Capsulectomy in Bucks County, PA, and Hunterdon County, NJ
After getting breast implants, some women can experience a build up of scar tissue around the implant that can thicken and contract. As a result, the breasts may feel harder and their shape may become distorted. In some cases discomfort or even constant pain can be experienced. A capsulectomy may alleviate the discomfort and improve the appearance and feel of the breasts. Located in Doylestown, PA and Flemington, NJ, Buinewicz Plastic Surgery, led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian R. Buinewicz, provides capsulectomies for women who live in and around Hunterdon County, NJ and Bucks County, PA. Some women choose to remove their implants at that time, replace their implants or lift their breasts surgically to improve their appearance.
What is a Capsulectomy?
A capsulectomy is the removal of all of the scar tissue that forms around a breast implant. With a capsulectomy, the implants by definition are removed. Women who have breast implants may elect for a capsulectomy to:
- Remove the scar tissue that formed around an implant.
- Remove the implants due to symptoms or sickness.
- Remove unwanted implants.
There could be a variety of personal or private causes for a woman to opt to have her breast implants either removed or exchanged. Medical concerns that would require breast implant removal include trauma, infections or surgical complications such as severe capsular contracture or the possibility of having developed ALCL (a rare type of lymphoma associated with implants), or systemic illness (breast implant illness syndrome).
Benefits of a Capsulectomy
Some women with breast implants may experience an increasing dissatisfaction with their breast implants over time. Dr. Buinewicz performs breast revision surgeries on a regular basis. Because of his extensive experience, he can address this dissatisfaction as effectively as possible. Dr. Buinewicz patiently explains to each woman who is contemplating surgery the options and possible results of the procedure.
Good Candidates for Capsulectomy
Women who are experiencing a capsular contracture that is associated with breast shape dysphoria are good candidates for the procedure. Symptoms of pain or ruptured implants are also strong indications for proceeding with the procedure. Additionally, women who are experiencing the constellation of symptoms associated with breast implant illness may consider getting a capsulectomy; their symptoms may include any of the following:
- Muscle weakness
- Aches and pains, especially in the chest
- Brain fog
- Depression
- Panic attacks
- Short-term memory loss
- Hair loss
- Changes in skin
What Happens During a Capsulectomy?
During the capsulectomy procedure, Dr. Buinewicz will use an incision about 2 ½ inches long, usually on the underside of the breast above the crease, to remove the capsules and implants from within the pocket of the breast. Sometimes the chest wall muscle may need to be repaired. A complete capsulectomy is performed, however, an en bloc capsulectomy may be required if there is a suspicion of silicone implant rupture or neoplasm. The patient is placed under general anesthesia to ensure their comfort for the duration of the procedure. The breast implants might have altered the breast’s internal structure if they were in position for a number of years. This damage could create issues to the skin that are seen after the implants are removed. Sagging or excess skin can be removed and treated at the time of the removal with a breast lift or re-implantation if the patient desires performed by Dr. Buinewicz.
Dr. Buinewicz performs each surgery with a customized approach. Every implant removal capsulectomy and implant exchange operation is unique. If you are experiencing complications with your implants or if you have simply decided to have your breast implants removed, Dr. Buinewicz can answer your questions and address any of your concerns with a customized solution.
Recovery after a Capsulectomy
After treatment patients can anticipate a recovery process that is very similar to their breast augmentation surgery. Patients are able to go home the same day as surgery and may experience soreness or bruising for the first few days. Patients commonly return to work after 1 to 2 weeks and can resume light activities soon afterward. Drains are usually in for about 4-7 days.
How Much Does a Capsulectomy Cost?
Dr. Buinewicz offers his patients affordable financing, and he also accepts personal checks, cash or credit cards.
Capsulectomy FAQs
What is a total capsulectomy?
A total capsulectomy is a type of capsulectomy where the entire capsule surrounding the implant is removed, but the implant is left in place. This procedure is typically done when the implant is not leaking, but the patient is experiencing symptoms such as pain, discomfort, or a hardening of the breast tissue.
When is a capsulectomy necessary?
A capsulectomy usually becomes necessary when a patient is experiencing complications with their breast implants, such as:
- Capsular contracture, which is a condition where the scar tissue around the implant tightens, causing pain and hardening of the breast
- Implant rupture or leakage
- An infection or other complications related to the implant
How painful is a capsulectomy?
Capsulectomy procedures are made comfortable with the use of general anesthesia, allowing the patient to sleep comfortably throughout the surgery. Any pain that you experience will likely occur during the recovery process. However, most patients agree that the pain is manageable with over-the-counter pain medications and following the recovery guidelines.
Is capsulectomy covered by insurance?
Whether your capsulectomy is covered by insurance will vary depending on a few circumstances surrounding your procedure. In general, if the capsulectomy is being done to address a complication related to the breast implant, such as rupture or infection, it is likely to be covered by insurance. However, it's best to check with your insurance company to confirm the specific coverage of your policy.
If you are experiencing pain related to your breast implants or a medical complication, or if you are generally unhappy with the appearance or condition of your breasts, Dr. Buinewicz can help rectify the situation. He offers breast implant removal and will educate you regarding other revision procedures that may give you the relief from pain or the cosmetic results that you are seeking. Buinewicz Plastic Surgery, located in Doylestown, PA, and Flemington, NJ, welcomes the residents of Hunterdon County, NJ and Bucks County, PA. Contact us today!
