En Bloc Capsulectomy in Long Island

North Shore Cosmetic Surgery offers this specialized surgical technique to safely remove breast implants and the surrounding scar tissue capsule. In many cases this may be done as one unit (En Bloc). You may have loved your newly enhanced figure when you first underwent breast augmentation, but there can be various reasons you may want to remove your implants now. Breast implant removal with capsulectomy removes the microscopic silicone that may have leaked into the capsule.

Why choose North Shore Cosmetic Surgery for en bloc capsulectomy?

Removing breast implants with en bloc capsulectomy requires the expertise of a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon. Our surgeons at North Shore Cosmetic Surgery in Long Island, NY, serve patients across Long Island and the Tri-state area, providing outstanding surgical work with beautiful, natural-looking results.

Our plastic surgeons, Dr. James Romanelli, Dr. John Layliev, and Dr. Yee Cheng Low, are highly respected in the medical community and dedicated to delivering unparalleled patient-centered care. We use the most advanced techniques and cutting-edge technologies to ensure your safety and comfort.

What is an en bloc capsulectomy?

When you undergo breast augmentation, the body forms a capsule of scar tissue around the breast implant. Although one advantage of this is that it keeps the breast implant in place, it can have drawbacks. Too much scar tissue, known as capsular contracture, can make the breast hard or distort the shape. En bloc capsulectomy is the most effective breast explant technique because it surgically removes the breast implant with the entire capsule as a single unit. This approach prevents silicone gel leakage from entering your healthy breast tissue, giving your body a fresh start.

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Breast implant associated illness

Some women notice specific symptoms – known as breast implant associated illness (BIAI) – after breast augmentation surgery. The symptoms may include joint pain, fatigue, dry eyes, brain fog, and other health concerns affecting their ability to fight off infections. The risk of breast implant-related illness is relatively low; however, our top priority is the safety and wellness of our patients.

Although there is no lab testing to prove or disprove BIAA, some women report significant relief of their symptoms following implant removal and capsulectomy. The best way to treat breast implant illness is to remove the implants and associated capsule. Our team of caring experts is committed to helping you determine whether breast implant removal is the ideal option to restore your body to optimal health.

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the fibrous capsule made of scar tissue and fluid surrounding the implant. BIA-ALCL attacks the immune system and, in some cases, can spread to the lymph nodes or enter the chest wall beneath the breast tissue. This condition has ONLY been associated with textured breast implant, with symptoms generally beginning years after implant surgery.

The most commonly-occurring symptoms include changes to the shape or size of the breast; hardening, pain, or lumps in the breast tissue or armpit; and redness forming around the breast. Breast implant removal with an en bloc capsulectomy typically helps rid your body of BIA-ALCL disease with a safe and full recovery. If you had breast augmentation surgery with textured implants and are concerned that you might develop BIA-ALCL, our compassionate surgeons can remove them using this advanced technique.

Breast implant-associated squamous cell carcinoma

This is a very rare occurrence of a form of cancer within the breast implant capsule. As of March 2023 only 19 cases of this have been reported, out of an estimated several million women in the United States with implants. The condition may present as new swelling or lumps of the breast, which should be addressed by a follow up visit with your plastic surgeon. The origin of this condition is unclear, but may relate to inflammation within the capsule caused by breast implants. Treatment includes removal of the entire capsule. It presents, on average, more than 20 years following surgery.

En bloc capsulectomy technique for breast implant removal

The en bloc capsulectomy procedure takes one to two hours and can be performed through an incision within the crease under the breast. Through the incision, your surgeon will use an advanced and delicate technique, carefully separating the entire breast capsule from the healthy breast tissue and muscle. We can send the capsule to a professional pathology lab for testing.

Depending on the size of the implants removed, and the volume of your breast tissue, there may be drooping of the breast after implant removal. Our surgeons will advise you at consultation if you may benefit from a breast lift which can be performed when the implants are removed.

Restore your breast health with an en bloc capsulectomy

If you feel you are experiencing any symptoms of breast implant-associated illness, schedule a consultation with North Shore Cosmetic Surgery. We are experienced in all aspects of breast surgery and support women in achieving their goals. If you want to remove your breast implants, we will review all your options to help you retain breasts that look and feel the way you want, and that support your overall health. If you’d like to learn more, contact North Shore Cosmetic Surgery today.

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