En Bloc Breast Implant Removal
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En Bloc (Precision)Total Capsulectomy For Breast Implant Removal
There are several reasons why a woman may wish to have her breast implants removed, and the decision to have them removed is not always an easy one to make. Some women experience a variety of generalized systemic symptoms, often referred to as breast implant illness (BII), that some believe result from breast implants. Other women become unhappy with the look and size of their augmented breasts over time. Some women experience hardening of the implants referred to as a capsular contracture. Some women have textured implants and prefer to lower the risk of BIA-ALCL. Stages of life and preferences are constantly changing, and what you wanted 10 years ago may not be the same now.
Breast implant illness symptoms have been reported with all implant types, and some patients experience a few years after augmentation, while others have them years down the line—on average, 5 to 10 years after implantation. While there is no scientific data at this time demonstrating breast implants as the definitive cause of these symptoms, we understand that these symptoms are very real and that it can be an extremely emotional and physical journey for patients experiencing them.
What Are the Symptoms of Breast Implant Illness (BII)?
Further research is being conducted to determine any potential correlation between breast implants and these unexplained illnesses, but the FDA has released a medical device report about breast implant illness and the high frequency of women with breast implants reporting these symptoms.
Some of the most commonly reported unexplained systemic symptoms include:
- Chronic fatigue
- Brain fog
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Joint and muscle pain
- Hair loss
- Dry skin
- Rashes
- Inflammation
- Weight fluctuations
- Autoimmune symptoms
Do I Need Capsulectomy and Breast Implant Removal for Breast Implant Illness?
If you are experiencing some of these generalized systemic symptoms and believe they are due to your implants, precision (en bloc) total capsulectomy and breast implant removal may be right for you. While there are currently no tests that can determine whether these generalized illnesses result from breast implants, the vast majority of patients report improved symptoms after breast implant removal with this technique.
En bloc breast implant removal is not necessary for every patient who wishes to have their implants removed or replaced but it should definitely be performed on patients have been diagnosed with Breast implant associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL).
What Is En Bloc Capsulectomy and Breast Implant Removal?
After breast implant surgery, a scar tissue (capsule) forms around the breast implants as the body’s natural response to a foreign object. En bloc capsulectomy is a breast implant removal technique that removes the entire scar tissue capsule and breast implant all together in one piece. This ensures that all implant material and capsule are removed from the body. The name en bloc capsulectomy is probably not absolutely correct because in surgery the name en bloc technique is reserved for cancer removal with a rim of normal tissue around. In the case of breast implant removal because of BII no normal tissue is removed only the capsule containing the implant. That is why precision total capsulectomy is probably a better term. Additionally, I find that it is easier to remove the entire capsule when the implant is still inside it.
How Is En Bloc Capsulectomy and Breast Implant Removal Done?
Compared to a simple breast implant removal procedure without removing the capsule, the (en bloc) precision breast implant removal technique is more complicated, takes longer, and requires a longer incision. Dr. D’Amore will make an incision on the inframammary fold of the breast. He will remove the capsule that has formed around the implants together with the implants in one piece.
If the implants were placed under the pectoralis major muscle, the muscle will be repaired by suturing it back to the inframammary area. The muscle repair helps improve the aesthetic results and decrease the incidence of animation deformity that can happens when you activate the pectoralis muscle.
The capsular tissue will then be sent for pathological analysis and microbiology to see if any microorganisms are present. To rule out the presence of BIA-ALCL, we also perform a CD30 screening test on the capsule of patients with textured implants.
Why Is The Inframammary Fold Reconstruction Important?
The inframammary fold is an important anatomical landmark, and a sharp fold is an essential part of a normal looking breast. Often during the surgical insertion of implants (particularly large implants) or afterward the original inframammary fold is disrupted by the continuous weight of the implants. When the implants are removed the scar of the incision ends up lower than the original fold and therefore is more visible. I have found that reconstructing the fold with internal absorbable sutures makes the incision exactly tucked under the breast and less visible. Also, if there is excess skin of the lower pole of the breast, I remove the excess skin and I fold the breast tissue inside. That steps improves the appearance of the final result by removing stretched out and wrinkly skin and providing more volume of breast tissue. I have been so pleased with the results of the fold reconstruction that now it is performed virtually in every case of implant removal.
Can Other Breast Enhancement Procedures Be Performed With My Implant Removal?
During your first consultation, I will go over the procedure and what you can expect from your results. I will also inform you of procedures that can be done at the same time as your (en bloc) precision capsulectomy and breast implant removal or at a later date, such as a breast lift or fat grafting to the breasts.
What Is Recovery Like After Breast Implant Removal?
Recovery after en bloc capsulectomy breast implant removal is usually similar or easier than the recovery after breast augmentation. Plan to take adequate time off from work and other obligations in order to rest and recover. It is important to avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for the first two weeks after your surgery.
What Is the Cost of En Bloc Breast Implant Removal?
The cost of your implant removal will be based on your specific needs. This will include anesthesia fees, surgery center fees, and surgeon fees. Schedule a consultation with Dr. D’Amore to receive detailed financial information about your en bloc procedure.
Why Should I Choose Dr. D’Amore for En Bloc Breast Implant Removal?
Dr. D’Amore has extensive experience with the procedure; he has been performing en bloc capsulectomy removal for several years and has helped hundreds of women with symptoms of breast implant illness. Besides being a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. D’Amore understands the symptoms you are experiencing from breast implant illness. Breast implant removal using the correct technique can provide you with peace of mind and help you have a healthy, balanced life.
Can I Review Before and After En Bloc Breast Implant Removal Photos at My Consultation?
When you’ll come into the office for a consultation, you will be shown our extensive collection of before and after photos of en bloc breast implant removal of patients who have given their consent to have their photos shown.
Call us today at 415-927-7660 to schedule your consultation with Dr. D’Amore at his Corte Madera office.