En Bloc Capsulectomy
Occasionally, after having a breast augmentation procedure some women find that one or both of their breasts have become hard, sensitive to the touch and appear asymmetrical. This can be due to what is called capsular contracture. Dr. Andres performs en bloc capsulectomy to remove this issue and restore the breasts to their natural appearance.
Capsular contracture occurs when there is tissue that develops around the breast implant, and essentially envelopes the implant, forming a capsule-like scar. This is something that the body does naturally, when defending itself from a foreign substance found within.
That being said, it can occur in some cases where this capsule shrinks, which squeezes the breast implant, causing it to distort. Capsular contracture is unpredictable and varies from person to person.
There are different grades of severity in capsular contracture:
- Grade l, which means there are no signs or symptoms
- Grade ll occurs when the breast looks normal, but feels mildly firm
- Grade lll, the breast feels firm and is beginning to appear distorted
- Grade lV, is similar to Grade lll, in that the breast has become hard and distorted, but is additionally found to be painful, due to the continued shrinkage of the tissue surrounding the breast implant
about the procedure
En bloc capsulectomy is performed as what is called an open capsulectomy procedure, which means that Dr. Andres will reopen the breast, most likely through the original entry site of the implant, so he may be able to remove the implant along with all of the surrounding capsule tissue, before replacing your implant with a new one, if so desired. The main difference between an en bloc capsulectomy and a capsulotomy is that with an en bloc capsulectomy essentially everything that is affected by the tissue is completely removed.
During Recovery
Most patients, once out of surgery, are able to return home, with the treated areas carefully bandaged, to avoid infection and facilitate proper healing. It's normal to experience some bruising and swelling. To assist the healing process, you will be given a surgical grade support bra. This bra should be worn consistently for the first several weeks. You’ll want to avoid any lifting, or strenuous activity for the first week or so. Typically, patients are able to return to their day-to-day routines, including work, within a week’s time. More demanding activities and exercise may be taken up again 3 to 4 weeks after your surgery.
During your consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Andres will want to go over what you are experiencing, to determine whether or not surgery is the right option for you. It is important that you take this time to bring up any questions or concerns you may have, regarding your procedure, so that Dr. Andres has the chance to address them accordingly. Dr. Andres uses his seasoned experience and keen attention to detail to ensure that your procedure grants you with the results you’re hoping for.
If you’d like to discuss your options for en bloc capsulectomy in Phoenix, you can request a consultation online. Or if you prefer, you may contact the office directly and one of our staff members will be able to assist you in scheduling an appointment.
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