Hi there, I'm struggling to work out where i fit. I want my implants removed and replaced and i do have a small amount of pain on my right boob and slight deformity. They are not swollen or hard at all . I'm struggling to see which category i could fall into. The price is drastically different.Is it standard to leave the capsule and do you insert the new implant into old capsule? Or over top?thx
Hello, what is indicated is to remove the entire capsule and with the placement of a new implant, your body will form a new capsule. Unless you want to remove everything and model your breasts without implants. Either way, it is important that you consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon that you trust.
Sometimes a capsulectomy is indicated and sometimes it is not needed. If you have a deformity then you may have a capsule contracture or just some partial closure or expansion of the pocket. Then you may need a partial capsulectomy or combined with capsulotomies or partial closure of the pocket depending on the operative findings. You need a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon for an exam and have them explain to you the reasons. The surgeon is only interested in giving you the best result possible and they are going to do what is best for you and not anything else. Sometimes there is no good reason for pain and this may continue no matter what is done or not.
Provided your history and physical examination and imaging of the breast is normal. Revision of the augmentation mammoplasty does not require a total capsulectomy. Your plastic surgeon will inspect the capsule during surgery and also palpate it. If no problem found The new implant is put in the existing capsule(Pocket). Capsulotomy might be needed to place the new implant in a proper size and position pocket.
Total capsulectomy is done if the capsule has some pathology or calcified. Total capsulectomy is a major surgery and has it own risks and complications.
More information is needed to properly respond. Why do you want to remove and replace the implants? Go larger? Smaller? Replace gel implants with saline or vice-versa? Is the discomfort related to the implant or to your menstrual cycle? What is the "slight" deformity? The usual practice is to leave an unremarkable capsule in place and just open it as necessary to accommodate the new implant.