An en bloc capsulectomy refers to the removal of a breast implant and the tissue that has formed around it with an aim to restore the patient’s original breast appearance and health. This is not essentially a cosmetic procedure.
En bloc capsulectomy is usually performed when the capsule has constricted around the implant or the implant has punctured, so as to eliminate any problematic tissue. Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides breast implant removal to patients in Houston, Texas, and surrounding locations.
What does “en bloc” Mean?
En bloc (in a single block or all as one piece) implant removal technique refers to the withdrawal of the implant and the scar tissue that has developed around it (the capsule) as a singular block of tissue. This is often the chosen surgical technique because it minimizes the chances of implant rupture or capsule breakage, either of which could cause problems.
The exact surgical technique that is used will vary, depending on many factors that the surgeon will assess during your consultation. En bloc capsulectomy is primarily used when the patient wants to remove her silicone implants.
What are the factors to be considered?
Some of the aspects that the surgeon will consider for en bloc capsulectomy are as follows:
- Whether the patient is concerned about her health due to implant damage (which may cause silicone gel leakage in the breast tissue).
- The type and location of incision that will be placed (mostly inframammary incision) for the best access to the area.
- Whether any (and which) portion of the capsule may have stuck to any other surrounding tissues, in addition to the implant. (There may be an added risk involved in trying to separate it from, say, the underlying rib cage.)
Should the implant be replaced?
This is a personal decision of the patient. In any case, it is important to remember that even with saline implants, the shell is produced with silicone. Many women decide to replace silicone implants with saline implants, or have their breasts restored to their original size with a custom surgery. If you have textured breast implants, whether saline or silicone, you may be interested in changing them with new smooth implants.
Duration of the Procedure and the Recovery Period
An en bloc capsulectomy surgery does not require the patients to stay overnight in the hospital. It is performed as an outpatient procedure that lasts for about two to three hours. The recovery process requires the patient to take about a week off from work, if she works in an office.
But the patient may have to stay at home for a longer time if her job involves significant physical strain. The recovery time generally depends on the current health of the patient and how diligently she follows the surgeon’s post-operative care instructions.
Acquiring a Shapely Breast Profile with Additional Surgery
Additional surgery options for adding volume to the breasts or recontouring the breasts are as follows:
- A breast lift surgery may be performed along with breast implant removal. This will ensure that any loose tissue is removed and a firmer and more youthful look of the breasts is restored. If necessary, the nipples and areolas may also be repositioned with a breast lift.
- Fat grafting in the breast area may be performed. This will involve liposuction to collect donor fat from the tummy, thighs or buttocks. The fat will be cleaned to extract the pure fatty tissue from all other types of tissue, which will be injected into the breast.
Patients should, however, note the two following two requirements for fat grafting: (a) There must be adequate fat elsewhere on the body to be collected for the procedure; and (b) There must be a suitable location in the area of the breast that has adequate tissue for the fat to be injected into and provide support to the graft.
Female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas, and nearby areas for breast implant removal.
For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board-certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.
