Capsulectomy in Bucks County, PA & Hunterdon County, NJ
Is a Capsulectomy
Right for Me?
Dr. Buinewicz, a triple board-certified plastic, and reconstructive surgeon has over 23 years of experience in performing capsulectomy and other breast surgeries. Dr. Buinewicz is a leader in breast corrective and cosmetic surgery. Buinewicz Plastic Surgery is located in Doylestown, PA and Flemington, NJ, and serves the men and women who live in Hunterdon County, NJ and Bucks County, PA.
What is a Capsulectomy?
Capsulectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove the scar tissue or capsule that forms around a breast implant. The scar tissue capsule, also known as the capsule, is the body's natural response to the presence of a foreign object, such as a breast implant. In some cases, the scar tissue capsule can become thickened, tight, or painful, leading to complications or aesthetic concerns, called a capsule contracture.
What Are the Types of Capsulectomy?
En Bloc Capsulectomy
An en bloc capsulectomy involves the complete removal of a breast implant and its surrounding scar tissue capsule as a single unit, without disrupting or contaminating the surrounding tissues. In this procedure, the entire implant and the capsule are removed together in one piece. This is common in the event of implant rupture or breast implant illness, as it minimizes the risks involved.
Total Capsulectomy
In this procedure, the entire scar tissue capsule surrounding the implant is removed. The surgeon carefully dissects and excises the capsule to ensure complete removal. Total capsulectomy is typically performed in cases of severe capsular contracture, recurrent contracture, or when there are concerns of implant contamination or infection, or when patients have systemic symptoms related to their implants.
Partial Capsulectomy
A partial capsulectomy involves removing a portion of the scar tissue capsule while preserving some of the capsule intact. This approach may be considered when the capsule is not excessively thick or when there are no significant complications associated with the capsule. Partial capsulectomy allows for the removal of the problematic areas of the capsule while maintaining some tissue support around the implant.
What Can Capsulectomy Accomplish?
- Reduces or eliminates symptoms of capsular contracture
- Improved implant position and symmetry
- Enhanced breast shape and contour
- Essentially reverses the procedure
- Elliminates all the chronic scar tissue associated with an implant
Are You A Candidate For Capsulectomy?
If you are suffering from capsular contracture, you might be a candidate for capsulectomy. Common symptoms of capsular contracture include:
- Breast firmness or hardness
- Tightness or constricted sensation
- Changes in breast shape or appearance
- Implant displacement
- Breast pain
- Rippling or wrinkling in the breast
- Systemic symptoms related to breast implants
Why Choose Dr. Buinewicz?
Surgeon experience is one of the utmost qualities to consider when seeking a capsulectomy surgeon. Dr. Buinewicz is a triple board certified plastic surgeon, demonstrating expertise in all qualities of breast surgery. With over 25 years of plastic surgery experience, he has performed well over 2000 total capsulectomy procedures and is passionate about furthering education in the breast surgery community. Read more about Dr. Buinewicz’s experience or explore patient reviews.
If you think you might be a good candidate for capsulectomy, the next step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian R. Buinewicz. During your consultation, Dr. Buinewicz can evaluate your cosmetic goals and help you determine the best path forward. This is a great time to ask any questions you may have about the capsulectomy process. Dr. Buinewicz will be able to explain exactly what you can expect leading up to, during and after your surgery.
Call 215-647-9668 Today
To Schedule Your Consultation!
Questions For Your Consult
Can the Breast Implant Be Replaced During Capsulectomy?
Yes, if the breast implants are discovered to be ruptured, leaking or otherwise damaged, it may be necessary to remove the breast implant. This may also be appropriate in the event of severe or recurring capsular contractures. When it is necessary to remove the implant, it is possible to replace the old implant with a new one during the capsulectomy procedure if indicated or desired.
How Long After a Capsulectomy Consultation Is the Surgery?
Generally, the time between your consultation and your capsulectomy surgery will be somewhere between 1 and 6 weeks. The exact time between the two will depend on a few factors. One major factor is our practice availability, as Dr. Buinewicz performs your entire procedure. Additionally, some patients may need a few weeks to fully prepare for surgery, which may include discontinuing the use of certain vitamins, drugs and medications that can negatively interfere with treatment.
Is Capsulectomy Surgery Covered by Insurance?
