Breast Capsulectomy

• Breast capsulectomy is an operation to remove the scar tissue (capsules) that can develop around implants
• Although harmless, capsules can occasionally affect the shape of the breast and weaken the implant surface, which could lead to splitting
• The requirement for this procedure is becoming more rare as the implant technology improves
• Surgery is done on one or both breasts and will depend on the position of the capsule and the level of irritation caused by the excess tissue
  
  

• Your surgeon will choose where to make the cuts in order to minimise the scarring
• This could be in the crease under your breast, the area near your armpit or through the areola (the dark area surrounding your nipple)
• The skin and breast tissue are then lifted and some or all of the capsule is removed
• Your surgeon may decide to replace the old implant at the same time
• A breast capsulectomy will take 2 - 3 hours to complete
• You will be given a general anaesthetic and will need to stay in hospital overnight
  
  

• You will be able to carry out light duties the day after your operation
• Strenuous activity, however, must be avoided for at least 10 days
• You can expect to make a full recovery within 2 weeks
  
  

• You may experience nausea following the general anaesthetic, along with soreness and swelling of the area, all of which are temporary
• Your results. All breast implants create some capsule growths, which are quite harmless in their own right
• A capsulectomy is used to remove “problem” capsule growths only
• Sometimes, however, the position of the growth may cause some discomfort or adversely affect the breast shape
• Once the capsule is removed and new implant inserted, there should be no need for further surgery
• This procedure is considered permanent

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