This varies based on comfort, but it usually takes several days to a week for most women to feel comfortable enough to return to work.

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Capsulectomy Beverly Hills