Capsulectomy surgery may be covered by insurance under certain circumstances. However, coverage policies can vary between insurance companies and plans, so it's important to consult with your insurance provider directly to understand your specific coverage details. In most cases, the broad requirement is that the capsulectomy procedure must be considered a medical necessity. This typically applies when capsular contracture causes significant discomfort, pain, or functional impairment.
How Much Does Capsulectomy Cost?
The average cost of capsulectomy surgery varies from one community to the other with some small variations. Factors, such as the facility where the capsulectomy will be performed, type of anesthesia and other issues, come to bear on the final cost of the breast surgery. Hunterdon County and Bucks County capsulectomy varies in price range according to these factors. Buinewicz Cosmetic Surgery & MedSpa makes breast surgery procedures available and affordable for everyone. Our office provides a wide array of payment options, including easy financing. We also accept cash, major credit cards and personal checks for capsulectomy and other procedures.
What is Capsulectomy Surgery Like?
What Happens During Capsulectomy Surgery?
Most capsulectomy surgeries are carried out under general anesthesia, which means you will be completely asleep throughout your procedure. Pain blocks are performed by an anesthesiologist to minimize postoperative discomfort. Then, Dr. Buinewicz will make an incision to access the breast implant and scar tissue capsule. The location and size of the incision will vary, and may include locations such as under the breast crease (inframammary) or periareolar (around the areola). After removing the scar tissue capsule, Dr. Buinewicz will assess the breast implant to determine whether there are any issues with it. This may lead to removal or replacement. Lastly, the incisions will be closed and a dressing will be applied.
What are the risks of capsulectomy surgery?
The most common risks associated with capsulectomy surgery include changes in sensation, asymmetry, wound healing issues, bleeding and infection. Together, however, these complications occur in less than 1% of capsulectomy procedures. Furthermore, Dr. Buinewicz’s focus and expertise on breast surgery techniques help to minimize the risks associated with capsulectomy surgery. As with any major surgery, there will always be risks involved - but under the care of a qualified and experienced surgeon, any significant complications become extremely unlikely.
What is Capsulectomy Recovery Like?
How Long is Breast Capsulectomy Recovery?
The capsulectomy recovery requires an initial period of downtime, followed by some restrictions after which point patients can finally resume their normal lifestyles. For most patients, the capsulectomy recovery timeline looks like this:
Week 1
In the first few days of recovery, patients will need to rest as much as possible with very limited activity. Patients can expect bruising, swelling and discomfort during this time that can be managed with medications and other recovery techniques. Three days after your breast reduction surgery, your dressings will be removed, and you can begin showering again. If surgical drains were placed within the incisions, then those tubes will be removed after four to five days.
Week 2
At the beginning of your second week of recovery, you may resume non-vigorous activities like work and light walking. You may still experience some swelling, bruising, and mild to moderate pain. You should continue to avoid any heavy lifting or activities that strain your chest muscles. It's important to avoid sleeping on your stomach to prevent any added stress to the breasts.
Weeks 3-6
During this time, patients will notice that sensation begins to return to their nipples and areolas. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort should noticeably diminish during this time. This is a sign that the recovery process is almost complete. During this stage, you can discontinue the use of your support bra and return to wearing a normal bra. You may also resume mild exercise and normal activities.
Months 3 and Beyond
Once a few months have passed, your breasts should be mostly healed and you can expect to complete the entire healing process within 6 to 12 months of surgery. Your breasts should feel softer and more natural as the tissues continue to settle and adjust.
Post Surgery Frequently Asked Questions
How Should I Sleep After Capsulectomy?
Immediately after surgery, it is recommended to sleep on your back or in a slightly elevated position. This helps reduce swelling and pressure on the surgical site. After the initial healing period, Dr. Buinewicz may allow you to start gradually transitioning to side sleeping. This transition is typically done slowly and with caution. You may be advised to use pillows or cushions to support your chest and provide additional comfort during side sleeping.
What Results Can I Expect From a Capsulectomy?
While a capsulectomy can address the underlying issues associated with capsular contracture or implant-related problems, it may not completely eliminate all concerns. Dr. Buinewicz will illustrate your potential results during your capsulectomy consultation. After discussing your treatment goals and identifying the appropriate surgical techniques, you and Dr. Buinewicz can explore potential outcomes through before and after photos of previous patients.
For more on planning your capsulectomy or to get started with the consultation process, contact us today. Dr. Buinewicz of Buinewicz Cosmetic Surgery & MedSpa specializes in breast surgery with extensive experience across other types of plastic surgery. We welcome patients from Hunterdon County, NJ, and Bucks County, PA.