Capsulectomy Serving Oakland, CA

Name: Capsulectomy
Brand: Tri Valley Plastic Surgery
Rating: 4.7 (404 reviews)

What Is Capsular Contracture?

Capsular contracture refers to scar tissue that can form around breast implants. This can cause the breasts to harden or change in appearance, in addition to often producing discomfort. Capsular contracture is one of the most common complications following breast augmentation. It may affect one or both breasts. While non-surgical treatments for capsular contracture are sometimes effective, a surgical procedure known as capsulectomy is generally regarded as the “gold standard” for addressing this condition.

Surgical correction of capsular contracture, or capsulectomy, is among the specialty procedures offered to patients at Tri Valley Plastic Surgery serving Oakland, CA.

When you choose Tri Valley, you are truly choosing a national leader in plastic surgery.

Tri Valley founder and lead plastic surgeon Dr. Steven Williams is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Other surgeons from around the country frequently seek out Dr. Williams to advise and guide them in adopting surgical “best practices.”

Procedure Ideal Candidate Risks Preparing Recovery Insurance

How Is a Capsulectomy Performed?

During your capsulectomy Oakland plastic surgeon, Dr. Williams will open your breast pocket and either cut or completely remove the scar tissue that causes capsular contracture.

A capsule is a protective, fibrous tissue structure that naturally forms to encase any object introduced to your body, including breast implants. Your breast implant is removed and usually replaced during your capsulectomy. A similar-sounding procedure is called a capsulotomy. The capsule is cut open and “released” to not squeeze the implant so tightly.

In breast reconstruction after breast cancer procedures, if capsular contracture continues to be a problem or if a patient does not desire an implant replacement, a surgery known as autologous tissue reconstruction may be desirable. With this surgery, the breast is reconstructed using a flap of tissue taken from the patient’s abdomen, back, buttocks, or thigh. Autologous breast reconstruction removes the risk of contracture redevelopment since your body will not form a capsule around the flap. These are typically not options for cosmetic breast augmentations that encounter capsular contracture.

Are You a Good Candidate for Capsulectomy?

You should not have a capsulectomy if the following is true for you:

You have breast cancer or precancerous breast disease.
You have an active infection anywhere in your body.
You are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Patients with a bleeding disorder or a weakened immune system may also be disqualified.

Preparing for Your Capsulectomy

Before your capsulectomy, Oakland plastic surgeon Dr. Williams orders pre-surgical tests, including blood work, chest X-rays, and an electrocardiogram. You may also need to undergo a mammogram if you are over 40 or considered at high risk for breast cancer. For a specified period before and after your procedure, you will likely be directed to discontinue the use of any supplements or medications (such as aspirin) that may cause excessive bleeding.

Risks

Like all surgeries, a capsulectomy carries risks including, but not limited to, bleeding, infection, and adverse reactions to medications or materials. Risks specific to a capsulectomy include the following:

Breast implant damage or failure
Chest wall irregularities
Change in nipple sensation
Poor wound healing
Damage to nearby nerves or organs
Tissue death

On the Day of Your Surgery

You will change into a hospital gown upon arriving at our surgical facility. Please refrain from wearing makeup, jewelry, and other cosmetics. Bring your driver’s license and insurance card, along with comfortable clothes. Most of our Oakland capsulectomy patients are able to return home on the day of surgery, though they want someone to drive them due to the effects of anesthesia.

Capsulectomy Procedure

You may be given an intravenous antibiotic to prevent infection and be fully asleep during your procedure. Your capsulectomy will typically take between two and three hours. After making necessary incisions in your breast crease (the area where the breast meets the chest), Dr. Williams will remove your implant or implants in one of two ways:

Partial or total capsulectomy with implant removal, in which tissue surrounding the capsule is cut away, and the capsule is partially or totally removed in one or more large sections
En bloc capsulectomy, in which the capsule is removed as a whole and intact unit

Recovery

Following your procedure, you will be taken to a recovery area to slowly wake up from your anesthesia, and your vital signs will be monitored. Pain medication will be prescribed and administered as appropriate. If you are being discharged that day, be sure you have arranged for a ride home. If not, you will be moved to a hospital room for your overnight stay.

Recovery from capsulectomy generally takes around four to six weeks. Expect to experience some breast pain, swelling, and bruising. Temporary breast numbness or tingling is normal. Most patients can shower 24 to 72 hours after surgery, but follow Dr. Williams’ specific instructions.

Call your healthcare provider immediately if you experience chills or fever, signs of infection, chest pain, or trouble breathing. You will need to avoid driving and all strenuous activities (including heavy lifting) for at least a month. Dr. Williams will see you for a follow-up appointment a few days after surgery and will make sure your incisions are healing properly. Make sure you keep all follow-up appointments.

Insurance

If your surgery is deemed a purely cosmetic procedure, your insurance will not pay for it. But if it was performed at least in part for medical reasons, insurance may cover the costs of all or part of your procedure. Your doctor and medical staff will help you file all necessary paperwork.

Your implant company also offers insurance against capsular contracture. This can be an extremely useful extra protection to obtain at the time of your original breast augmentation surgery.

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Schedule Your Capsular Contraction Surgery at Tri Valley Plastic Surgery

Tri Valley Plastic Surgery in Dublin, CA, serves Oakland and the Bay Area but frequently attracts patients from around the globe. Tri Valley is a world-class center staffed by world-class medical professionals. If you feel like you’re suffering from capsular contracture, there is no reason to wait. Schedule a consultation today.