An en bloc capsulectomy refers to the removal of a breast implant and the surrounding tissue that has grown around it. This is not necessarily a cosmetic surgery procedure. It may be performed when the capsule around the implant has constricted or the implant has ruptured, so as to eliminate any tissue that is giving problem.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim provides breast implant removal to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding communities.
What is “En Bloc” Implant Removal?
En bloc (in a block or all as one piece) refers to the removal of the breast implant and the scar tissue that has developed around it (called the capsule) as a singular block of tissue. This is usually the preferred surgical technique because it reduces the possibility of damaging the implant or disrupting the capsule, either of which could cause serious problems.
Alternatives include taking out only the implant or only the capsule, which would be carried out by removing each piece separately. The precise cosmetic surgery procedure will vary depending on several factors that your surgeon will consider during your consultation.
Factors to be Considered
Some of key factors that the surgeon will consider for this procedure are as follows:
- Whether your breast implant needs to be removed because of damage of the implant or only the capsule.
- The type and location of the incision that will be used (usually inframammary or in the crease just below the breast) to get access to the area in the best possible way.
- Whether any part of the capsule may have adhered to the surrounding tissues besides the implant. This is considered because there may be added risks involved in trying to separate it from the underlying ribcage.
Do You Need to Replace Breast Implants?
This is your personal decision. However, you should keep in mind that the shell is made of silicone even in case of saline implants. Several women decide to replace silicone with saline, or wish to have their breasts returned to their original size with a customized surgery. If you have textured implants, you may consider changing them with new smooth breast implants.
Duration of the Procedure and the Recovery Period
En bloc capsulectomy is an outpatient surgical procedure that typically takes two to three hours. After your explantation cosmetic surgery, you may be advised to take at least one week off from work, and any kind of strenuous physical activities will be limited for four to six weeks. Your full recovery will depend on your overall health condition and how well you follow the surgeon’s post-operative instructions.
What are the Alternatives to Replace the Implant to Maintain a ShapelyProfile?
Breast lift is commonly used for re-contouring your breast or adding volume to it. Another technique that is getting popular nowadays is fat grafting. This is a surgical process by which the fat is transferred from one area of your body to another area.
The fat tissue is removed from other parts of your body usually your thighs, belly, and buttocks by liposuction. It is then cleaned in a centrifuge to separate the fatty tissue from other types of tissue, and then injected it into the breast of the patient.
It is, however, important to remember that there are two conditions for fat grafting. The patient must have enough fat elsewhere on the body to be gathered for this procedure. Secondly, there must be a suitable space in the breast area that has adequate tissue to inject the fat and then support the graft.
Plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby areas for breast implant removal.
Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.
