En bloc capsulectomy is a specialized surgical procedure for breast implant removal, in which the implant and the scar tissue capsule are removed in one piece. This technique for breast implant removal is superior, as it better protects against the risk of damaging an implant and leaking silicone gel into the surrounding tissue.

Breast implant illness

After undergoing breast augmentation surgery, a woman may experience the symptoms of “breast implant illness” a general term for a range of symptoms. These symptoms may include:

• Rash
• Fatigue
• Joint pain
• Mental confusion
• Hair loss
• Dry eyes
• Chronic fatigue
• Ongoing flu-like symptoms

For women experiencing the symptoms of breast implant illness, breast implant removal surgery can restore your health, and bring relief and peace of mind.

What is en bloc capsulectomy?

Dr. Joshua Lampert, our board-certified plastic surgeon with a practice in Miami, performs en bloc capsulectomy also known as explant surgery, removing the breast implant and scar tissue, leaving the implant intact within the balloon of scar tissue. In cases of “silent rupture,” when a silicone implant is damaged and leaking, the gel within the implant is kept within the scar capsule. By removing the capsule intact, any leaked silicone gel is prevented from entering the surrounding tissue.

Another benefit of this approach to explant surgery is that it typically requires a smaller incision, through which the “ball” of scar tissue is extracted.

Breast lift with en bloc capsulectomy

As the skin and tissue will have increased to accommodate the implants, most women choose to undergo a breast lift with the en bloc capsulectomy to reshape the breasts, remove excess skin, and create a lovely breast mound.

Surgical excellence – Dr. Joshua Lampert

Performing an explant requires high level surgical skills, as the scar capsule must be carefully and delicately separated from the surrounding tissue. Choosing the right plastic surgeon is important in ensuring the safe removal of the implant. Miami plastic surgeon Dr. Joshua Lampert employs the most advanced surgical techniques to remove breast implants safely and cleanly.

En bloc capsulectomy procedure – what should I expect?

After surgery, you are free to return home to rest, under the care of a friend or family member. You will need assistance in the early stages of healing. Any discomfort related to the breast implant removal is managed with prescription pain medication. The full recovery from your surgery will require several months, but many patients who have undergone an en bloc capsulectomy notice almost immediate relief from the symptoms of breast implant illness, with an improved quality of life and restored energy.

Alternatives to en bloc capsulectomy

While en bloc capsulectomy is considered the superior method for breast implant removal, in some cases, this approach is not appropriate. Each patient is unique in how the scar tissue has formed. You can be confident that the most stringent health and safety protocols will be employed in your breast implant removal procedure, whether the en bloc capsulectomy or other approach is required.

FDA statement confirming health reactions to implanted medical devices

Recently, the FDA issued a statement about implanted medical devices, acknowledging that these devices (which include breast implants) may lead to inflammatory reactions and tissue changes for some patients, leading to pain and other symptoms.

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL)

A rare cancer of the immune system, ALCL, has been linked to breast implants, specifically implants with a textured shell. The removal of the implant with an en bloc capsulectomy, in most cases, rids the body of the disease, with a safe and healthy recovery. If you have textured implants and concerns about developed ALCL, your implants can be removed with this advanced surgical procedure, with the help of Dr. Lampert.

Connect with us for help in breast implant removal surgery.

If you are struggling with unexplained symptoms and believe they are related to your breast implants, schedule a private consultation with Dr. Lampert today. Dr. Lampert is committed to protecting your health and quality of life. Board-certified and up-to-date on the latest techniques, Dr. Lampert is here to ensure a safe removal of your implant with this advanced surgical technique. During your consultation, Dr. Lampert will provide you with detailed information about en bloc capsulectomy, and how to best prepare for and recover from your surgery.