Capsulectomy

A capsulectomy is the surgical removal of the fibrous capsule, the layer of scar tissue the body forms around a breast implant. Surgeons may perform a partial capsulectomy (removing part of the capsule), a total capsulectomy (removing the entire capsule), or an en bloc capsulectomy (removing the implant and capsule together in one intact layer) depending on the clinical situation and goals of surgery.

Indications for capsulectomy include symptomatic capsular contracture, implant rupture, infection, persistent pain, or patient choice during implant removal or exchange. The procedure is usually done under general anesthesia through existing or new incisions; recovery typically involves several days of reduced activity and a few weeks of healing, and risks include bleeding, infection, changes in breast shape or volume, scarring, and the possibility of needing further revision surgery.