Removal Information

I've been asked by so many women about implant removal. Proper implant removal, or explant as it is called, is crutial for the best possible outcome and in assuring your best chances of a full recovery. I'll address the terms here in simple english and what needs to be done depending upon the type of implant you have. Please discuss these options with your surgeon.

If you have silicone gel breast implants, also known as cohesive gel (some women also call them gummy bear implants) or textured saline filled implants, the en bloc procedure should be performed. For smooth saline implants, you should have a full capsulectomy. See a definition of the terms below and please become very familiar with them. My surgeon tried to use a term that would remove my implant and leave the capsule behind. Had I not done my research, I would not have known what I was reading before I signed his paperwork.

En Bloc - En bloc removal is when the surgeon removes the surrounding tissue or capsule and the implant together and intact as one unit. Not all surgeon's are skilled with this procedure. Please make sure if you have silicone or textured saline implants, your surgeon will be using this procedure. Also, I've read that some surgeon's do not use this term. They use the term 'total capsulectomy'. Please make sure your surgeon explains his method of removal.

Capsulectomy - This is when the surgeon removes the surrounding tissue or capsule and the implant separately. En bloc is not required for smooth saline implants. However, I've heard that some surgeons will remove smooth saline implants using the en bloc procedure. This is fine as well.

Capsulotemy - This procedure is when the surgeon removes the implants and either leaves the entire capsule behind or removes part of it. I've heard the term used in both instances. At times this is necessary as the capsule can be very thin. This makes it difficult to remove all of it. Especially the part adhered to the ribs.

Closed Capsulotemy - In my opinion, this should never be performed on a patient. This is pressure being put on the breast to break up the scar tissue when the capsule becomes thick and in turns can cause pain and hardness.