Breast Capsulectomy
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| What is it? |
- 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.
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| What is involved? |
- 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.
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| Your recovery |
- 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.
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| Possible Side Effects |
- 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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